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25 Christmas Cookies That Bring the Holiday Joy

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If you want to make amazing cookies for the holidays, this list is the place to start. These recipes give you classic buttery treats and some with fun festive mix-ins. Each one is a great choice for a cookie swap or for sharing with family and friends. You can fill your kitchen with the wonderful smell of homemade holiday baking. Trying a new cookie recipe is a sweet way to make your celebrations extra special and delicious.

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Mexican Wedding Cookies

Mexican wedding cookies served on a white plate with out cut in half.
Mexican Wedding Cookies. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Mexican Wedding Cookies are soft, buttery treats rolled in powdered sugar. They look just like little snowballs and simply melt in your mouth.
Get Recipe: Mexican Wedding Cookies

Gingerbread Reindeer Cookies

A bowl of reindeer-themed Christmas cookies, adorned with chocolate antlers and red candy noses, sits invitingly on a table. In the background, cinnamon sticks and a lush green garland add to the festive charm.
Gingerbread Reindeer Cookies. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Gingerbread Reindeer Cookies are the perfect holiday treat that everyone will love. They’re more than just cookies – they’re a fun way to make memories that you’ll treasure forever.
Get Recipe: Gingerbread Reindeer Cookies

Easy Ritz Cracker Cookies

A close-up of a cookie covered in white icing, decorated with a green Christmas tree design and red and white candies as ornaments. Another cookie is partially visible in the corner. The surface is a light, textured background.
Easy Ritz Cracker Cookies. Photo credit: Well Fed Baker.

Easy Ritz Cracker Cookies are a salty and sweet no-bake treat. The crackers get coated in peanut butter and chocolate for a fast snack.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ritz Cracker Cookies

Hojarascas (Mexican Shortbread Cookies)

A close-up of Mexican shortbread cookies on a gold, round plate.
Hojarascas. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Hojarascas are a crumbly Mexican shortbread cookie rolled in cinnamon sugar. They have a fantastic texture and a warm, sweet taste.
Get Recipe: Hojarascas

Grandma’s Molasses Cookies with Maple Glaze

Gingerbread cookies partially dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with gold decorations are arranged on a dark surface. A few green leaves accentuate the presentation, creating an elegant tableau of festive maple syrup desserts.
Grandma’s Molasses Cookies with Maple Glaze. Photo credit: Elle & Pear.

Grandma’s Molasses Cookies are soft and spiced, with a sweet maple glaze. They are an old-fashioned treat that feels like home.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Molasses Cookies with Maple Glaze

Gingerbread Whoopie Pies

A plate of brown sandwich cookies filled with white cream is displayed. The cookies are unevenly spread across a crumpled sheet of wax paper, showcasing their inviting texture and rich filling.
Gingerbread Whoopie Pies. Photo credit: Elle & Pear.

Gingerbread Whoopie Pies are two soft gingerbread cakes with a creamy filling. They are a fun, handheld dessert for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Whoopie Pies

Best Pizzelle Cookies Recipe (Classic Italian Cookie)

A black plate with several thin, intricately patterned pizzelle cookies dusted with powdered sugar. The table is set with teacups, a sprig of pine, and a ribbon, creating a festive ambiance.
Best Pizzelle Cookies Recipe (Classic Italian Cookie). Photo credit: Cucina By Elena.

These Best Pizzelle Cookies are classic Italian treats that are light and crispy. They have a pretty design and a gentle vanilla flavor.
Get the Recipe: Best Pizzelle Cookies Recipe (Classic Italian Cookie)

Easy Homemade Christmas Cookies

A silver tray with colorful cookies on parchment paper is surrounded by a red candle, gingerbread-themed cookie cutters, mini marshmallows, and a rolling pin on a marble surface. Holiday-themed elements add to the festive ambiance.
Easy Homemade Christmas Cookies. Photo credit: In The Kitch.

Easy Homemade Christmas Cookies are perfect for decorating any way you like. They are simple sugar cookies that bake up soft and are fun for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Christmas Cookies

Pan de Polvo (Mexican Cinnamon Cookies)

A pile of pan de polvo cookies on a wooden platform.
Pan de Polvo. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Pan de Polvo are soft Mexican cookies covered in cinnamon sugar. They are full of cozy spice flavor in every single bite.
Get Recipe: Pan de Polvo

Best Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Close-up of cookies with white chocolate chips and dried cranberries on a white surface.
Best Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Modern Honey.

These Best Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies mix tart and sweet. The chewy dough is loaded with cranberries and creamy white chocolate chips.
Get the Recipe: Best Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Marranitos (Mexican Piggy Cookies)

Three pig-shaped gingerbread cookies are arranged on a white plate. The cookies are brown with a smooth, slightly textured surface, and are shaped to resemble pigs with visible ears, snouts, and tails. The plate has a decorative embossed edge—perfect for after school snack recipes for kids.
Marranitos. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Marranitos are soft, pig-shaped cookies made with brown sugar and spices. They have a wonderful molasses flavor and a fun shape.
Get Recipe: Marranitos

Small Batch Gingerbread Cookies with Eggless Royal Icing

A red plate filled with frosted gingerbread cookies shaped like people and trees is displayed on a wooden table. Next to the plate is a glass of milk. Holiday-themed napkins are partially visible underneath.
Small Batch Gingerbread Cookies with Eggless Royal Icing. Photo credit: Chocolate Moosey.

Small Batch Gingerbread Cookies are great for making just a few special treats. They are decorated with a simple, egg-free royal icing.
Get the Recipe: Small Batch Gingerbread Cookies with Eggless Royal Icing

Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Cookies

Five cookies topped with cranberries and white chocolate chunks are arranged on a dark surface with scattered cranberries and powdered sugar.
Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Cookies. Photo credit: Modern Honey.

Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Cookies are bursting with bright, fruity flavor. The orange and cranberry mix perfectly with sweet white chocolate.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Cookies

Savoiardi (Ladyfingers)

Ladyfingers dusted with powdered sugar are spread out on a cooling rack. A cup of coffee sits beside them, partially visible, on a white surface.
Savoiardi (Ladyfingers). Photo credit: Little Nonni.

Savoiardi, or ladyfingers, are light and airy Italian cookies. They are perfect for dipping into coffee or eating just as they are.
Get the Recipe: Savoiardi (Ladyfingers)

Pignoli Cookies

Five pine nut cookies are arranged on a white marble surface. The cookies are topped with a generous amount of pine nuts, giving them a textured appearance. A few additional pine nuts are scattered around.
Pignoli Cookies. Photo credit: Little Nonni.

Pignoli Cookies are made with almond paste and covered in pine nuts. They are a unique, chewy, and nutty Italian treat.
Get the Recipe: Pignoli Cookies

Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies

A plate of chocolate chip cookies is set on a table next to a glass of milk. The backdrop includes festive holiday decorations and a green pine tree branch, creating a cozy, holiday atmosphere.
Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Chocolate Moosey.

Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies put a holiday spin on a classic favorite. They are soft and chewy with warm spices and chocolate chips.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies

Easy Chocolate Sprinkle Cookies

Chocolate cookies topped with colorful and chocolate sprinkles are spread across a cooling rack. Some cookies are also placed directly on a white background, with additional chocolate sprinkles nearby.
Easy Chocolate Sprinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Savor The Spoonful.

Easy Chocolate Sprinkle Cookies are rich, chocolatey, and covered in colorful sprinkles. They are a very fun and festive cookie to bake.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chocolate Sprinkle Cookies

Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

A close-up of chocolate chip and pecan cookies on a wire cooling rack. The cookies are golden brown with generous amounts of chocolate chips and pecans. Nearby, there's a small bowl filled with more chocolate chips.
Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies. Photo credit: Savor The Spoonful.

Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies are loaded with nuts and chocolate. They have a great soft texture and lots of yummy crunch.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

Gingerbread Kiss Cookies

A plate of cookies with chocolate kisses in the center, arranged on a marble surface. Some chocolate wrappers and crumbs are visible nearby.
Gingerbread Kiss Cookies. Photo credit: My Happy Bakes.

Gingerbread Kiss Cookies have a chocolate kiss pressed right into the center. They combine spicy gingerbread with sweet chocolate.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Kiss Cookies

Gingerbread Coffee Cake Cookies

Close-up of pumpkin cookies topped with white icing drizzle and streusel, arranged on parchment paper. A small bowl of additional streusel is visible in the corner.
Gingerbread Coffee Cake Cookies. Photo credit: My Happy Bakes.

Gingerbread Coffee Cake Cookies taste just like a slice of coffee cake. They have a soft, cakey texture and a delicious crumb topping.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Coffee Cake Cookies

Orange Shortbread Cookies with Cranberry Glaze

Festive cookies with pink icing and orange zest on parchment paper, surrounded by cranberries, evergreen sprigs, and oranges, creating a holiday-themed setting.
Orange Shortbread Cookies with Cranberry Glaze. Photo credit: Live to Sweet.

Orange Shortbread Cookies have a tart cranberry glaze on top. The buttery cookie pairs so well with the zesty orange flavor.
Get the Recipe: Orange Shortbread Cookies with Cranberry Glaze

Buttermilk Cookies

A plate with three frosted cookies. One cookie has a bite taken out of it, revealing a crumbly interior. The cookies are on a decorative white plate, set on a wooden table.
Buttermilk Cookies. Photo credit: Live to Sweet.

Buttermilk Cookies are soft, tender, and have a very slight tang. They are a simple, comforting cookie that is always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Cookies

Easy Recipe for Nankhatai Cookies

Heart-shaped tray with round cookies topped with pistachios, accompanied by a cup of tea on a blue napkin. More cookies are seen on a baking sheet beside the tray, all placed on a marble surface.
Easy Recipe for Nankhatai Cookies. Photo credit: Buttered Veg.

Nankhatai Cookies are an Indian shortbread flavored with cardamom. They are rich, crumbly, and have a wonderful spicy aroma.
Get the Recipe: Easy Recipe for Nankhatai Cookies

Gluten Free Molasses Cookies

A plate filled with crackled molasses cookies topped with coarse sugar, showcasing a rustic and textured surface. The cookies are surrounded by a decorative cloth and a wooden spatula is partially visible in the background.
Gluten Free Molasses Cookies. Photo credit: Well Fed Baker.

Gluten Free Molasses Cookies are soft, spicy, and chewy. They are a great option for anyone who needs a gluten-free holiday cookie.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Molasses Cookies

White Chocolate Dipped Gingersnaps

A plate of cookies dipped halfway in white chocolate, adorned with tiny red candies and green leaf decorations, resembling holly. The cookies are arranged in a festive presentation.
White Chocolate Dipped Gingersnaps. Photo credit: Jersey Girl Cooks.

White Chocolate Dipped Gingersnaps are a sweet and spicy choice. They are crisp cookies with a smooth white chocolate coating that everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Dipped Gingersnaps

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