When you host a holiday party, you want your treats to be a big hit with everyone. There’s nothing worse than having leftover cookies that nobody touched. This list features 21 simple holiday cookie recipes that anyone can make, from soft and chewy to crisp and sweet. Bake a batch that’s so delicious the platter will be empty in no time, and every guest will be smiling while reaching for seconds.
Chewy Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Bake buttery shortbread cookies topped with chocolate and crushed peppermint for a crisp, flavorful treat. The peppermint adds a cool, crunchy contrast to the soft, rich base while keeping every bite balanced. This combination of chocolate and mint makes the cookie tray more exciting and appealing for anyone grabbing a sweet bite.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Egg Nog Cookies
Bring the creamy, spiced flavor of eggnog into soft, tender cookies that melt in your mouth. Cinnamon and nutmeg swirl through the dough for warmth and flavor while the texture stays chewy. They make a classic, crowd-pleasing choice that adds familiar flavor in an easy, approachable way.
Get the Recipe: Egg Nog Cookies
Palmier Cookies
Add sugar into buttery layers of dough to create delicate, crisp cookies with a caramelized finish. The flaky edges give a light crunch while the tender center keeps each bite satisfying. They make an elegant addition to a cookie tray without feeling heavy or fussy.
Get the Recipe: Palmier Cookies
Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Blend rich chocolate dough with crisp peppermint for a cookie that balances sweet and refreshing flavors. The mint adds a crisp bite while the chocolate remains soft and fudgy in the center. This combination brings a simple yet eye-catching twist to any cookie tray.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Chewy Molasses Cookies
Bake cookies that are soft and chewy with the warm, spicy flavors of molasses and cinnamon in every bite. The sweetness is just right to make them comforting without being overpowering. They bring a classic, homey touch to a tray that invites everyone to take a second cookie.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Molasses Cookies
Gochujang Caramel Cookies
Combine sweet caramel with a subtle hint of gochujang to make a cookie that surprises without overpowering the palate. The chewy dough balances the flavors so that every bite has a touch of warmth and sweetness. It makes a bold, memorable addition to a cookie tray of familiar classics.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Caramel Cookies
Classic Thumbprint Cookies
Press soft, buttery dough around sweet jam for a cookie that delivers a pop of fruity flavor in every bite. The dough holds its shape while the jam adds bright color and a burst of sweetness. These treats bring charm and variety to a cookie tray that everyone will notice.
Get the Recipe: Classic Thumbprint Cookies
Classic Holly Wreath Cookies
Shape cornflake cookies into playful wreaths coated in marshmallow for a light, sweet, and crunchy treat. The combination of crisp base and soft topping gives a satisfying contrast in every bite. They make a creative and eye-catching option for a cookie tray that needs something different.
Get the Recipe: Classic Holly Wreath Cookies
Chewy Lemon Cookies
Bake cookies that are soft, chewy, and full of bright, fresh lemon flavor that cuts through the sweetness. The citrus adds a lively pop that makes every bite stand out. It adds a zesty, eye-catching option that balances flavors and draws attention on a cookie tray.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Lemon Cookies
Cherry Pie Cookies
Wrap sweet cherry filling in tender dough to create bite-sized treats that taste like mini pies. The pinwheel design adds visual appeal while keeping the filling juicy and flavorful. They bring a fun, pie-like twist to a cookie tray that disappears quickly because of their irresistible taste.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Pie Cookies
Toasted S’mores Cookies
Layer graham cracker dough with chocolate ganache and top with toasted marshmallows for a cookie that recalls the classic campfire treat. The soft, chewy base pairs with the gooey marshmallow and slightly crisp topping for a satisfying texture combination. This version brings the nostalgic flavors of s’mores to a cookie tray without needing a campfire.
Get the Recipe: Toasted S’mores Cookies
Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Fold chocolate dough with a hint of mint into cookies that are soft, fudgy, and visually striking with their crinkled tops. The chewy center keeps the chocolatey flavor rich while the mint adds a refreshing touch. These cookies bring a lively, chocolate-mint twist to any holiday collection.
Get the Recipe: Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
Combine soft chocolate dough with gooey marshmallows for a rich, chewy cookie that melts slightly on the tongue. The chocolate remains smooth while the marshmallows add a sticky, comforting texture. Perfect for a chocolate lover’s tray, they deliver indulgent flavor without complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
Cherry Surprise Cookies
Hide bright, juicy cherries in soft, buttery dough to give a small surprise in every bite. The tender dough wraps the fruit perfectly, keeping the cookie chewy while adding a pop of sweetness and color. This combination makes the cookie tray more interesting and encourages guests to try something different.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Surprise Cookies
Nutella No-Bake Cookies
Mix Nutella and chocolate into a creamy, chewy cookie that sets quickly without turning on the oven. The texture stays soft while the flavor is rich and chocolate-forward. These cookies offer a fast, impressive option for a tray that needs a quick, sweet addition.
Get the Recipe: Nutella No-Bake Cookies
Easy Sugar Cherry Cookies
Top soft sugar cookies with bright maraschino cherries for a vibrant touch of color and sweetness. The tender base pairs well with the fruity topping, creating a classic yet cheerful cookie. Guests are drawn to the playful look while enjoying a straightforward, tasty treat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sugar Cherry Cookies
Rudolph’s Oat Treat Cookies
Blend oats into soft, chewy dough to add texture and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the sweet base. The cookies hold together well while staying tender, making them easy to portion for a tray. Their satisfying texture and mild flavor give a simple but memorable addition to holiday treats.
Get the Recipe: Rudolph’s Oat Treat Cookies
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Bake soft chocolate cookies filled with marshmallow centers that melt just enough to remain gooey but not collapse. Rich chocolate combines with fluffy marshmallows for a warm, comforting bite. Perfect for a tray that aims to please chocolate lovers, they pair familiar flavors with a soft, satisfying texture.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Cookies
Chewy S’mores Cookies
Combine graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows in a soft, chewy cookie that brings classic s’mores flavors indoors. The marshmallows add gooeyness while the chocolate melts slightly into the base, creating a nostalgic taste. These cookies make a simple but memorable addition to any holiday tray.
Get the Recipe: Chewy S’mores Cookies
Candy Cane Brookies
Layer chewy cookie dough over fudgy brownie and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a dessert that merges two favorites. The peppermint adds a crisp, refreshing bite while the chocolate base stays soft and indulgent. This combination stands out on the tray as a visually appealing and satisfying treat.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Brookies
Chocolatey Raisin Cookies
Mix chewy oats with chocolate chunks and sweet raisins to create a cookie full of flavor and texture in every bite. The chocolate melts slightly while the oats give a hearty chew, keeping the cookie satisfying. This combination of classic ingredients makes a tray that disappears quickly and appeals to everyone.
Get the Recipe: Chocolatey Raisin Cookies