The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by indulging in a selection of delicious homemade cookies? Whether you are preparing for a family gathering, a holiday party, or just enjoying some festive fun in the kitchen, these six mouthwatering cookie recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet (and savory) cravings. From decadent chocolate crinkle cookies to savory spinach and feta treats, there is something for everyone. Let’s dive into these delightful holiday cookies!
1. Christmas Crinkle Cookies: A Chocolatey Delight
Christmas Crinkle Cookies are a beloved holiday classic, perfect for adding a festive touch to any cookie platter. With their soft, chewy interior and signature cracked tops, these cookies are both easy to make and incredibly delicious. These cookies combine the richness of cocoa powder with a touch of sweetness from powdered sugar, making them an ideal treat for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour 🍚
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder 🧁
- ¼ tsp salt 🧂
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 1 cup granulated sugar 🍬
- 2 large eggs 🥚
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🌼
- ½ cup powdered sugar 🍥
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring that each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough is well combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat each one generously in powdered sugar.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the tops of the cookies are cracked. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These cookies are soft, chocolatey, and perfect for any holiday occasion. The powdered sugar coating gives them a beautiful festive look while adding a sweet contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.
2. Red Velvet Cookies: A Colorful Treat for the Holidays 🍪
Who says that cookies can’t be both delicious and beautiful? Red Velvet Cookies combine the smoothness of white chocolate chips with the signature red color and slight tang of red velvet cake. These vibrant cookies will stand out on your holiday dessert table and are guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg 🥚
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips 🍫
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips.
- Scoop the dough into balls and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving.
These Red Velvet Cookies are not only festive but also packed with flavor. The white chocolate chips add a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the slightly tangy red velvet flavor, making each bite irresistible.
3. Pistachio Cranberry Shortbread Cookies: A Savory and Sweet Combo
If you’re looking for a cookie that combines both savory and sweet elements, Pistachio Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are the perfect choice. The salty pistachios and tangy dried cranberries make for an unexpected yet delightful combination. The buttery shortbread base brings it all together for a festive and sophisticated treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 🍞
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- ½ cup powdered sugar 🍬
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
- ½ cup shelled pistachios, chopped 🌰
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped 🍒
- ¼ tsp salt 🧂
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and dried cranberries.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each cookie slightly with a fork or your fingers.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
These Pistachio Cranberry Shortbread Cookies offer a unique flavor profile that blends sweetness and savory goodness in every bite. They’re perfect for those who want a break from traditional holiday flavors while still enjoying a festive treat.
4. Spinach + Feta Cookies: A Savory Sensation
If you’re craving something savory, these Spinach and Feta Cookies will hit the spot. These cookies are packed with fresh spinach, dill, and scallions, complemented by the tangy flavor of feta cheese. They offer a savory twist on the traditional cookie, making them a great addition to any holiday spread.
Ingredients:
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 4 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ cups chopped baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped scallions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the beaten egg, olive oil (or melted butter), and Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Add the chopped spinach, dill, scallions, salt, and pepper, mixing well to combine.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it into your desired shapes.
- Take a spoonful of the spinach filling and place it onto each piece of dough before folding it over.
- Place the filled dough shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before serving warm.
These Spinach and Feta Cookies are perfect for those who want something outside the realm of sweet treats. With their hearty ingredients and savory flavors, they’ll offer a refreshing contrast to the other cookies on your platter.
5. Crumbl-Inspired Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: Fall in a Cookie
The warmth of pumpkin and the richness of chocolate combine beautifully in these Crumbl-Inspired Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and a seasonal touch, while the chocolate chips provide bursts of sweetness. These cookies are perfect for a cozy fall day or a holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 1 cup granulated sugar 🧂
- ½ cup brown sugar 🍯
- 1 cup pumpkin puree 🎃
- 1 large egg 🥚
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🍂
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 tsp baking powder 📏
- ½ tsp baking soda 💧
- ½ tsp salt 🧂
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice 🍁
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips 🍫
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the mixture, and mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate fall treat. The blend of pumpkin spice and chocolate will fill your home with the aromas of autumn.
6. Christmas Cheesecake Snickerdoodles: A Creamy Twist on a Classic
If you love the warm cinnamon flavor of snickerdoodles, then you’ll adore these Christmas Cheesecake Snickerdoodles. The creamy cheesecake filling adds a delightful surprise in every bite, making them a unique and festive take on a holiday favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Scoop teaspoon-sized portions onto a lined baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
- Make the Dough: In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and cream of tartar. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and cinnamon. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Assemble the Cookies: Scoop a tablespoon of dough, flatten it, and wrap it around the frozen cheesecake ball. Roll it into a smooth ball.
- Coat the Cookies: Mix sugar and cinnamon for coating. Roll each cookie ball in the mixture until fully covered.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies 2 inches apart on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool & Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
These Cheesecake Snickerdoodles are a rich, creamy twist on the traditional snickerdoodle, with the unexpected surprise of cheesecake filling inside.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer classic chocolatey treats like Christmas Crinkle Cookies or savory delights like Spinach and Feta Cookies, these six recipes are sure to bring joy and deliciousness to your holiday celebrations. Each cookie offers something unique, from vibrant colors to festive flavors and textures. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the holiday baking begin!