The holiday season just wouldn’t be complete without the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the kitchen!
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Whether you’re hosting a cookie exchange, putting together gift boxes, or just looking for the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of cocoa, these 11 Christmas cookie recipes are sure to bring joy to every bite. From classic favorites to fun new twists, there’s something here for every cookie lover — and every level of baker!
Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Rich, fudgy, and bursting with sweet cherry flavor, these Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Cookies are a decadent twist on classic holiday treats. Each soft chocolate cookie is studded with bits of maraschino cherry and topped with a drizzle of melted chocolate, making them as beautiful as they are delicious.
They’re perfect for gifting, sharing at a Christmas cookie exchange, or treating yourself to something special this holiday season. If you love the combination of chocolate and cherries, this cookie is a must-bake!
Mint Snowball Cookies
Delicate, buttery, and with a refreshing hint of mint, these Mint Snowball Cookies melt in your mouth and disappear fast! Rolled in powdered sugar for that classic snowy look, they’re a cool twist on the traditional snowball cookie.
Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights by the fire, these little bites of minty goodness bring just the right amount of holiday magic to your dessert table.
Iced Oatmeal Cookies
These Iced Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect blend of cozy spice and classic comfort. Made with hearty oats, warm cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg, they’re soft on the inside with just the right amount of chew.
A sweet vanilla glaze on top adds the perfect finishing touch — simple, nostalgic, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or craving a homemade treat, these cookies never go out of style.
Hershey’s Kiss Cookies
A holiday classic that never goes out of style, Hershey’s Kiss Cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat! These soft, chewy cookies are rolled in sugar and topped with a single Hershey’s Kiss for the perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and chocolatey goodness.
Whether you stick with the traditional peanut butter base or try a festive twist, these cookies are a must-have for any Christmas cookie exchange or holiday dessert tray.
Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Buttery, tender, and dotted with sweet cherry bits, these Maraschino Shortbread Cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. The vibrant maraschino cherries add a festive pop of color and flavor to classic melt-in-your-mouth shortbread.
With their pretty pink hue and rich, buttery texture, these cookies are perfect for holiday trays, cookie exchanges, or gifting to someone special. Simple to make but truly stunning, they’re a holiday favorite in every bite!
Homemade Pecan Pie Cookies
All the rich, gooey goodness of pecan pie in a perfectly portioned cookie! These Homemade Pecan Pie Cookies feature a buttery shortbread-style base topped with a sweet, sticky pecan filling that’s packed with warm brown sugar and toasted nuts.
They’re the ultimate bite-sized treat for fall and holiday gatherings—easy to make, beautiful on a cookie tray, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Perfect for cookie exchanges or when you’re craving a taste of classic pecan pie without the fuss of baking a whole one!
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
With their crackly powdered sugar coating and warm, spiced flavor, these Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a holiday must-bake! Soft, chewy, and packed with molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, they capture all the classic flavors of gingerbread in a fun, bite-sized cookie.
The crinkled sugar coating adds just the right touch of sweetness and makes them look like they came straight from a winter wonderland. Perfect for cookie exchanges, gifting, or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire!
No-Bake Chocolate Cookies
Quick, chocolatey, and irresistibly chewy, these Chocolate No-Bake Cookies are a classic treat that comes together in minutes—no oven required! Made with cocoa, oats, peanut butter, and a hint of vanilla, they’re the perfect blend of fudgy and hearty.
Whether you need a last-minute dessert for a holiday cookie exchange or just want something sweet without the fuss, these nostalgic no-bake cookies are always a crowd-pleaser.
Andes Mint Cookies
Quick, chocolatey, and irresistibly chewy, these Chocolate No-Bake Cookies are a classic treat that comes together in minutes—no oven required! Made with cocoa, oats, peanut butter, and a hint of vanilla, they’re the perfect blend of fudgy and hearty.
Whether you need a last-minute dessert for a holiday cookie exchange or just want something sweet without the fuss, these nostalgic no-bake cookies are always a crowd-pleaser.
Thumbprint Cookies
Classic and charming, Thumbprint Cookies are a timeless holiday favorite that’s as fun to make as they are to eat. Buttery, tender cookies are gently pressed in the center to hold a dollop of sweet jam or preserves—adding a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.
Whether you use raspberry, apricot, or your favorite festive jam, these cookies bring a beautiful pop of color and a delightful balance of rich and sweet to any Christmas cookie exchange or dessert platter.
No matter which cookie (or cookies!) you decide to bake, one thing’s for sure: homemade treats are the sweetest way to spread holiday cheer.
These 11 Christmas cookie recipes are perfect for sharing with loved ones — or for sneaking a few extras for yourself. So grab your apron, turn up the holiday tunes, and let the festive baking begin. Happy holidays and happy baking!
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