The cookie swap is a highlight of the holiday season. Plates full of sweet treats bring everyone together and spark friendly competition. If chocolate chip cookies feel too familiar, these 31 recipes are a game-changer. The recipes are simple to follow and sure to make your tray stand out. Get ready to make cookies that people will actually talk about.
Egg Nog Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Toasted S’mores Cookies
Bring some playful sweetness to the cookie swap with s’mores-flavored cookies. The soft, chewy base pairs with chocolate ganache and toasted marshmallow for a fun mix of textures. They’re simple to bake and a great way to bring a familiar flavor to the tray.
Get the Recipe: Toasted S’mores Cookies
Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Add a minty twist to the cookie tray with crisp, buttery shortbread cookies topped with chocolate and peppermint. The crunchy peppermint balances the tender cookie for a satisfying bite. These cookies are easy to make and a tasty choice for any cookie swap.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Chewy Molasses Cookies
Try cookies with a soft, chewy texture and rich, spiced flavor from molasses and cinnamon that fills every bite. The warm, comforting taste is simple to prepare and works well for sharing with friends or family. These cookies are a classic, easy-to-make option that will stand out and be remembered at any cookie swap.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Molasses Cookies
Cherry Pie Cookies
Bring a pie-inspired treat to the cookie swap with bite-sized cherry-filled cookies. The pinwheel design makes them look special while keeping the filling juicy and flavorful. They’re simple to bake and a fun way to add pie flavor to the tray.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Pie Cookies
Egg Nog Cookies
Make cookies that taste like a creamy, spiced drink in a tender, chewy bite. Cinnamon and nutmeg mix into the soft dough for flavor that feels rich without being hard to make. These cookies are simple to bake and a delicious choice for a cookie swap tray.
Get the Recipe: Egg Nog Cookies
Gochujang Caramel Cookies
Surprise the tray with cookies that mix sweet caramel with a hint of spicy gochujang. The chewy texture balances the flavors so every bite is interesting but not overpowering. These cookies are simple to make and a unique addition to any cookie swap.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Caramel Cookies
Candy Cane Brookies
Bring two treats in one with cookies that combine chewy dough and fudgy brownie layers. Crushed candy cane adds a minty crunch that makes them stand out on the tray. These cookies are simple to bake and a fun choice for a cookie swap.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Brookies
Palmier Cookies
Add a crispy, buttery cookie with caramelized layers to the tray for a simple yet impressive treat. The flaky texture makes every bite light while the sugar adds crunch and sweetness. These cookies are easy to bake and a tasty way to bring variety to a cookie swap.
Get the Recipe: Palmier Cookies
Rudolph’s Oat Treat Cookies
Make soft, chewy oat cookies that come together quickly and are easy to bake. The oats add a pleasant texture and a subtle nutty flavor that blends perfectly with the sweet dough, giving every bite a satisfying chew. These cookies are simple to prepare, hold their shape well on the tray, and are a reliable, crowd-pleasing choice for any cookie swap.
Get the Recipe: Rudolph’s Oat Treat Cookies
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Bring the flavor of rich hot chocolate to the cookie swap with soft, chocolatey cookies. Marshmallow centers melt slightly while the chocolate dough gives deep flavor in every bite. These cookies are easy to bake and a comforting, simple treat for the tray.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Cookies
Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
Try cookies that are soft, chocolatey, and filled with gooey marshmallows in every bite. The marshmallows melt slightly while the dough stays chewy, creating a rich texture that everyone will enjoy. These cookies are easy to bake and a simple, delicious way to make a cookie swap tray stand out.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
Chocolatey Raisin Cookies
Bring a classic cookie to the swap with soft, chewy oats mixed with chocolate chunks and sweet raisins. The combination of flavors keeps the cookies comforting and satisfying while still holding their shape. These cookies are easy to bake and a reliable choice for anyone who wants a familiar cookie with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Chocolatey Raisin Cookies
Easy Sugar Cherry Cookies
Brighten the cookie tray with soft, sweet sugar cookies topped with maraschino cherries for a pop of color. The tender base pairs with the fruity topping for a fun and cheerful flavor in every bite. These cookies are simple to bake and a playful way to make any cookie swap tray more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sugar Cherry Cookies
Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Bring a classic mint and chocolate combo to the cookie swap with cookies that are soft, chewy, and full of flavor. Crushed peppermint pieces add a refreshing crunch that balances the rich chocolate dough perfectly. These cookies are easy to make and a tasty choice for anyone who loves chocolate with a hint of mint.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Apricot Crescent Cookies
Try tender, buttery cookies filled with sweet apricot for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth bite. The crescent shape makes them look special while keeping the dough simple and easy to handle. These cookies are simple to bake and a unique way to bring variety and charm to a cookie swap tray.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Crescent Cookies
Classic Holly Wreath Cookies
Add a playful touch to the tray with cornflake cookies shaped like wreaths and coated in marshmallow. The crispy texture mixes with sweetness to create a treat that stands out visually and in flavor. These cookies are easy to make and a creative option for anyone looking to make a cookie swap tray more fun.
Get the Recipe: Classic Holly Wreath Cookies
Chewy Lemon Cookies
Brighten the cookie swap with soft, chewy cookies bursting with fresh lemon flavor. The citrus taste balances sweetness and gives every bite a lively, zesty flavor that feels special on the tray. These cookies are simple to bake and a flavorful choice for anyone looking for a bright, easy-to-make cookie.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Lemon Cookies
Spiced Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
Try cookies that combine chewy oats with tart cranberries and warm spices for a flavorful bite. Cinnamon and nutmeg mix with the oats to give depth, while the cranberries add pops of sweetness. These cookies are simple to make and a unique way to offer something different and tasty at a cookie swap.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
Nutella No-Bake Cookies
Whip up rich, chocolatey cookies that do not require an oven but still have a soft, chewy texture. Nutella mixes with chocolate to create a creamy, satisfying treat that comes together quickly. These cookies are simple to make and a fast, delicious option for adding variety to a cookie swap tray.
Get the Recipe: Nutella No-Bake Cookies
Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Bake soft, fudgy chocolate cookies with a hint of mint that adds a cool twist to the flavor. The crinkled tops give a fun, playful look while the chewy centers keep every bite satisfying. These cookies are simple to make and a great way to bring a chocolatey, unique treat to a cookie swap tray.
Get the Recipe: Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Classic Thumbprint Cookies
Fill the cookie tray with soft, buttery cookies that hide a sweet jam center in every bite. The dough holds its shape while the fruity filling adds a bright flavor that makes the cookies stand out. These cookies are simple to prepare and a crowd-pleasing choice that will get noticed at any cookie swap.
Get the Recipe: Classic Thumbprint Cookies
Cherry Surprise Cookies
Add a playful twist to the tray with cookies that hide a juicy cherry in the center of soft, buttery dough. Every bite has a sweet, chewy texture with a little fruity pop that feels special. These cookies are easy to make and a fun way to bring variety and surprise to a cookie swap.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Surprise Cookies
Chewy S’mores Cookies
Bring a nostalgic treat to the cookie swap with cookies that mix graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows into a soft, chewy bite. The flavors melt together for a sweet, comforting taste without extra effort. These cookies are simple to bake and a fun way to share a classic flavor everyone recognizes.
Get the Recipe: Chewy S’mores Cookies
Triple Ginger Cookies
Spice up the tray with cookies packed with the bold flavor of three kinds of ginger. Each bite is soft, chewy, and has a little zing that keeps the flavor interesting and satisfying. These cookies are simple to prepare and a flavorful option that stands out at a cookie swap.
Get the Recipe: Triple Ginger Cookies
Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
Offer a classic cookie with a nutty twist by filling buttery cookies with jam and topping them with pecans. The sweet and nutty flavors balance perfectly while the soft texture makes every bite enjoyable. These cookies are easy to bake and a satisfying choice that will be popular on any tray.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
Double Chocolate Blossom Cookies
Bring rich chocolate flavor to the cookie swap with soft cookies topped with a chocolate kiss in the center. The chewy base combines with the chocolate topping to create a decadent, chocolatey bite. These cookies are simple to prepare and a fun, indulgent choice for anyone who loves chocolate.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Blossom Cookies
Matcha Sugar Cookies
Try cookies that are soft, lightly sweet, and flavored with earthy matcha for a different twist on a classic sugar cookie. The green color adds a playful touch while the dough stays tender and easy to handle. These cookies are simple to bake and a special way to add something unique to a cookie swap tray.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Sugar Cookies
Chocolate Dipped Almond Horn Cookies
Add a crisp, buttery cookie shaped like a horn and dipped in chocolate to give the tray variety and a little elegance. Almonds add a nutty flavor while the chocolate coating makes the cookies feel extra special. These cookies are simple to prepare and a tasty way to bring flavor and flair to a cookie swap.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Almond Horn Cookies
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Make the tray pop with fudgy red velvet cookies topped with a powdered sugar crackle. The soft texture and rich chocolate flavor make every bite satisfying and memorable. These cookies are simple to bake and a visually striking treat that will get noticed at a cookie swap.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Cinnamon Lattice Cookies
Add a touch of warmth to the cookie swap with soft cookies filled with sweet cinnamon in a fun lattice design. The tender dough holds the pattern while the cinnamon adds a rich, flavorful bite. These cookies are simple to prepare and a tasty way to bring something visually appealing and flavorful to any tray.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Lattice Cookies
Almond Crescent Cookies
Offer delicate, buttery crescent-shaped cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth treat. The crumbly texture feels special while still being easy to handle and bake. These cookies are simple to make and a classic, satisfying option that will stand out on a cookie swap tray.
Get the Recipe: Almond Crescent Cookie