Christmas is the perfect time to gather friends and family around the oven, mixing love and joy into every batch of cookies. These delightful cookies will not only fill your home with the rich aromas of the season but are also bound to delight everyone who takes a bite. From classic favorites to unique twists, let’s dive into these 12 irresistible Christmas cookie recipes everyone will want to devour!
Classic Gingerbread Cookies
Perfectly spiced and oh-so-sweet!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
Process:
- Combine flour, baking soda, spices, and salt; set aside.
- In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until creamy. Mix in molasses and egg, then gradually add dry ingredients.
- Chill dough for 2 hours, roll out, and cut into shapes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Try adding lemon zest for a citrus twist!
- Use royal icing for detailed decorations.
Peppermint Bark Cookies
Chocolatey with a minty kick!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar, then add egg. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients.
- Fold in white chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes and sprinkle with crushed peppermint.
Make it Unique:
- Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate.
- Add crushed walnuts for extra crunch.
Snowball Cookies
Melt-in-your-mouth delights!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Additional powdered sugar for coating
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream together butter and powdered sugar. Mix in vanilla.
- Gradually add flour and nuts. Form into balls and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar after baking.
Make it Unique:
- Add a touch of almond extract for extra flavor.
- Experiment with different nuts for variety.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Soft and chewy with a decadent chocolate boost!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Process:
- Mix sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a bowl. Combine flour, cocoa, and baking powder in another bowl.
- Slowly mix dry ingredients into wet. Chill dough for 1 hour.
- Roll dough into balls, coat with powdered sugar, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Add chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Use different flavored extracts for variety.
Eggnog Cookies
Perfectly festive with a hint of holiday cheer!
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- Ground nutmeg for topping
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Beat butter, sugars, eggs, vanilla, and eggnog until smooth. Gradually add dry ingredients.
- Scoop onto baking sheets and sprinkle nutmeg on top before baking for 10-12 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Substitute eggnog with almond milk for a new twist.
- Add raisins or nuts for additional flavors.
Linzer Cookies
Delicate and delightfully fruity!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Raspberry jam for filling
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk flour and baking powder; set aside.
- Cream butter and powdered sugar, then add egg and vanilla. Incorporate dry ingredients.
- Roll out the dough, cut into shapes, and bake for 10 minutes. Fill with jam after cooling.
Make it Unique:
- Use different fruit jams for filling.
- Top with chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Coconut Macaroons
Crispy outside with a chewy center!
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups shredded coconut
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Process:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Combine coconut, sugar, flour, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk egg whites and vanilla until foamy. Combine with dry mix until well blended.
- Scoop onto baking sheets and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Make it Unique:
- Dip the bottoms in chocolate for a richer taste.
- Sprinkle with sea salt for contrast.
Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies
Rich with a cherry twist!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 cup chopped dried cherries
- Pinch of salt
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in almond extract.
- Gradually add flour and salt, then fold in cherries.
- Shape into logs, slice, and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Make it Unique:
- Substitute dried cherries with cranberries for a tart flavor.
- Drizzle dark chocolate on top for richness.
Nutmeg and Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Warmly spiced and inviting!
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- Splash of vanilla extract
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla, then mix in dry ingredients.
- Form into balls, roll in sugar, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Add a pinch of ginger for extra warmth.
- Frost with cream cheese icing for richness.
Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies
Juicy and nutty perfection!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add flour and salt until combined. Form into balls and make an indent in the center of each.
- Fill with jam and sprinkle almonds on top. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Use any berry jam for different flavors.
- Mix in a pinch of lemon zest for brightness.
Pecan Pie Cookies
Sweet and nutty treats!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup caramel bits
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream butter and sugars until smooth.
- Add egg, then mix in flour and pecans until combined.
- Shape dough into balls, place on baking sheets, and top with caramel chunks. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Use walnuts instead of pecans for a different flavor.
- Drizzle chocolate over the top for an extra touch.
Orange Cranberry Cookies
Bursting with tangy flavor!
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in one bowl.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then add egg and orange zest.
- Combine mixtures and fold in cranberries. Scoop onto baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Substitute cranberries with raisins for a sweeter option.
- Add a glaze of orange juice and powdered sugar for icing.
Conclusion
These mouthwatering Christmas cookies are sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or even just a sweet treat for yourself, give these recipes a try. With each batch, you’re spreading festive cheer that everyone will relish. Happy baking!