The holiday season is a time for tradition, warmth, and, of course, delicious treats. Whether you’re gathering with family, hosting friends, or just enjoying some quiet time at home, nothing adds to the festive spirit like homemade cookies. In this article, we’ll explore a selection of delightful holiday cookies, each with its unique flavor and texture, perfect for spreading joy during the most wonderful time of the year.
From classic Christmas Butter Cookies to the indulgent Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies, these treats are not only easy to make but are sure to bring smiles to everyone who tastes them. Let’s dive into these delightful recipes, explore their ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and a few tips on how to make these holiday moments even sweeter.
Christmas Butter Cookies: A Melt-in-Your-Mouth Delight 🍪🎄
Christmas Butter Cookies are a quintessential holiday treat, loved for their simple yet decadent flavor. With their buttery taste and soft texture, they are perfect for sharing at family gatherings or for gifting to loved ones. The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity—just a few basic ingredients that come together to create something truly special.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 egg yolks
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- Optional: melted chocolate & sprinkles for dipping
Directions:
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: Begin by mixing the flour and salt together in a bowl. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is a key step in achieving the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a piping bag or cookie press, pipe 1½-inch swirls onto the sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. For an extra festive touch, dip the cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle with festive decorations like sprinkles or colored sugar.
Why This Recipe Works: The combination of unsalted butter, sugar, and egg yolks creates a rich, soft dough. The addition of vanilla enhances the flavor, and the optional chocolate dip adds a touch of indulgence. These cookies can be customized with various sprinkles or toppings, making them perfect for any holiday occasion.
Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters: A Sweet, Crunchy Delight 🍫🌰
The Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters are a holiday favorite for those who love the combination of crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate. These treats are easy to make, and the result is a luxurious candy-like treat that everyone will adore. Whether you’re looking for something special to serve at a party or a homemade gift, these clusters will impress.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pecan halves (or pieces)
- 1 ½ cups caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 oz milk or dark chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
Directions:
- Prepare the Pecans: Lay out parchment or wax paper on a baking sheet. Arrange the pecans in clusters, grouping 5-6 pecans together for each cluster.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate (and vegetable oil, if using) in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth and melted.
- Make the Caramel: If using store-bought caramel sauce, warm it in a saucepan or microwave until it becomes pourable. If making homemade caramel, prepare it and let it cool slightly to thicken.
- Assemble the Clusters: Spoon a small amount of caramel over each pecan cluster. Then pour the melted chocolate over the caramel and pecans, ensuring everything is covered.
- Let Set: Allow the clusters to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or place them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to speed up the process.
- Serve: Once set, these delicious clusters are ready to enjoy! Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips for Success:
- If you prefer a smoother chocolate coating, add a bit of vegetable oil to the chocolate as it melts.
- Experiment with different nuts, such as walnuts or cashews, to create variations on the classic turtle flavor.
Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies: A Fruity, Buttery Indulgence 🍓🍪
Shortbread cookies are a classic favorite, known for their buttery flavor and crisp texture. The addition of raspberry jam and almond glaze makes these Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies a perfect festive treat. The sweet-tart raspberry jam and nutty almond glaze create a beautiful contrast with the rich shortbread.
Ingredients:
- Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- Almond Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons almond extract
- 2-3 teaspoons water
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until creamy. Add almond extract and then gradually mix in the flour until fully combined.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each ball.
- Add the Jam: Fill each indentation with about 1/4 teaspoon of raspberry jam.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, almond extract, and water until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies.
Why These Cookies Shine: The buttery shortbread provides a melt-in-your-mouth experience, while the raspberry jam adds a fruity sweetness. The almond glaze is a delicate finish that enhances the flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Italian Christmas Cookies: A Colorful, Festive Tradition 🍪🇮🇹
These soft, colorful Italian Christmas Cookies are often glazed and sprinkled with festive toppings, offering a variety of textures and flavors. They are a classic holiday treat, passed down through generations, and bring a sense of nostalgia to any holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles for decoration
Directions:
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt, and gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Glaze and Decorate: Whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth glaze. Dip each cookie in the glaze and decorate with sprinkles.
Pro Tips:
- The almond extract gives these cookies a distinctive, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the glaze and the sprinkles.
- You can get creative with the colors of the sprinkles to match your holiday theme!
Irresistible Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies: A Peanut Butter Lover’s Dream 🍫🧡
For peanut butter lovers, these Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies are an absolute must-try. Combining the creamy texture of cheesecake with chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups, these cookies offer a perfect balance of flavors that’s both rich and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup Reese’s peanut butter chips
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream the butter with the sugars until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
- Add Peanut Butter Cups: Fold in the chopped mini Reese’s peanut butter cups.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Mix the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Assemble the Cookies: Roll the dough into balls and stuff with a teaspoon of the cheesecake mixture. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden around the edges.
- Drizzle the Chocolate: Once cooled, drizzle the melted peanut butter chips and semisweet chocolate chips over the cookies.
Why These Cookies Are a Hit: These cookies combine the best of both worlds: rich, creamy cheesecake and the irresistible flavor of Reese’s peanut butter cups. The chocolate drizzle adds a decadent finish that ties everything together.
Christmas Butter Cookies 🍪
These Christmas Butter Cookies are a holiday classic! Their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them a perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. The simplicity of these cookies, combined with their buttery flavor, makes them a favorite among both kids and adults. These cookies are ideal for gifting or simply sharing with family and friends during the festive season.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 egg yolks
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)
- Optional: melted chocolate and sprinkles for decoration
Directions:
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Set it aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated into the mixture. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a piping bag, pipe the dough into 1½-inch swirls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Decorate (Optional): Once the cookies are cool, you can dip them in melted chocolate and add sprinkles for a festive touch.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30-32 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are the perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter. The optional chocolate and sprinkles add a festive touch, making them even more delightful!
Cranberry Christmas Cookies 🍪
Cranberries and white chocolate are a match made in holiday heaven. These Cranberry Christmas Cookies are a sweet, tart, and crunchy treat that adds variety to your holiday cookie selection. The combination of dried cranberries and white chocolate chips creates a beautiful contrast in flavor, making them a holiday favorite.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Add the Mix-ins: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Scoop and Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
These cranberry cookies are a perfect addition to your Christmas cookie collection, offering a fresh and tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the white chocolate.
Soft Christmas Peppermints 🎅
Soft Christmas Peppermints are creamy, minty, and wonderfully sweet. These treats are ideal for holiday gifting or for decorating your dessert table. They are incredibly easy to make and require no baking, making them perfect for those who need a quick holiday treat!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Food coloring (red and/or green, optional)
- Granulated sugar (for rolling, optional)
Directions:
- Make the Mint Mixture: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and salt. Mix until fully combined.
- Color the Dough: Divide the dough into portions and add food coloring to each portion, mixing until the desired color is achieved.
- Shape the Mints: Roll the dough into small balls or other desired shapes.
- Coat the Mints: For extra sweetness, roll the mints in granulated sugar.
- Set the Mints: Place the mints on a baking sheet and let them sit for 24 hours to firm up.
- Store and Serve: Store the mints in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for several weeks.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 24 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 30-40 mints
These soft mints are a classic treat for the holidays, offering a sweet and creamy minty flavor that is perfect for holiday gifting or for enjoying yourself!
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies 🍒
For a fun and festive twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, try these Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. The addition of cherries adds a pop of color and a hint of tartness, while the chocolate chips provide that beloved sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup maraschino cherries (drained and halved)
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Add the Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.
- Bake the Cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
These maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies are a unique and colorful addition to your holiday cookie tray, bringing a burst of flavor and color to your festivities!
Christmas Shortbread Cookies 🍪
Shortbread cookies are the epitome of simplicity and elegance. These buttery cookies melt in your mouth and offer a perfect base for holiday decorations like sprinkles or icing. Their light, crumbly texture makes them a classic holiday treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until fluffy and light, which should take about 5 minutes of mixing.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Shape the Cookies: Dust your hands with cornstarch, then roll the dough into balls. Press the tops down gently with a fork, or use cookie cutters to make festive shapes.
- Bake: Place the cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the tops are set and the edges are slightly golden.
- Decorate and Cool: Optionally, add sprinkles on top before baking. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
These shortbread cookies are a timeless holiday favorite, easy to make and delightful to eat. Whether you decorate them with sprinkles or enjoy them plain, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness and buttery goodness.
Conclusion
These holiday cookies offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors, each one perfect for sharing or gifting. From the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth Christmas Butter Cookies to the indulgent Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies, every bite is a reminder of the warmth and joy that the holiday season brings. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let the baking begin! These recipes are sure to bring festive cheer to your home and create sweet memories that will last long after the season ends.