The holidays are a time for sweet treats, and cookies always steal the show. Some recipes vanish from the tray faster than anyone can notice, leaving only crumbs behind. This list of 25 delicious Christmas cookies features easy-to-make favorites that are perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. These cookies are full of flavor, simple to bake, and sure to be gone before Santa even gets a bite.
Chewy Molasses Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
Soft chocolate cookies with gooey marshmallow centers bring a rich and comforting touch to a tray of Christmas cookies. The chewy dough and melty middle create a contrast that keeps every bite satisfying. These cookies are easy to bake, hold their shape well, and stand out as a favorite on any holiday plate.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
Classic Thumbprint Cookies
Soft cookies with bright jam centers feel right at home on a plate of traditional Christmas cookies. The tender dough holds the filling neatly, making every bite balanced and sweet. These cookies are simple to make and offer a classic choice that family and friends will return to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Classic Thumbprint Cookies
Candy Cane Brookies
Fudgy brownies layered with soft cookie dough create a rich mix of textures for the Christmas table. Crushed candy canes add crunch and a peppermint kick that makes each bite memorable. These treats are easy to bake and bring a show-stopping, festive option for cookie trays and parties.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Brookies
Gochujang Caramel Cookies
Chewy cookies with sweet caramel and a hint of spice add a bold flavor to a tray of Christmas cookies. The soft dough keeps the combination balanced, so each bite is smooth and easy to enjoy. These cookies are simple to prepare and offer a unique, delicious choice that stands out among other treats.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Caramel Cookies
Toasted S’mores Cookies
Soft dough filled with chocolate and toasted marshmallows brings a familiar and fun twist to Christmas cookies. The gooey centers and chewy texture create a dessert that people will keep reaching for. These cookies are easy to make and always disappear quickly when shared at parties or swaps.
Get the Recipe: Toasted S’mores Cookies
Cherry Pie Cookies
Pinwheel cookies filled with cherries create a small dessert experience in every bite. The tender dough complements the sweet fruit filling, giving a balanced and satisfying flavor. These cookies are simple to bake and bring a fruity, festive addition to the Christmas cookie tray.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Pie Cookies
Chewy Lemon Cookies
Bright lemon flavor adds a fresh balance to richer treats on a Christmas cookie tray. The soft, chewy texture keeps them easy to enjoy from first bite to last. These cookies are simple to bake and bring a lively, refreshing option that fits well alongside sweeter favorites.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Lemon Cookies
Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Crinkled tops and soft centers give these cookies a classic Christmas look that stands out on any plate. The chocolate and mint mix keeps the flavor rich while staying light enough to enjoy with other treats. These cookies are easy to bake, hold their shape well, and make a festive choice for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Chewy Molasses Cookies
Soft, slightly spiced molasses cookies bring a bold and familiar flavor to Christmas trays. The chewy texture keeps them satisfying, while the warm spices make them memorable for sharing. These cookies are simple to bake, perfect for gifting, and disappear fast once served.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Molasses Cookies
Classic Holly Wreath Cookies
Cookies shaped like wreaths add a cheerful, decorative touch to any Christmas plate. Crunchy cereal mixed with marshmallow gives a sweet, familiar texture that is fun to enjoy. These cookies come together quickly and offer a colorful, festive option to share with family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Classic Holly Wreath Cookies
Chewy S’mores Cookies
Chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers combine in soft cookies that feel both familiar and fun. Every bite offers a mix of chewy and sweet that keeps people going back for more. These cookies are simple to bake and are great for sharing with kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Chewy S’mores Cookies
Cherry Surprise Cookies
A hidden cherry center turns these cookies into a sweet surprise that brings smiles at Christmas gatherings. The buttery outside balances the fruity filling, giving a flavor that people remember. These cookies are simple to make and always create a playful, delicious option for trays or tins.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Surprise Cookies
Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Rich chocolate dough with crushed peppermint adds color and flavor to a Christmas cookie tray. The soft cookie base balances the mint, keeping every bite sweet and tender. These cookies are easy to bake and feel like a classic, festive choice for sharing with loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Palmier Cookies
Light, flaky layers coated in caramelized sugar add texture and elegance to a plate of Christmas cookies. The crisp, buttery layers bring variety alongside softer treats and are simple to make. These cookies create a sweet, refined touch that catches everyone’s eye on the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Palmier Cookies
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Soft chocolate cookies with marshmallow centers create a warm and comforting addition to a tray of Christmas cookies. The tender dough and gooey center combine to make every bite satisfying. These cookies bake easily and often become the first ones gone.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Cookies
Chocolatey Raisin Cookies
Oats, chocolate, and raisins come together to make soft cookies that feel familiar and satisfying on a Christmas tray. The balance of sweetness keeps them enjoyable without being too rich. These cookies are easy to bake and pair well with traditional favorites.
Get the Recipe: Chocolatey Raisin Cookies
Easy Sugar Cherry Cookies
Soft sugar cookies with pieces of cherry add a pop of color and fruity sweetness to Christmas plates. The tender dough keeps each bite light and enjoyable. These cookies are simple to make and are perfect for filling plates and gift tins.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sugar Cherry Cookies
Egg Nog Cookies
Soft, creamy cookies flavored with warm spices give a taste reminiscent of classic eggnog. The dough is easy to shape and keeps the flavor in every bite. These cookies are simple to make and bring a rich, festive option for sharing at Christmas.
Get the Recipe: Egg Nog Cookies
Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Crisp shortbread with chocolate and peppermint adds a cool, refreshing bite to a tray of Christmas cookies. The buttery base stays tender while the peppermint adds a sweet crunch. These cookies are simple to make and provide a classic, festive option for gifting or sharing.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Rudolph’s Oat Treat Cookies
Soft oat cookies are chewy, flavorful, and perfect for a playful addition to Christmas cookie trays. The texture makes them easy to enjoy and keeps people coming back for more. These cookies bake quickly and offer a cheerful, festive choice to share.
Get the Recipe: Rudolph’s Oat Treat Cookies
Spiced Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
Chewy cookies with oats, cranberries, and warm spices bring a balanced, festive flavor to a plate of Christmas treats. The mixture is easy to make and delivers a sweetness that complements other favorites. These cookies are simple to bake and make a cheerful, delicious addition for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
Nutella No-Bake Cookies
Nutella mixed with a few simple ingredients creates cookies that are rich, chewy, and ready without the oven. The chocolate flavor is deep and satisfying, while the texture keeps every bite soft. These cookies are easy to make and provide a fast, delicious option for filling trays or gift tins.
Get the Recipe: Nutella No-Bake Cookies
Apricot Crescent Cookies
Delicate crescent shapes filled with apricot add a soft, fruity touch to any tray of Christmas cookies. The buttery dough keeps each bite tender while creating a festive appearance. These cookies are simple to make and bring a thoughtful, delicious option for sharing with family.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Crescent Cookies
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Soft red velvet cookies dusted with powdered sugar give a bold, festive look to the Christmas tray. Chewy centers deliver rich chocolate flavor in every bite, while the crinkled tops stay intact. These cookies are easy to bake and bring a colorful, delicious choice for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Snowman Cookies
Soft cookies shaped like snowmen add a cheerful, festive touch to any Christmas cookie plate. The dough holds the decorations well and stays tender with every bite. These cookies are simple to make and provide a fun, delicious option for swaps and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Snowman Cookies