The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and, most importantly, baking. What better way to spread cheer than by preparing a variety of delightful cookies and treats to share with family and friends? Whether you’re planning to host a holiday gathering, gift something homemade, or simply indulge in a sweet moment, these festive recipes will surely inspire you. From buttery shortbread to vibrant peppermint swirls, each treat is a perfect reflection of the warmth and joy the season brings.
In this article, we’ll explore a collection of delightful holiday cookie recipes that bring together traditional flavors with creative twists. Let’s dive into the joy of baking with these holiday classics!
1. Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies 🍇🍪
Shortbread cookies have long been a holiday favorite due to their buttery texture and simple elegance. The Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies take this classic to the next level by incorporating the sweet and slightly tart flavor of dried sugar plums (or prunes), creating a delightful twist on the traditional.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup dried sugar plums (or prunes), finely chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough forms. Stir in the chopped sugar plums.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork or your hands.
- Sprinkle with coarse sugar on top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.
These shortbread cookies offer a rich, buttery taste with the added touch of dried sugar plums. The coarse sugar sprinkled on top gives them a subtle crunch that complements their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2. Peppermint Candy Swirls 🎄🍬
There’s nothing quite as festive as peppermint, especially when it’s spun into vibrant candy swirls. These Peppermint Candy Swirls are not only visually stunning but also a delicious treat to enjoy or gift during the holidays.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
- Prepare your work surface by lightly dusting a clean countertop or large baking sheet with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, then bring it to a boil.
- Cook the mixture without stirring until the temperature reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat, add peppermint extract, and quickly divide the mixture into two portions. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one portion to create a swirl effect.
- Allow the candy to cool slightly until it’s safe to handle but still pliable. Begin pulling, twisting, and curling the candy into spirals or any fun shapes you prefer.
- Let the candy cool completely until hardened. Break into individual pieces and enjoy!
These vibrant peppermint swirls are perfect for holiday gift bags, serving at festive parties, or simply enjoying as a personal treat. The swirls offer a sweet, peppermint flavor with a delightful crunch that’s bound to impress!
3. Radiant Christmas Ribbon Tree Cookies 🎄✨
These Radiant Christmas Ribbon Tree Cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. With a crisp sugar cookie base and vibrant royal icing decoration, these cookies bring festive cheer to any holiday table.
Ingredients for the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Ingredients for the Royal Icing:
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 5-6 tablespoons warm water (adjust for consistency)
- Red gel food coloring
- Gold edible luster dust or glitter
- Nonpareils or sugar pearls in white, red, green, and gold
Instructions:
- Prepare the cookie dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and extracts, then mix until smooth. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut out tree shapes using a cookie cutter. Place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the royal icing: Beat together sifted powdered sugar, meringue powder, and warm water until smooth and stiff. Divide and tint the icing with red food coloring.
- Decorate the cookies: Outline the cookies with white royal icing, then fill them in with red icing. Decorate with edible gold glitter, luster dust, and nonpareils.
- Let the icing dry completely before serving or storing (about 2 hours).
These cookies not only taste great but are also a visual delight. The combination of smooth royal icing, glittering gold, and festive nonpareils makes them a perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter.
4. Italian Christmas Cookies 🍪🎄
Italian cookies are a holiday staple, offering a perfect blend of flavors like citrus zest, vanilla, and buttery dough. These Italian Christmas Cookies are wonderfully soft and have a tangy twist from lemon zest and juice.
Ingredients for the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Ingredients for the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the dough: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are golden. Let cool.
- Prepare the lemon glaze: Mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and top with festive sprinkles.
These cookies are bursting with fresh lemon flavor, complemented by a tangy glaze and a pop of color from festive sprinkles.
5. Amish Christmas Cookies with Frosting 🎄
These Amish Christmas Cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for holiday decorating. With a sweet frosting and holiday sprinkles, they make a beautiful addition to any cookie spread.
Ingredients for the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Ingredients for the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
- Food coloring (optional)
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions:
- Prepare the dough: Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs and extracts, then mix in the dry ingredients alternately with sour cream.
- Shape the cookies into balls and flatten slightly on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. Let cool.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat together the butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. Tint with food coloring if desired.
- Frost the cookies and decorate with sprinkles.
These Amish cookies are a delightful way to bring a little holiday cheer to your table with their soft texture and delicious frosting.
6. Festive Oreo Ornament Treats 🍪✨
These Festive Oreo Ornament Treats are a fun and easy way to get into the holiday spirit. By coating Oreos with melted white chocolate and adding colorful decorations, these treats make for a delightful gift or party favor.
Ingredients:
- Oreo sandwich cookies
- 2 cups white chocolate melting wafers
- 2 tablespoons paramount crystals (optional)
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Minis
- Assorted decorations: sprinkles, M&M’s Minis, sanding sugars
Instructions:
- Melt the chocolate: Combine white chocolate and paramount crystals, and microwave until smooth.
- Decorate the Oreos: Dip each Oreo into the melted chocolate and press a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Mini on top. Decorate with sprinkles, M&M’s, and sanding sugars.
- Let set: Allow the chocolate to harden, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
These sweet treats are sure to delight with their combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and festive decorations!
7. No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies 🍪🥥
For those looking for a quick and easy holiday treat, these No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies are the perfect solution. With a rich, chewy texture and a delightful crunch from pecans, these cookies are sure to please.
Ingredients:
- 2½ cups sugar
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup corn syrup
- Butter
- Pecans
- Shredded coconut
Instructions:
- Combine sugar, evaporated milk, corn syrup, and butter in a saucepan, and cook until it reaches a soft-ball stage (235°F/113°C).
- Stir in vanilla, then add the pecans and coconut.
- Drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper and let set.
These no-bake cookies are an easy, decadent treat for those who need something quick but delicious.
8. Pistachio Delight Snowballs 🍪
A classic holiday cookie, Pistachio Delight Snowballs are tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, with the nutty flavor of pistachios elevating the taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup softened unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pistachios
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the butter and powdered sugar together, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add flour, salt, and pistachios until combined.
- Roll dough into balls and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden.
- Coat in powdered sugar while warm and then again once cool.
These delightful snowball cookies are nutty, buttery, and irresistibly delicious.
9. Vanilla Christmas Shortbread
Shortbread is the quintessential holiday cookie, with its simple yet rich flavor. This Vanilla Christmas Shortbread is a breeze to make, and the perfect complement to any holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
- 250g flour
- 125g sugar
- 125g softened butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Cream the butter and sugar together, then add egg and vanilla.
- Mix in flour and salt until smooth.
- Cut out shapes using cookie cutters and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes.
These buttery shortbread cookies are simple yet delightful—perfect for both kids and adults alike.
These nine festive cookies and treats offer a delightful range of flavors, textures, and colors for any holiday occasion. Whether you’re seeking something traditional, like shortbread, or want to try something new, like Peppermint Candy Swirls, you’re sure to find the perfect recipe to add to your holiday repertoire. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be sweet!