Baking Christmas cookie recipes is a fun holiday tradition. The smell of freshly baked cookies, the warmth of the oven, and the joy of sharing treats with loved ones all add to the magic of the season.
Christmas cookies have been a festive staple for centuries. Originating from European holiday traditions, these sweet treats symbolize love, joy, and celebration. Over the years, they’ve evolved to include both timeless recipes and modern creations, making them an essential part of holiday festivities.
These 11 delicious Christmas cookie recipes celebrate both classic holiday flavors and modern twists! From timeless sugar cookies and gingerbread to creative treats like peppermint mocha and red velvet crinkle cookies, there’s something for everyone—including gluten-free and vegan options. Grab some ideas for festive decorating, creative gift packaging ideas, and fun ways to make baking a family tradition. Whether you’re hosting a cookie party or just looking for inspiration, this guide blends traditional favorites with trendy creations to sweeten your holiday season.
IN THIS ARTICLE
11 Delicious Christmas Cookie Recipes to Try This Year: New Flavors & Traditions
1. Classic Holiday Cookie Recipes
Traditional Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are the foundation of holiday baking. Soft, buttery, and easy to decorate, they’re perfect for kids and adults alike. Use festive cookie cutters and colorful icing to make them extra special.
Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe (With Icing!)
These easy sugar cookies are a Christmas classic, perfect for festive baking. With a buttery base and foolproof frosting, they hold their shape beautifully for decorating. They’re ideal for holiday gatherings or gifting. They definitely bring warmth, creativity, and joy to the season. Get the RECIPE HERE.
Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
These Christmas sugar cookies are a holiday favorite, offering a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, they’re perfect for creating festive shapes and decorating with icing. Whether for a cozy family night or a holiday party, these cookies bring effortless charm to any Christmas celebration. Get the RECIPE HERE.
Gingerbread Cookies
Nothing says Christmas like gingerbread cookies. With their warm spices and sweet molasses, these cookies are as fun to decorate as they are to eat. Create gingerbread men, stars, or even a festive cookie village.
Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
These Gingerbread Man Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of warm spices. The dough is chilled for the perfect texture, baked to golden perfection, and can be decorated with frosting. A classic holiday treat! Get the RECIPE HERE.
Soft Gingerbread Cookies
These Gingerbread Cookies are soft, flavorful, and easy to make! With molasses, cinnamon, and ginger, they offer the perfect balance of spice. Roll dough balls in sugar for an extra sweet touch, bake, and enjoy these festive treats! Get the RECIPE HERE.
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2. Creative and Unique Cookie Creations
Peppermint Mocha Cookies
Combine two holiday favorites—peppermint and chocolate—for an irresistible treat. Add a dash of espresso powder for a coffee kick, creating cookies that taste like your favorite seasonal latte.
Peppermint Mocha Cookies
Peppermint Mocha Cookies combine the rich flavors of chocolate, peppermint, and a hint of espresso. These festive treats feature crunchy candy canes and smooth white chocolate, making them a perfect addition to your holiday cookie tray or cookie exchange. Get the RECIPE HERE.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Add a pop of color to your cookie tray with red velvet crinkle cookies. Their rich, fudgy texture and powdered sugar coating make them as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are rich, fudgy treats with a beautiful red hue, perfect for holiday gatherings or leaving out for Santa. These cookies are rolled in both granulated and powdered sugar for a signature crinkle effect. With a soft, gooey center and a delicate cocoa flavor, they’re a festive favorite. Get the RECIPE HERE.
3. Gluten-Free and Vegan Options
Almond Flour Snowball Cookies
These melt-in-your-mouth snowball cookies are a gluten-free delight. Made with almond flour and dusted with powdered sugar, they’re perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.
Quick Vegan Snowball Cookies with Almond Flour
Quick Vegan Snowball Cookies with Almond Flour are easy-to-make, buttery, and naturally gluten-free treats, perfect for the holidays. Made with almond flour and pecans, they come together in one bowl and require no mixer. These cookies are subtly sweet, with a delicate texture that melts in your mouth. Optionally rolled in powdered sugar or coconut milk powder for a lighter, low-sugar option. Get the RECIPE HERE.
Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Rich in flavor and completely dairy-free, these vegan cookies combine the festive flavors of chocolate and peppermint. Perfect for plant-based holiday celebrations!
Vegan Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies (gluten-free + refined sugar-free)
Vegan Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies are a fluffy and decadent treat, perfect for the holidays. Made with almond and oat flour, these cookies are rich in chocolate flavor and infused with a refreshing peppermint twist. Sweetened with pure maple syrup and topped with dark chocolate chips, they can be garnished with a vegan vanilla icing and crushed candy canes for extra holiday cheer. These cookies are gluten-free and vegan, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. Get the RECIPE HERE.
4. Decorating and Packaging Tips
Creative Icing Techniques
Decorating cookies is half the fun! Use piping bags for detailed designs, dip cookies for a smooth glaze, or sprinkle edible glitter for extra sparkle.
Festive Gift Packaging Ideas
Turn your homemade cookies into heartfelt gifts with creative packaging. Use mason jars, decorative tins, or clear treat bags tied with ribbons. Add handwritten tags for a personal touch. The Dollar Store and Amazon have tons of ideas to check out for reasonable prices.
5. Family-Friendly Baking Activities
Host a Cookie Decorating Party
Gather friends and family for a decorating session. Set up stations with icing, sprinkles, and candies, and let everyone’s creativity shine.
Create Holiday Baking Memories
Baking together creates moments that last a lifetime. Involve kids in mixing dough, cutting shapes, and decorating cookies to make the process even more special.
Time moves quickly, but the memories we make last a lifetime. Start creating memories today!
6. Traditional vs. Modern Cookie Trends
Classic Flavors We Love
Sugar cookies, gingerbread, and thumbprints remain holiday favorites. They evoke nostalgia and bring a sense of tradition to holiday celebrations.
Trendy Holiday Creations
Modern twists include matcha shortbread, salted caramel thumbprints, and chai spice cookies. These fresh takes bring excitement to your cookie tray while keeping the festive spirit alive.
Spreading Holiday Cheer Through Baking!
Baking Christmas cookies is more than a holiday activity—it’s a way to spread joy, create connections, and celebrate the season. Whether you’re sticking to tradition or trying something new, every cookie tells a story of love and togetherness.
From our kitchen to yours, happy baking and Merry Christmas!
Thank You Credits:
Photo’s from Festive Gift Packaging Ideas Kaboompics.com, emre tekin, KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA, & Jill Wellington.
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