The holiday season is a time for indulgence, warmth, and celebrating with loved ones. There’s something undeniably magical about baking cookies, especially when the kitchen fills with the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, looking for the perfect gift, or simply craving a festive snack, cookies are always the star of the show. This collection of holiday cookie recipes offers a range of flavors and textures, from minty delights to buttery shortbreads, ensuring that you have the perfect recipe for every occasion. Let’s take a deep dive into these festive creations, each of which brings its own special touch to the holiday season.
1. Grinch Crinkle Cookies: A Festive Green Delight
There’s no better way to capture the holiday spirit than with Grinch Crinkle Cookies. Inspired by the iconic green character from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, these cookies are as playful as they are delicious. The soft, buttery texture of the cookie paired with the vibrant green color and a sweet red candy heart on top make these treats a visual and culinary delight.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup softened butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Green food coloring
- White sugar or powdered sugar (for rolling)
- Red candy heart sprinkles (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until creamy. Add the eggs and both extracts, mixing until smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Add a few drops of green food coloring, mixing until the dough becomes a vibrant green.
- Chill the Dough: For best results, chill the dough for 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) to make it easier to roll into balls.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll tablespoon-sized balls of dough in white or powdered sugar and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten each ball and top with a red candy heart.
- Bake and Cool: Bake for 8-10 minutes. Once done, let the cookies cool on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
These cookies are ideal for holiday parties or as a fun activity with children. Their vibrant color and festive touch make them a standout treat on any dessert table.
2. Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies: Sweet Meets Savory
For those who enjoy a combination of salty and sweet, Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies are an absolute must. The buttery crunch of the Ritz cracker paired with creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate creates a delicious contrast. Whether you prefer white chocolate, milk chocolate, or both, these cookies are sure to please everyone at your gathering.
Ingredients
- 40 Ritz crackers (or similar buttery round crackers)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or melting wafers
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips or melting wafers
- Sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or holiday decorations
Instructions
- Assemble the Cookies: Spread about 1 teaspoon of peanut butter on the flat side of a Ritz cracker. Top with another cracker to form a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining crackers.
- Melt the Chocolate: In two separate microwave-safe bowls, melt the white and milk chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
- Dip and Decorate: Dip each cracker sandwich into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place the dipped sandwiches on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Decorations: While the chocolate is still wet, decorate with sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or other festive toppings.
- Set the Cookies: Let the cookies set at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens, about 20-30 minutes.
These sweet and salty treats are perfect for gifting, snacking, or serving at your holiday celebration.
3. Rolled Sugar Cookies: A Classic Favorite
No holiday season is complete without a batch of rolled sugar cookies. These cookies are versatile, allowing you to decorate them in a variety of ways, from simple icing to colorful sprinkles. With a buttery texture and delicate flavor, they pair beautifully with a hot cup of cocoa.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups butter, softened
- 2 cups white sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon honey or light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until fully incorporated.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. This step ensures the dough is firm and easier to roll.
- Roll and Cut: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes.
- Bake: Place the cutouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 6-7 minutes or until the edges turn golden. Cool completely before decorating.
- Make the Icing: Combine powdered sugar, milk, honey or corn syrup, and vanilla in a bowl. Add milk gradually until the icing reaches the desired consistency. Add food coloring if desired.
- Decorate: Spread or pipe icing onto cooled cookies. Let the icing set completely before storing.
Rolled sugar cookies are a beloved holiday tradition. With their delicate flavor and customizable designs, they’re perfect for family and friends to enjoy together.
4. Peppermint Bark Thumbprint Cookies: A Festive Twist
Peppermint Bark Thumbprint Cookies are a holiday favorite for their combination of minty flavor and smooth chocolate. With a candy cane crunch topping, these cookies make the perfect festive treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: Beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add peppermint extract and mix well.
- Make the Dough: Gradually incorporate the flour and salt, forming a soft dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll dough into 1-tablespoon balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use your thumb to create an indentation in each ball.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Cool completely.
- Fill the Thumbprints: Melt the white and semi-sweet chocolate in separate bowls and spoon or pipe into the centers of the cooled cookies. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
These peppermint bark thumbprint cookies are sure to add a refreshing touch to any holiday cookie platter.
5. White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies: A Buttery Elegance
For a luxurious holiday treat, White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies are a fantastic choice. The smoothness of white chocolate and the tartness of dried cherries create a cookie that’s both rich and balanced. These cookies are perfect for tea time or a special dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup dried cherries, chopped
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream together the butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough is just combined.
- Add White Chocolate and Cherries: Fold in the chopped cherries and white chocolate chips.
- Shape and Bake: Roll the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Slice the dough into ¼-inch rounds and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn golden.
- Optional Drizzle: For extra flair, melt more white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies.
These shortbread cookies are elegant enough for holiday parties yet easy to make, making them a great addition to any cookie platter.
6. Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies: A Zesty Celebration
Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies offer a light and refreshing flavor combination that’s perfect for the holiday season. The ricotta cheese gives them a soft, cake-like texture, while the orange zest and cranberries add a festive touch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in the ricotta, egg, orange zest, and orange juice.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in cranberries.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired.
These cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday spread, offering a balance of sweetness and zest.
Conclusion: The Heart of Holiday Baking
Holiday baking is not just about the end product—it’s about the experience of creating something special for your loved ones. Whether you’re making Grinch Crinkle Cookies for a festive twist, Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies for a sweet and salty treat, or indulging in the buttery elegance of White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread, each recipe adds its own touch to the holiday season. These cookies are more than just sweets; they’re expressions of love, joy, and festive cheer. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the holiday baking begin!