The holiday season is a time for sharing love, joy, and, of course, delicious food. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, attending a cookie exchange, or simply indulging in some festive baking, Christmas cookies are always a cherished tradition. From decadent chocolate treats to light, buttery bites, these recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures that will appeal to everyone at your holiday table. In this guide, we explore some irresistible cookie recipes that will add joy to your Christmas celebrations.
1. Oreo Balls for Christmas 🎄🍪
These Oreo Balls are the perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and crunchy, making them an easy yet impressive treat to serve at any holiday gathering. They are fun to make, delicious to eat, and look festive with just a little decorating. Here’s how you can whip up this crowd-pleasing favorite.
Ingredients:
- 14 oz package of Oreo cookies, finely crushed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 12 oz melted white chocolate
- 12 oz melted milk or dark chocolate
- Red and green sprinkles or colored icing for decoration
Directions:
- Prepare the Dough: Begin by combining finely crushed Oreo cookies and softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Mix until the consistency is dough-like.
- Form the Balls: Scoop out approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a small ball. Place these on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill: Refrigerate the balls for about 30 minutes to firm them up.
- Dip and Decorate: After chilling, dip each Oreo ball in melted white or milk chocolate. Place them back on the baking sheet and decorate with red and green sprinkles or icing before the chocolate hardens.
- Set and Store: Let the chocolate set at room temperature or in the fridge, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
These Oreo Balls take only about 45 minutes to prepare and will surely be a hit with their creamy, indulgent filling and festive chocolate coating.
2. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs
Chocolate lovers will adore these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs. A rich, chocolatey brownie exterior, filled with cookie dough, makes these treats irresistible. Perfect for holiday parties, these bombs are decadent and sure to leave an impression.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chocolate chips (for melting)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 box (about 15 oz) brownie mix
- Required ingredients for brownie mix (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
Directions:
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, then gradually incorporate flour and salt. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Shape and Freeze the Dough: Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and freeze them for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: Mix the brownie batter according to package instructions.
- Assemble the Bombs: Dip each frozen cookie dough ball into the brownie batter and place them back on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until the brownie coating is set.
- Optional Chocolate Coating: For an extra indulgence, dip each brownie bomb in melted chocolate.
These chocolate chip cookie dough brownie bombs combine the best of both worlds: soft cookie dough wrapped in gooey brownies, making them a perfect holiday treat!
3. Italian Christmas Cookies
These classic Italian Christmas cookies are buttery, sweet, and a perfect addition to your cookie tray. With a slight almond flavor and colorful icing, they’re both delicious and festive.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest (optional)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2-3 tbsp milk or water
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp almond extract
- Food coloring (red, green, or festive colors)
- Sprinkles for decoration
Directions:
- Make the Dough: Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs, extracts, and lemon zest. Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Decorate: Mix powdered sugar with milk to make icing. Add food coloring and dip the cooled cookies in icing. Sprinkle with festive decorations.
These cookies are light, airy, and a delightful addition to any holiday dessert spread, with their sweet almond flavor and bright, colorful icing.
4. Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies
For those who love the combination of buttery shortbread and fruity flavors, Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies are the perfect treat. These cookies offer a delicate texture and a beautiful swirl of raspberry jam.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup raspberry jam for the swirl
Directions:
- Make the Dough: Cream together butter and sugar, then add vanilla and flour to make a soft dough.
- Roll the Dough: Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread the raspberry jam evenly, and roll it into a log. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Slice and Bake: Slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
These shortbread cookies are an elegant and festive addition to your holiday dessert table, combining buttery richness with sweet raspberry swirls.
5. Thumbprint Cookies with Nutty Goodness and Fruity Jam
Thumbprint cookies are a holiday classic, and this version, with a nutty exterior and fruity jam center, offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, separated
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup fruit jam (any flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
Directions:
- Prepare the Dough: Cream butter, brown sugar, and egg yolk. Add flour, vanilla, and salt to form the dough.
- Shape and Coat: Roll dough into 1-inch balls, dip in egg white, then coat with walnuts. Bake at 300°F for 5 minutes.
- Add the Jam: Press an indent in each cookie and fill with jam, then bake for another 8 minutes.
These cookies are perfectly nutty, sweet, and fruity—a delightful treat for anyone who loves a bit of texture and flavor in their holiday cookies.
6. Meltaway Brownie Cookies
For chocolate lovers seeking a soft, melt-in-your-mouth treat, Meltaway Brownie Cookies are sure to be a favorite. With their rich, fudgy centers and slightly crisp edges, these cookies are an indulgence you can’t resist.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional for extra chocolaty goodness)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
- Make the Dough: Mix melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, then stir until combined.
- Shape and Bake: Drop dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and centers remain soft.
These cookies are fudgy, rich, and indulgent, offering the perfect chocolatey bite for those who crave decadence during the holiday season.
Conclusion
This collection of festive cookie recipes brings a variety of flavors and textures to your holiday table. Whether you’re craving creamy, crunchy Oreo Balls, rich Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs, buttery Italian Christmas Cookies, fruity Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies, nutty Thumbprint Cookies, or melt-in-your-mouth Brownie Cookies, there’s a cookie here to suit every palate. These treats not only taste amazing but also make beautiful, thoughtful gifts or additions to any holiday celebration. Happy baking and enjoy the sweet moments with your loved ones this Christmas season!