The holiday season is a time to gather with family and friends, create lasting memories, and indulge in delicious treats. What better way to celebrate than by baking Christmas cookies? These festive, homemade sweets bring joy to all, filling homes with warmth and delightful aromas. Below is a collection of classic Christmas cookie recipes that will make your baking experience extra special this holiday season. Whether you are hosting a holiday party, looking for the perfect gift, or simply enjoying the spirit of the season, these cookies are sure to brighten your festivities.
1. Christmas Butter Cookies
These buttery, soft cookies are a Christmas classic. The rich flavor and delicate texture make them perfect for any holiday occasion, and their simplicity allows for a variety of creative decorations.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Sprinkles or colored sugar (for decoration)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture and mix until the dough comes together.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Press each cookie lightly with a fork or your fingers to flatten slightly.
- Decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on a wire rack.
These buttery cookies are soft, slightly crumbly, and simply delightful to eat, making them a must-try for any Christmas celebration.
2. Christmas Sugar Cookie Bites
Sugar cookies are a holiday favorite for a reason: they are versatile, easy to make, and oh-so-delicious. These bite-sized versions are perfect for sharing or serving at parties, adding a touch of sweetness to your festivities.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Colored sugar or sprinkles (for decorating)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Gently press the tops of the dough balls with a fork and sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
These little bites are simple yet delicious, with a light, crisp texture and a festive touch from the colored sprinkles.
3. Christmas Kiss Cookies
These cookies combine a classic sugar cookie base with a delicious Hershey’s Kiss at the center. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s both sweet and chocolatey. The red and green sugar sprinkles add an extra festive touch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Red and green sugar sprinkles (for decorating)
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add flour, salt, and baking soda, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat each ball in red or green sugar sprinkles.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are just set but not browned.
- Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while they are still warm.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before serving or storing.
The combination of the sugar cookie base and the rich, chocolatey Kiss in the center makes these cookies irresistible!
4. Christmas Spritz Cookies
Spritz cookies are a staple in many households during the holidays. These crisp, buttery treats are traditionally made using a cookie press, which allows for fun, festive shapes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Colored sprinkles or nonpareils (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Fill a cookie press with the dough and press shapes onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Decorate with colored sprinkles or nonpareils, if desired.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Spritz cookies are known for their crisp texture and festive shapes, making them a fun addition to any cookie platter.
5. Festive Sugar Cookies
These sugar cookies are perfectly soft, slightly chewy, and easy to make. With a few sprinkles on top, they bring joy to any holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheets. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
These simple and classic sugar cookies are sure to become a family favorite!
6. Oreo Cookies & Cream Cookies
For Oreo lovers, these cookies combine the creamy filling of Oreos with chocolate chips to create a decadent treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups crushed Oreo cookies
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined.
- Fold in the crushed Oreo cookies and chocolate chips (if using).
- Drop spoonfuls 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 on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
These cookies offer the perfect combination of creamy and crunchy textures, making them an irresistible treat.
7. M&M Christmas Cookies
Bright, colorful, and chewy, these M&M cookies are a holiday favorite. The red and green M&Ms add a festive pop of color, while the cookies remain soft and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups red and green holiday M&Ms
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the red and green holiday M&Ms and chocolate chips, if using.
- 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 and the centers are set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
These M&M Christmas cookies are an excellent choice for creating a cheerful and colorful holiday treat!
Conclusion
Baking cookies during the Christmas season is a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer, and the recipes shared here are perfect for anyone looking to celebrate the season with sweetness and joy. Whether you prefer classic sugar cookies, indulgent Oreo cookies, or festive M&M treats, there is something here for everyone. Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and start baking — the holidays will be even sweeter with these delicious homemade cookies.