The holiday season is the perfect time to fill your kitchen with the warm, cozy aromas of freshly baked cookies — and this collection of 11 festive Christmas cookie recipes brings together everything from nostalgic classics to creative new favorites.
Whether you love soft and chewy cookies, peppermint-kissed treats, chocolate-dipped delights, or adorable holiday character cookies, these recipes are made to spark joy and bring magic to your December baking.
Each recipe is simple to follow, beautifully decorated, and designed to look incredible on holiday dessert boards and in cookie tins.
From Peppermint Bark Cookies and Snowman Oreo Truffles to White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies, Grinch Crinkle Cookies, and cozy Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Cookies, this handpicked collection offers something for every baker and every holiday gathering.
These recipes are perfect for gifting, parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy baking days with family — and they all deliver that unmistakable Christmas flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, these 11 Christmas cookies will inspire creativity and spread holiday cheer.
1. Reindeer Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
These Reindeer Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are guaranteed to steal the show on any Christmas cookie platter.
They start with the classic soft, chewy peanut butter blossom you already love, but get a festive makeover with chocolate candies, pretzel antlers, and candy eyes that transform each cookie into an adorable little reindeer.
Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly fun to decorate — making them the perfect holiday baking project for kids, families, or anyone who loves whimsical Christmas treats.
These charming cookies photograph beautifully and are ideal for cookie exchanges, gifting, or adding personality to your holiday dessert table.
Their nostalgic peanut butter flavor, paired with the playful reindeer design, makes them a standout in this collection of 11 festive Christmas cookies.
You can find the full step-by-step recipe, decorating guide, and printable instructions in the article here: Reindeer Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
2. Grinch Crinkle Cookies
These Grinch Crinkle Cookies bring whimsical holiday fun to every cookie platter with their bright green color, snowy powdered-sugar crackle, and signature red candy heart.
Soft, chewy, and full of vanilla flavor, they’re inspired by the classic Dr. Seuss character, baked into a festive treat both kids and adults adore.
Their vibrant, eye-catching appearance makes them a favorite for classroom parties, cookie exchanges, and Pinterest-worthy holiday spreads.
Beyond their playful look, these cookies are incredibly easy to make and always bake up beautifully crinkled with minimal effort.
They add a pop of color to any assortment of Christmas cookies and pair perfectly with hot cocoa or a holiday movie night.
You can find the full recipe, baking tips, and printable instructions here: Grinch Crinkle Cookies
3. White Chocolate Dipped Gingerbread Cookies
These White Chocolate Dipped Gingerbread Cookies combine classic holiday spice with a touch of sweetness that makes them absolutely irresistible.
Each cookie is warmly flavored with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, then dipped in silky white chocolate that adds a creamy balance to the bold spices.
A sprinkle of festive holiday sprinkles on the dipped edge gives them a polished, bakery-style look that stands out on any Christmas cookie platter.
They’re elegant, cozy, and incredibly photogenic — perfect for Pinterest, gifting, and holiday entertaining.
What makes these cookies truly special is how easy they are to bake and decorate, making them a wonderful choice for both experienced bakers and holiday beginners.
The crisp edges and soft centers pair beautifully with the smooth chocolate coating, creating a cookie that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful.
They store well, pack well in tins, and add a touch of classic Christmas charm to your 11-cookie recipe collection.
You can find the full recipe, step-by-step baking instructions, and printable version here: White Chocolate Dipped Gingerbread Cookies
4. Christmas Coconut Macaroons
These Christmas Coconut Macaroons are delightfully chewy on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and full of rich coconut flavor that makes them a standout in any holiday cookie assortment.
Their golden, toasty edges and snowy coconut texture give them a naturally festive appearance, and the optional dip in white chocolate with holiday sprinkles transforms them into a true Christmas showpiece.
Simple, sweet, and beautifully fragrant, these macaroons are perfect for bakers who want a low-effort, high-impact holiday treat.
What makes these cookies especially appealing is how quick and foolproof they are — just a handful of ingredients, minimal prep, and you’re rewarded with bakery-quality results.
They’re gluten-friendly, naturally festive, and absolutely perfect for gifting or adding variety to Christmas cookie platters.
Whether enjoyed with coffee, tucked into tins, or featured on a holiday dessert board, these macaroons deliver seasonal flavor with minimal fuss.
You can find the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and printable details here: Christmas Coconut Macaroons
5. Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Cookies
These Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Cookies capture the cozy comfort of a warm winter mug in every single bite.
With a rich chocolate base, soft chewy texture, and gooey marshmallow centers or toppings, they deliver all the nostalgia of sipping hot cocoa by the fire.
The crackly tops and melted marshmallow swirls make them incredibly eye-catching, while their deep cocoa flavor and soft interior make them one of the most irresistible additions to your holiday baking lineup.
Perfect for Christmas movie nights, dessert boards, or gifting, these cookies are a festive twist on a classic winter favorite.
They bake beautifully without much fuss, and the melted marshmallow gives them that signature “hot cocoa” charm that both kids and adults adore.
Whether served warm or cooled to a fudgy texture, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
You can find the complete recipe, detailed instructions, and printable version here: Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Cookies
6. Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies with Cherry Centers
These Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies with Cherry Centers bring a beautiful pop of color and classic holiday charm to any Christmas cookie tray.
The buttery cookie base is rolled in finely crushed pistachios, giving each bite a nutty crunch and festive green hue.
At the center sits a glossy maraschino cherry or spoonful of cherry preserves, creating a bright jewel-like contrast that makes these cookies look as stunning as they taste.
They’re elegant, nostalgic, and incredibly easy to prepare, making them a favorite for cookie exchanges and holiday gifting.
What sets these cookies apart is their perfect balance of flavors and textures — the tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie wrapped in pistachio crunch, paired with the sweet burst of cherry in the center.
They’re a lovely alternative to more traditional Christmas cookies and add a sophisticated touch to dessert platters.
These thumbprints also store wonderfully, making them ideal for preparing ahead during the busy holiday season.
You can find the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and printable details here: Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies with Cherry Centers
7. Snowman Oreo Truffles
These Snowman Oreo Truffles are as adorable as they are delicious, making them one of the most charming additions to any Christmas cookie assortment.
With a rich, creamy Oreo-and-cream-cheese filling coated in smooth white chocolate, each truffle is shaped into a tiny snowman complete with chocolate chip eyes, candy noses, and colorful scarves.
They’re a no-bake treat that delivers big festive impact with minimal effort, which makes them perfect for busy holiday schedules or baking with kids.
Because they’re so whimsical and photogenic, these snowman truffles are fantastic for gifting and party platters.
Their soft, fudgy centers paired with the crisp chocolate shell create a delicious contrast, and they hold up beautifully when transported or packaged.
Whether you’re preparing a holiday dessert board or looking for a standout treat to impress friends and family, these little snowmen always bring smiles.
You can find the full recipe, decorating instructions, and printable guide here: Snowman Oreo Truffles
8. Peppermint Bark Cookies
These Peppermint Bark Cookies bring the classic holiday flavors of rich chocolate, creamy white chocolate, and crunchy peppermint into a warm, freshly baked cookie.
With a soft, fudgy chocolate base and pockets of melty chocolate chips throughout, each cookie delivers that unmistakable peppermint bark experience in every bite.
Crushed candy canes sprinkled on top give them a festive sparkle and satisfying crunch, making them one of the most eye-catching and flavorful cookies in the entire Christmas collection.
They’re incredibly quick to prepare, don’t require chilling, and bake up beautifully with crackly tops and an irresistible holiday aroma.
Perfect for cookie exchanges, Christmas parties, dessert boards, or gifting, these cookies embody everything people love about peppermint season.
You can find the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and printable version here: Peppermint Bark Cookies
9. White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
These White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect blend of cozy, chewy, and festive.
The hearty rolled oats give the cookies their classic oatmeal-cookie chew, while the sweet white chocolate chips and tart dried cranberries create a beautifully balanced flavor.
Lightly golden with flecks of red and creamy white throughout, these cookies bring instant holiday warmth to any dessert platter.
They’re simple to make, bake consistently well, and add a delightful rustic charm to your Christmas cookie lineup.
Their festive colors and bakery-style texture make them especially popular for holiday gifting, cookie exchanges, and Christmas dessert boards.
The combination of oats, chocolate, and cranberries gives them a nostalgic, homemade feel, while still tasting indulgent and fresh.
They also freeze wonderfully, making them a great option for prepping ahead during the busy holiday season.
You can find the complete recipe, step-by-step instructions, and printable guide here: White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
10. Classic Gingerbread Men with Royal Icing
These Classic Gingerbread Men with Royal Icing bring timeless holiday charm to your Christmas baking collection.
With warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies fill the kitchen with that unmistakable festive aroma as they bake.
Their perfectly crisp edges and soft, slightly chewy centers make them irresistible, while the decorating process turns them into a joyful activity the whole family can enjoy.
Whether piped with simple smiles or elaborate outfits, each gingerbread man feels like its own little holiday character.
Beautifully decorated gingerbread cookies instantly elevate any dessert platter, and these hold their shape wonderfully, making them ideal for gifting, cookie exchanges, and themed Christmas baking days.
The royal icing adds the perfect sweet contrast to the spiced cookie, and the classic look makes them one of the most beloved and recognizable treats of the season.
You can find the complete recipe, icing guide, and printable instructions here: Classic Gingerbread Men with Royal Icing
11. Festive Cherry Snowball Cookies
These Festive Cherry Snowball Cookies are a beautiful twist on the classic holiday snowball cookie — tender, buttery, and dusted in snowy powdered sugar, but with a bright maraschino cherry hidden inside.
Each bite delivers the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture people love, with a cheerful pop of color and sweetness at the center.
Their delicate crumb and sparkling white coating make them look like tiny edible snowballs, perfect for adding elegance and whimsy to your Christmas cookie trays.
What truly sets these cookies apart is how easy they are to make while still feeling special and eye-catching.
They hold together wonderfully, pack well for gifting, and look stunning in holiday tins or on dessert platters.
Whether enjoyed with hot cocoa by the tree or served at festive gatherings, these cherry-filled snowballs always get compliments.
You can find the complete recipe, step-by-step instructions, and printable guide here: Festive Cherry Snowball Cookies
12. Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies
These Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies are the perfect mix of adorable and delicious, turning a simple sugar cookie base into a whimsical winter scene.
With glossy melted marshmallow “snow,” candy details, and playful expressions on each snowman’s face, these cookies always spark smiles.
They’re soft, buttery, and incredibly fun to decorate — making them a great family-friendly baking project.
Kids love creating their own snowman characters, and adults appreciate how impressive they look with surprisingly little effort.
These cookies are ideal for holiday parties, classroom treats, or adding a humorous touch to your Christmas dessert spread.
They’re also wonderfully customizable, whether you want creative scarf colors, silly expressions, or themed decorations.
You can find the full recipe, decorating guide, and printable instructions here: Melted Snowman Sugar Cookie Recipe
13. Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies bring together everything we love about classic gingerbread — warm spices, deep molasses flavor, and soft, chewy texture — all wrapped in a snowy powdered sugar coating.
As they bake, each cookie cracks into beautiful crinkles that reveal the rich gingerbread color underneath, making them visually striking and irresistibly festive.
These cookies deliver that nostalgic holiday aroma that fills the whole house, thanks to cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg blending into one cozy bite.
Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday dessert boards, or wrapping up as edible gifts, Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies offer both elegance and comfort in every piece.
You can explore the full recipe, baking tips, and step-by-step instructions here: Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies