Want to bake some cute and easy Christmas cookies? Check out my favorite recipes—they’re fun to make and totally delicious!
Is it even Christmas without cookies? Honestly, nothing feels more festive than your home smelling like fresh-baked goodness.
Whether you’re whipping them up for a cozy night in, a holiday party, or just because you’re craving something sweet—Christmas cookies always hit the spot.
But let’s be real—who’s got time for all-day baking marathons? Definitely not me!
That’s why these easy cookie recipes are a total game-changer. They’re quick, fun, and bring all the holiday vibes without any of the stress.
Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with friends, family, or keeping as a little treat for yourself (no judgment).
Ready to fill your kitchen with that Christmas cookie magic?
Let’s get into my favorite easy Christmas cookies that look super cute and taste just as good!
Pro Tips for Baking Christmas Cookies
Before we get into the good stuff, let’s make sure your cookies turn out picture-perfect (for both eating and Instagramming). Here’s what you need to know:
- Chill Your Dough – For real, chill your cookie dough! Not only does it keep the cookies from spreading too much, but it also makes them taste so much better. Trust me.
- Use Parchment Paper – Save yourself from scrubbing burnt cookie bits off the tray. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
- Don’t Overmix – I know it’s tempting to keep stirring the dough (especially when you’re jamming to Christmas music), but overmixing makes your cookies tough. Just mix until things come together and stop there.
Christmas Cookie Decor Must-Haves
Half the fun of baking Christmas cookies is decorating them, right? Here are some must-have essentials to take your cookie game from basic to totally festive:
- Colorful Sprinkles – Think reds, greens, golds, and silvers. They instantly make any cookie look more festive.
- Icing Pens – For all my creative girls out there, icing pens are a game-changer. Use them to draw little snowflakes, Christmas trees, or even a tiny Rudolph.
- Edible Glitter – Because who doesn’t love a little sparkle? Sprinkle some on for that extra holiday magic.
What Are the Best Easy Christmas Cookies?
Alright, time for the real star of the show—cookie recipes! Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or prepping for a cookie swap, these recipes are about to become your new go-tos. Here are my favorites:
1. Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
These are a total holiday classic! Soft sugar cookies with a peppermint Hershey’s Kiss on top. They look so festive with the red and white swirls, plus they taste like Christmas in every bite.
2. Oreo Balls
The easiest no-bake treat ever. Just crush some Oreos, mix them with cream cheese, roll into balls, and dip in melted chocolate. They’re rich, creamy, and always a crowd-pleaser.
3. Classic Sugar Cookies
You can’t go wrong here. These buttery cookies are perfect for cutting into fun holiday shapes—think stars, trees, and snowflakes. They’re super easy to decorate with icing and sprinkles.
4. Gingerbread Man Cookies
Nothing says Christmas like these cute little guys! Spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, they’re soft, chewy, and perfect for decorating. Plus, you get to make adorable faces on them.
5. Snickerdoodles
The cozy cookie you never knew you needed! They’re soft and chewy with a cinnamon-sugar coating that gives them a sweet and slightly spicy kick. Perfect for pairing with a cup of hot cocoa.
6. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
These look like little snow-covered mountains. They’re fudgy, chocolatey, and rolled in powdered sugar before baking, so they get that gorgeous crinkly look. They taste like brownies in cookie form!
7. Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies
Super cute and super simple. These buttery cookies are made using a cookie press to create festive shapes like stars and trees. They’re easy to customize with colorful sprinkles, too.
8. Thumbprint Cookies
A classic for a reason! Soft, buttery cookies with a little ‘thumbprint’ in the center that you fill with jam or chocolate. They look fancy but are actually so simple to make.
9. Snowball Cookies
These are buttery, nutty, and rolled in powdered sugar—so they really do look like little snowballs! They melt in your mouth and are a must-have on any holiday cookie platter.
10. Molasses Cookies
If you love warm, cozy spices, these are for you. Molasses gives them a rich, deep flavor, and they’re spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. They’re soft, chewy, and perfect for dunking in milk.
11. No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
For when you want something sweet without turning on the oven. These bars are a peanut butter and chocolate dream—think Reese’s but homemade. So easy and dangerously delicious!
12. Hot Cocoa Cookies
Imagine your favorite hot cocoa in cookie form. These chocolate cookies are topped with gooey mini marshmallows, giving you all the cozy feels of a warm mug of cocoa. Perfect for winter nights!
13. Rolo Pretzel Bites
Sweet, salty, and super addictive! You just need pretzels, Rolos, and a quick pop in the oven. The chocolate caramel melts perfectly, and it’s all finished off with a crunchy pecan on top.
14. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
A festive twist on classic cookies. The sweetness of the white chocolate and the tart cranberries make for a perfect holiday combo. They’re chewy, a little fruity, and look so pretty on a plate.
15. Chocolate Dipped Shortbread
These buttery, crumbly shortbread cookies get a fancy touch when dipped in melted chocolate. Sprinkle some crushed candy canes on top for an extra festive look (and a peppermint kick).
16. Peppermint Bark Cookies
If you love peppermint bark, you need to try these. It’s a chocolate cookie base topped with white chocolate and crushed candy canes. They’re crunchy, minty, and full of holiday spirit.
17. Nutella Stuffed Cookies
Everything’s better with Nutella, right? These soft, chewy cookies have a surprise Nutella center that oozes out when you bite into them. Perfect for anyone who loves a little extra chocolate.
18. Frosted Red Velvet Cookies
These are like little red velvet cakes in cookie form. Soft, chewy, and topped with a generous swirl of cream cheese frosting. The red color makes them perfect for Christmas!
19. Santa Cookies
Fun to make and even more fun to eat! These are sugar cookies decorated to look like Santa Claus. Think red icing, a fluffy white beard, and cute little candy eyes. Kids (and adults) will love them.
20. Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies
A genius mix of gingerbread and cheesecake. These cookies have a soft, spiced gingerbread base with a sweet, creamy cheesecake filling. It’s like two desserts in one!
21. Red Velvet Blossoms
Think classic peanut butter blossoms, but with a red velvet twist! Soft red velvet cookies topped with a Hershey’s Kiss in the center. They’re as delicious as they are pretty!
22. Shortbread Cookies
A true classic. These buttery cookies melt in your mouth and are perfect for dipping in chocolate or sprinkling with a little coarse sugar for extra crunch.
23. Festive Butter Cookies
Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are super easy to shape into fun Christmas designs. Decorate them with colorful sprinkles for that extra holiday flair!
24. Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Imagine a mini cinnamon roll you can hold in your hand. These spiral cookies have a sweet cinnamon filling and a drizzle of icing on top. They’re like tiny bites of heaven!
25. Pecan Sandies
Buttery, nutty, and just the right amount of crunchy. These cookies are made with finely chopped pecans and have a delicate, crumbly texture that’s perfect with a cup of coffee.
26. Cinnamon Shortbread Stars
Classic shortbread gets a festive twist with a hint of cinnamon and cut into star shapes. They’re simple, sweet, and look amazing on any holiday cookie platter.
27. Lemon Snowflakes
Light and citrusy, these cookies have a bright lemon flavor and are dusted with powdered sugar to look like little snowflakes. Perfect for adding a pop of freshness to your holiday spread!
28. Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies
Your favorite chocolate chip cookie, but with crunchy bits of toffee mixed in. The toffee melts into the dough, creating a caramelized, chewy bite that’s totally irresistible.
29. M&M Christmas Cookies
Soft, chewy cookies loaded with festive red and green M&Ms. They’re colorful, fun, and perfect for holiday baking with kids (or for anyone who loves a classic M&M cookie).
30. Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprints
A fancy twist on traditional thumbprint cookies. These have a soft, buttery base with a dollop of Nutella in the center. They’re rich, chocolatey, and look elegant on a holiday tray.
31. Chai Spice Cookies
If you love chai lattes, these cookies are a dream come true. They’re spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, giving you all those cozy winter vibes in every bite.
32. Almond Crescent Cookies
These delicate, buttery cookies are shaped like little crescents and have a sweet almond flavor. Rolled in powdered sugar, they look like mini snow-covered treats.
33. Linzer Cookies
A holiday classic! These sandwich cookies have a buttery base with a sweet jam filling peeking through a cute cutout (like a heart or star). They’re pretty, festive, and so tasty.
34. Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Take your classic chocolate chip cookie and give it a festive twist with crushed candy canes. The result? A chewy, chocolatey cookie with a refreshing peppermint crunch.
35. Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies
These chewy cookies are packed with oats and sweet butterscotch chips. They’ve got that perfect balance of sweet and hearty, making them a cozy holiday favorite.
36. Coconut Macaroons
Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, these coconut treats are super simple to make. Dip them in chocolate for an extra touch of decadence!
37. Melted Snowman Cookies
These adorable sugar cookies feature a marshmallow ‘snowman’ that looks like he’s melted. Decorate with icing for a fun and whimsical treat that’s sure to get smiles.
38. Chocolate Peppermint Biscotti
Perfect for dunking in hot cocoa or coffee, these crunchy cookies are flavored with chocolate and peppermint. They’re festive, delicious, and great for gifting!
39. Grinch Cookies
These green cookies are inspired by everyone’s favorite Christmas grump! Soft and chewy with a hint of peppermint, they often have a cute red heart sprinkle to represent the Grinch’s growing heart.
Easy Christmas Cookies: FAQs
Got some burning cookie questions? I’ve got the answers!
Q: Can You Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Most of these cookies can be made ahead of time and stored for later. If you’re baking in advance, I recommend freezing the cookie dough or the baked cookies themselves. For the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw and bake!
Q: How Do You Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they should stay fresh for about a week. For softer cookies, try adding a slice of bread to the container—the moisture from the bread will help keep them soft. If you want them to last longer, you can always freeze them for up to three months.
Q: What’s the Easiest Way to Decorate Them?
If you’re pressed for time but still want your cookies to look cute, go for simple decorations. Sprinkles, colored sugar, and pre-made frosting are your best friends. For a little extra flair, drizzle some melted chocolate on top or use icing pens to add cute details like snowflakes or holly leaves.
Wrap Up
And that’s it—easy Christmas cookies that’ll bring all the festive feels! Whether you’re baking for a party, your friends, or just yourself, these recipes are sure to add a little sweetness to your holiday. 🎄🍪
Need more Christmas recipes?
