When the holidays roll around, there are certain cookies we make without question. These 21 holiday cookies have become our favorites over the years because they never disappoint. Each one is simple to make and tastes just right. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who just wants to make a batch of cookies for the season, these recipes are sure to be a hit.
Classic Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Chewy Molasses Cookies
These molasses cookies are soft, chewy, and full of bold spices that create a comforting, rich flavor. The perfect balance of sweetness and spice makes them irresistible. With each bite, they remind everyone that tradition and flavor go hand in hand, making them a must for any dessert tray.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Molasses Cookies
Egg Nog Cookies
These cookies bring the warmth and comfort of traditional eggnog into each soft, spiced bite. The creamy texture and perfect blend of spices make them a standout treat for any occasion. They capture the essence of holiday cheer, turning every bite into a sweet moment of nostalgia.
Get the Recipe: Egg Nog Cookies
Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
Rich chocolate cookies with gooey marshmallow centers offer a perfect blend of bold flavors and satisfying texture. The chewy exterior pairs perfectly with the melted marshmallow surprise in the center. These cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a memorable experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
Toasted S’mores Cookies
A graham cracker base topped with chocolate ganache and toasted marshmallow fluff creates layers of flavor and texture that everyone will love. The combination of buttery crunch and gooey marshmallow brings the best part of s’mores into cookie form. These cookies transform holiday baking into a celebration of flavor that people will talk about long after the last bite.
Get the Recipe: Toasted S’mores Cookies
Classic Holly Wreath Cookies
Cornflakes coated in gooey marshmallows and shaped into whimsical wreaths add a playful and festive touch to any dessert spread. Their colorful decorations bring joy before the first bite. These cookies turn simple ingredients into delightful works of edible art, making them a showstopper at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Classic Holly Wreath Cookies
Classic Thumbprint Cookies
Buttery cookies filled with sweet jam and topped with a light glaze combine simple ingredients into something truly special. Their nostalgic charm makes them a timeless treat that feels like a hug in every bite. These cookies are more than a dessert; they are a reminder of the beauty in simplicity and the joy it brings.
Get the Recipe: Classic Thumbprint Cookies
Nutella No-Bake Cookies
Quick and easy, these no-bake cookies combine the rich flavors of chocolate and Nutella for a decadent, satisfying treat. Their effortless preparation makes them perfect for last-minute baking without sacrificing flavor. These cookies show that a little creativity and a lot of taste can come together with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Nutella No-Bake Cookies
Easy Sugar Cherry Cookies
These soft sugar cookies filled with sweet maraschino cherries are a burst of color and flavor in every bite. The cheerful design makes them stand out, adding a fun touch to any dessert tray. These cookies aren’t just sweet—they bring a sense of joy and playful spirit to holiday baking that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sugar Cherry Cookies
Chewy S’mores Cookies
Packed with gooey marshmallows, melted chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers, these cookies are a nostalgic treat that brings the campfire to your kitchen. Each bite is a perfect combination of textures, making them a fun and delicious treat. These cookies turn ordinary holiday baking into a fun, flavorful experience everyone will remember.
Get the Recipe: Chewy S’mores Cookies
Chocolatey Raisin Cookies
Chewy oatmeal cookies with sweet raisins and rich chocolate create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. They combine comforting, familiar ingredients with a touch of indulgence, making them a must-have treat. These cookies bring warmth and sweetness to any holiday gathering, creating memories with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Chocolatey Raisin Cookies
Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Buttery shortbread cookies dipped in smooth chocolate and sprinkled with crushed peppermint deliver a refreshing, elegant flavor in every bite. The simple design and bold flavors make them a treat everyone will remember. These cookies aren’t just a dessert—they’re a touch of sophistication that adds class to any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Palmier Cookies
Flaky, buttery cookies with caramelized layers offer a refined taste that’s as simple as it is elegant. Their crisp texture and sweet flavor make them a standout treat on any dessert table. These cookies prove that sophistication doesn’t have to be complicated, turning your baking into something effortlessly impressive.
Get the Recipe: Palmier Cookies
Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Chewy oatmeal cookies filled with plump raisins and warm spices bring a comforting, timeless flavor. Their rich texture and familiar taste make them a perfect addition to any dessert spread. These cookies are a reminder that sometimes the simplest recipes hold the most warmth and nostalgia.
Get the Recipe: Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Apricot Crescent Cookies
Buttery crescent-shaped cookies filled with tangy apricot preserves offer a delicious twist on a classic treat. The sweetness of the fruit perfectly complements the buttery dough. These cookies bring a surprising and delightful flavor to any holiday gathering, making them a new favorite that stands out from the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Crescent Cookies
Chewy Lemon Cookies
With each bite, these chewy lemon cookies bring a bright citrus burst that’s both refreshing and sweet. The balance of tart and sweet makes them unforgettable and uniquely satisfying. These cookies are the perfect way to add a zesty touch to any holiday dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Lemon Cookies
Gochujang Caramel Cookies
These cookies blend sweet caramel with a hint of spice, creating a bold, unforgettable flavor. The combination of sweet and savory offers a refreshing twist on traditional holiday treats. These cookies aren’t just a dessert—they’re a conversation starter and a perfect surprise for anyone with an adventurous taste.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Caramel Cookies
Cherry Surprise Cookies
Buttery cookies with a sweet cherry hidden inside make these treats both fun and delicious. Each bite is a surprise, combining playful design with incredible flavor. These cookies are a joyful treat that adds an element of surprise to every holiday dessert spread.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Surprise Cookies
Spiced Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
Oatmeal cookies get a delicious twist with the addition of tart cranberries and warm spices. The sweet and tangy combination makes each bite a flavorful experience. These cookies offer a comforting, festive option that’s both exciting and satisfying for anyone’s holiday dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
Copycat Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Dipped Cookies
Chewy chocolate cookies dipped in smooth white chocolate recreate the nostalgic flavor of a classic favorite with a homemade touch. The perfect balance of rich chocolate and creamy white chocolate makes each bite unforgettable. These cookies bring back sweet memories while adding a touch of homemade love to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Dipped Cookies
Cherry Pie Cookies
These cookies feature sweet cherry filling wrapped in tender cookie dough, offering the flavor of cherry pie in every bite. Their festive pinwheel design adds a fun and eye-catching touch. These cookies are the perfect way to enjoy the taste of pie without the extra work, turning any holiday table into a sweet celebration.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Pie Cookies
Candy Cane Brookies
A perfect blend of chewy cookie and fudgy brownie, these brookies are filled with crushed candy canes for a minty, festive twist. The combination of textures and flavors makes every bite feel like a special treat. These cookies combine two favorites into one irresistible creation, capturing the joy and flavor of holiday baking.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Brookies