Holiday Cookie Recipes to Try

Name: Holiday Cookie Recipes to Try
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 3 to 4 tablespoons buttermilk; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 egg; 1/2 cup molasses; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Explore a delightful collection of holiday cookie recipes that will bring joy and sweetness to your festive celebrations.

Created by

Marley Quinn

Last updated on 2025-12-19T13:43:06.198Z

These holiday cookie recipes are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Each recipe brings its own unique flavor and festive spirit, making them a must-try during the holiday season.

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Variety of flavors to satisfy every palate
Perfect for gifting or holiday parties
Easy to make with simple ingredients

      

A Sweet Tradition

During the holiday season, baking cookies is a cherished tradition that brings families together. The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house creates an inviting atmosphere that sets the tone for festive gatherings. Each cookie has its own story, and sharing them with loved ones fosters a sense of community and warmth. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice, these recipes are designed to be simple yet delicious, making them perfect for everyone involved.

From classic sugar cookies to spicy gingerbread, these recipes offer a delightful range of flavors that cater to all tastes. Each cookie can be decorated in unique ways, allowing for personal touches that make your treats even more special. Engaging in the baking process not only enhances your culinary skills but also creates lasting memories with family and friends.

Gift-Giving Made Easy

Cookies make for thoughtful gifts during the holiday season. They can be beautifully packaged in decorative tins or boxes, adding a personal flair to your presents. Gifting homemade cookies shows effort and care, making the recipient feel truly special. You can even create themed assortments, combining different cookie types for a delightful surprise. This variety not only satisfies different palates but also makes for a colorful display.

When preparing cookies for gifting, consider adding a handwritten note or recipe card. This personal touch elevates your gift and allows the recipient to recreate the deliciousness at home. Furthermore, cookies are perfect for holiday parties; they can be served on platters, making them easy for guests to grab and enjoy. With these recipes at your fingertips, you're all set to spread joy and sweetness this holiday season.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, there are a few baking tips to keep in mind. First, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter and eggs. This helps them blend more smoothly, resulting in a better texture. Additionally, when measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing, which can lead to dense cookies.

Another key tip is to not overmix your dough once you've added the flour. Mixing just until combined will yield a more tender cookie. Lastly, keep an eye on your baking time; cookies can go from perfectly baked to overdone quickly. Allowing them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks helps maintain their shape and texture.

Ingredients

Classic Sugar Cookies

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 to 4 tablespoons buttermilk

Gingerbread Cookies

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup molasses

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Mix and match these ingredients to create your favorite holiday cookies!

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined. Gradually blend in the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps to firm up the dough for easier rolling and cutting.

Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Cut into shapes and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool before decorating.

Enjoy your delicious holiday cookies with family and friends!

Exploring Flavor Combinations

When it comes to holiday cookies, the possibilities are endless. Consider adding unique flavor combinations to your recipes to surprise your taste buds. For instance, incorporating citrus zest into your sugar cookies can offer a refreshing twist, while adding chopped nuts or dried fruits can enhance the texture and flavor of your gingerbread cookies. Don't hesitate to experiment with spices, extracts, and even chocolate varieties to create your signature cookie.

Pairing cookies with complementary beverages can also enhance the overall experience. Classic sugar cookies go wonderfully with a glass of milk, while gingerbread pairs perfectly with hot cocoa or spiced tea. Chocolate chip cookies are delightful with coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Matching flavors not only elevates your cookie enjoyment but also creates a festive atmosphere for gatherings.

Storing Your Cookies

Proper storage is essential for keeping your holiday cookies fresh and delicious. After cooling, store cookies in airtight containers to maintain their texture and flavor. If you're making multiple batches, consider separating them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For cookies that tend to become soft, like sugar cookies, adding a slice of bread to the container can help keep them moist.

If you want to prepare cookies in advance, many of these recipes freeze well. Shape the dough into balls and freeze them before baking. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This allows you to have fresh-baked cookies on demand, making it easier to entertain and celebrate throughout the holiday season.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What is the best way to store cookies?

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I substitute ingredients?

Yes, you can substitute butter with margarine or use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.

→ How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent cookies from spreading.