31 Holiday Cookie Faves That Make Your Kitchen Smell Amazing

Get ready for the holiday season with 31 cookie recipes that fill your kitchen with warm, sweet smells. These recipes are simple enough for busy days and tasty enough to share with family and friends. You’ll find soft, chewy cookies, crisp buttery ones, and even a few with chocolate or fruit that make every bite feel special. They’re all easy to follow and come together without a lot of fuss, so you can spend more time enjoying the season. These cookies are perfect for gifts, parties, or just a treat to enjoy at home.

Plate filled with eggnog cookies

Egg Nog Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Spiced Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

Image shows yummy oatmeal cranberry cookies cooling on a wire rack.
Spiced Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Start with cookies that mix sweet and tart in every bite. Chewy oats combine with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, while bright cranberries add a pop of flavor that stands out. These cookies are simple to make and bring a unique, satisfying twist to any cookie tray.

Get the Recipe: Spiced Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

Classic Holly Wreath Cookies

Image shows Holly Wreath Cookies on small pieces of parchment paper sitting on a wooden table.
Classic Holly Wreath Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Try cookies that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Light cornflake cookies are coated in marshmallow and shaped into wreaths that hold their playful form while tasting sweet and soft. They’re easy to make and a creative way to make your cookie tray feel special.

Get the Recipe: Classic Holly Wreath Cookies

Cherry Surprise Cookies

Image shows a hand holding a Cherry Surprise Cookie with more on a white plate behind it.
Cherry Surprise Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Bake cookies that hide a bright surprise in the center. Soft, buttery dough surrounds a sweet cherry, giving every bite a chewy and flavorful twist. These cookies are simple to make and a fun way to add something extra to any batch.

Get the Recipe: Cherry Surprise Cookies

Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies

Image shows a Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie being pulled apart on a wooden table.
Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Make soft chocolate cookies filled with gooey marshmallows for a rich, comforting treat. Every bite melts in your mouth while still holding together perfectly on the cookie sheet. These cookies are easy to make and are likely to become a go-to favorite for anyone who loves chocolate.

Get the Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies

Toasted S’mores Cookies

Image shows Toasted smores cookies on a white tray.
Toasted S’mores Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Try cookies that capture all the classic s’mores flavors without a campfire. Graham cracker cookies are topped with chocolate ganache and toasted marshmallow for a soft and chewy treat with a slightly crisp finish. They’re simple to bake and a fun way to bring a familiar flavor to any cookie tray.

Get the Recipe: Toasted S’mores Cookies

Egg Nog Cookies

Image shows irresistible egg nog cookie.
Egg Nog Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Bake soft cookies that taste like a spiced, creamy drink in cookie form. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and flavor while the dough stays tender and chewy. These cookies are easy to make and a delicious way to enjoy a classic taste without any fuss.

Get the Recipe: Egg Nog Cookies

Peppermint Chocolate Cookies

Image shows a white tray with Peppermint Chocolate Cookies sitting in rows.
Peppermint Chocolate Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Make cookies that combine rich chocolate and cool peppermint in every bite. Crushed peppermint adds a crunch and refreshing flavor while the soft cookie base stays chewy and chocolatey. They’re simple to bake and a sweet, easy way to impress anyone who loves mint and chocolate together.

Get the Recipe: Peppermint Chocolate Cookies

Chocolatey Raisin Cookies

A person holding a chocolatey raisin cookie over a plate.
Chocolatey Raisin Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Try cookies that mix chewy oats, chocolate chunks, and sweet raisins for a comforting treat. Each cookie has a soft, satisfying texture that makes it easy to enjoy straight from the tray. They’re simple to make and a perfect choice for anyone who wants a classic cookie with a little extra twist.

Get the Recipe: Chocolatey Raisin Cookies

Chewy Lemon Cookies

Image shows a fingers holding a Chewy Lemon Cookie with more in the background.
Chewy Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Bake cookies that are soft, chewy, and packed with bright lemon flavor. The citrus balances sweetness and adds a fresh, lively taste that makes every bite pop. These cookies are simple to make and a zesty option for anyone who wants something different on the cookie tray.

Get the Recipe: Chewy Lemon Cookies

Rudolph’s Oat Treat Cookies

Image shows easy to make Rudolph's oat treat cookie with more at the back.
Rudolph’s Oat Treat Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Make cookies that are soft, chewy, and quick to bake for any occasion. Oats add a hearty texture and a little nutty flavor while keeping the cookies simple and satisfying. These cookies are easy to make, fun to share, and a treat that can stand out on any dessert tray while still disappearing fast.

Get the Recipe: Rudolph’s Oat Treat Cookies

Chewy Molasses Cookies

A hand holds a chewy molasses cookie facing the camera with more cookies on a baking sheet in the background.
Chewy Molasses Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Try cookies that are soft, chewy, and full of warm, spiced flavor. Molasses and cinnamon make every bite rich and comforting while staying easy to bake. These cookies are simple to make and a classic choice for anyone who loves a sweet, cozy treat.

Get the Recipe: Chewy Molasses Cookies

Classic Thumbprint Cookies

Hand holding a thumbprint cookie with a bite taken out of it over a tray filled with more classic thumbprint cookies.
Classic Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Make cookies that are buttery, soft, and filled with sweet jam for a fun surprise in every bite. The tender dough holds its shape while the jam adds a bright, fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with the cookie base. They’re easy to bake and a simple way to offer a treat that everyone will enjoy.

Get the Recipe: Classic Thumbprint Cookies

Apricot Crescent Cookies

Image shows easy to make apricot crescent cookies.
Apricot Crescent Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Try cookies that are soft, buttery, and shaped into delicate crescents for a pretty presentation. Sweet apricot preserves give them a fruity center while the tender dough melts in your mouth. These cookies are easy to make and a unique way to bring something special to the cookie tray.

Get the Recipe: Apricot Crescent Cookies

Nutella No-Bake Cookies

Image shows no bake nutella cookies on wax paper sitting on a wooden board.
Nutella No-Bake Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Make cookies that are rich, chocolatey, and require no oven time at all. Nutella and chocolate mix together to create a creamy, chewy treat that is quick to prepare. They’re simple to make and perfect for anyone who wants a fast, delicious cookie without any extra work.

Get the Recipe: Nutella No-Bake Cookies

Gochujang Caramel Cookies

Image shows a wooden table with gochujang caramel cookies on it.
Gochujang Caramel Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Bake cookies that surprise with a sweet and spicy flavor combination. Caramel adds a rich taste while a hint of gochujang gives a subtle kick that keeps every bite interesting. These cookies are easy to make and a fun way to offer something different on the cookie tray.

Get the Recipe: Gochujang Caramel Cookies

Chewy S’mores Cookies

Image shows a closeup of a chewy s'mores cookie held over a wooden table.
Chewy S’mores Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Make cookies that bring all the flavors of s’mores into a soft, chewy treat. Graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows mix together for a cookie that tastes nostalgic and satisfying. They’re simple to bake and a fun choice for anyone who loves the classic campfire flavor.

Get the Recipe: Chewy S’mores Cookies

Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Four chocolate crinkle cookies coated in powdered sugar are arranged on a gray plate, set on a wooden surface with a white tile background.
Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Try cookies that are soft, fudgy, and full of chocolate flavor with a hint of refreshing mint. The crinkled tops make them look special, while the chewy center keeps every bite satisfying. These cookies are easy to make and a great choice for anyone who wants a soft, chocolatey treat with a twist.

Get the Recipe: Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Candy Cane Brookies

Overhead shot of chocolate candy cane cookies on a wooden board.
Candy Cane Brookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Make cookies that combine chewy cookie dough and fudgy brownie in every bite. Crushed candy cane pieces add a cool, minty crunch that complements the chocolate perfectly. These cookies are simple to bake and a fun way to give two treats in one.

Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Brookies

Cherry Pie Cookies

Image shows Cherry Pie Cookies close up on a white plate.
Cherry Pie Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Try cookies that wrap sweet cherry filling in soft, tender dough for a bite-sized pie flavor. The pinwheel design makes them look fun while keeping every bite full of juicy sweetness. These cookies are easy to make and a great way to bring a pie flavor to the cookie tray without extra work.

Get the Recipe: Cherry Pie Cookies

Peppermint Shortbread Cookies

Image shows a stack of four Peppermint Shortbread Cookies on a wooden table.
Peppermint Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Bake cookies that are buttery, crisp, and topped with chocolate and peppermint for a balanced treat. The shortbread is soft enough to bite easily, but holds the chocolate and peppermint well. These cookies are simple to make and a delicious way to add a sweet, minty flavor to any tray.

Get the Recipe: Peppermint Shortbread Cookies

Palmier Cookies

Image shows a hand holding a palmier cookie in front of others on a wire cooling rack.
Palmier Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Try cookies that are crisp, buttery, and layered with caramelized sweetness in every bite. The flaky texture makes them feel light while the rich flavor keeps them satisfying. These cookies are simple to make and a stylish, tasty option for anyone who wants something a little different on the tray.

Get the Recipe: Palmier Cookies

Hot Chocolate Cookies

Image shows hot chocolate cookie recipe.
Hot Chocolate Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Make cookies that taste just like a warm cup of hot chocolate in soft, chewy form. Marshmallow centers melt slightly while the chocolate dough adds richness to every bite. They’re easy to bake and a comforting treat that works well for any cookie tray.

Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Cookies

Easy Sugar Cherry Cookies

Image shows close-up of cherry sugar cookies.
Easy Sugar Cherry Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Try cookies that are simple to make and full of sweet, colorful flavor. Soft sugar cookies are topped with bright maraschino cherries that pop in every bite. These cookies are easy to bake and a cheerful way to add a little extra fun to any cookie selection.

Get the Recipe: Easy Sugar Cherry Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies

Four peanut butter cookies on a white doily-patterned plate, with a pink cloth in the background on a wooden surface.
Peanut Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Make cookies that are soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor that everyone will love. They’re simple to bake using ingredients you probably already have on hand. These cookies are a quick and satisfying choice for anyone craving a classic peanut butter treat.

Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cookies

Glazed Sugar Cookies

Glazed sugar Christmas cookies on a white plate.
Glazed Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Try cookies that are soft, sweet, and topped with a smooth, shiny glaze for an extra touch of flavor. The dough stays tender while the glaze adds a little sparkle to every bite. These cookies are simple to make and perfect for anyone who wants a quick, colorful treat.

Get the Recipe: Glazed Sugar Cookies

Chocolate Dipped Almond Horn Cookies

Curved almond cookies partially dipped in chocolate are placed on a plate near a glass of milk.
Chocolate Dipped Almond Horn Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Make cookies that are buttery, crisp, and perfectly shaped to dip in chocolate for extra richness. Almond flavor pairs beautifully with the chocolate coating for a simple yet impressive bite. These cookies are easy to bake and a tasty way to bring a little elegance to any cookie tray.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Almond Horn Cookies

Almond Crescent Cookies

A plate of almond crescent cookies is being dusted with powdered sugar.
Almond Crescent Cookies. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Try cookies that are tender, crumbly, and melt in your mouth with every bite. The buttery dough is dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish that’s hard to resist. They’re simple to bake and a classic choice for anyone who wants a rich, satisfying cookie.

Get the Recipe: Almond Crescent Cookies

Cinnamon Lattice Cookies

A stack of lattice-patterned cookies on a cooling rack with cinnamon sticks beside them.
Cinnamon Lattice Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Make cookies that are soft, sweet, and filled with warm cinnamon flavor in every bite. The lattice design makes them look special while the dough stays tender and easy to bake. These cookies are simple to make and a flavorful way to add variety to any cookie tray.

Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Lattice Cookies

Double Chocolate Blossom Cookies

Two chocolate blossom Christmas cookies on a white plate.
Double Chocolate Blossom Cookies. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Try cookies that combine fudgy chocolate with a chocolate kiss in the center for a rich, satisfying bite. The soft, chewy cookie balances the chocolate perfectly while staying simple to bake. These cookies are easy to make and a fun, indulgent treat for anyone who loves chocolate.

Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Blossom Cookies

Matcha Sugar Cookies

Matcha sugar cookies on a wooden board, surrounded by pink flowers and a small sieve with matcha powder.
Matcha Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Make cookies that are soft, lightly sweet, and filled with the earthy flavor of matcha in every bite. The green color adds a bright touch while the dough stays tender and easy to bake. These cookies are simple to make and a unique treat for anyone looking for something a little different.

Get the Recipe: Matcha Sugar Cookies

Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

Spooning apricot jam into pecan thumbprint cookies.
Pecan Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Make cookies that are small, buttery, and filled with jam for a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treat. The pecans add a rich, nutty flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly. These cookies are easy to bake and a simple, satisfying choice for anyone who loves a classic, tender cookie.

Get the Recipe: Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

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