Why You’ll Love This Cookie Collection
This list includes classic favorites, easy crowd-pleasers, and impressive showstoppers. The variety makes it perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday platters, and gifting, while offering options for all skill levels.
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24 Christmas Cookies to Bake This Year: Festive Favorites Everyone Will Love
- Total Time: Varies
- Yield: 24 different cookie varieties
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive collection of 24 classic and creative Christmas cookies to bake this year, perfect for holiday trays, gifting, and cozy winter baking.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Powdered sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Chocolate chips
- Cocoa powder
- Molasses
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground ginger
- Ground nutmeg
- Peppermint extract
- Sprinkles
- Nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)
- Dried cranberries
- Oats
- White chocolate
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Choose 24 cookie varieties such as sugar cookies, gingerbread, snickerdoodles, thumbprints, crinkle cookies, shortbread, and biscotti.
- Prepare doughs according to each recipe’s instructions.
- Chill doughs as needed for best shape and flavor.
- Preheat oven to the temperature specified for each cookie.
- Bake cookies in batches until set and lightly golden.
- Cool completely before decorating or storing.
- Decorate with icing, sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or powdered sugar as desired.
- Store in airtight containers or package for gifting.
Notes
- Mix soft and crunchy cookies for variety.
- Many cookie doughs can be frozen ahead.
- Label cookie containers to keep flavors separate.
- Perfect for cookie exchanges and holiday parties.
- Prep Time: Varies
- Cook Time: Varies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Forms the base of most cookie doughs.
Butter
Adds richness, flavor, and tender texture.
Sugar
Creates sweetness and structure in cookies.
Eggs
Bind ingredients and provide softness.
Vanilla extract
Enhances flavor in classic cookies.
Chocolate chips
Essential for rich, chocolate-forward cookies.
Cocoa powder
Adds deep chocolate flavor.
Spices
Bring warmth and classic holiday aroma.
Nuts
Add crunch and festive texture.
Dried fruit
Contributes sweetness and holiday flair.
Directions
Plan your cookie baking by grouping doughs with similar ingredients. Chill doughs as needed to improve flavor and shape. Bake cookies in batches, allowing trays to cool between rounds. Decorate and finish cookies once fully cooled, then store in airtight containers until ready to serve or gift.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Cooling racks
Cookie cutters
Spatulas
Servings and timing
Serves varies by recipe
Preparation time: varies
Baking time: 8–15 minutes per batch
Total time: flexible across multiple sessions
Storage/reheating
Most cookies store well in airtight containers for up to one week. Layer soft cookies with parchment paper. Freeze doughs or baked cookies for longer storage and bake or thaw as needed.
Variations and Customizations
Classic Sugar Cookies
Perfect for decorating with royal icing.
Gingerbread Cookies
Spiced, nostalgic, and ideal for shapes.
Snickerdoodles
Soft cookies rolled in cinnamon sugar.
Thumbprint Cookies
Filled with jam or chocolate.
Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Perfect for chocolate lovers.
Shortbread Cookies
Buttery and simple.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Hearty and comforting.
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Classic with chocolate centers.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Soft inside with a crackled sugar coating.
Spritz Cookies
Beautiful pressed cookies.
Linzer Cookies
Sandwiched with jam and dusted with sugar.
Coconut Macaroons
Chewy and naturally festive.
White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Sweet with tart contrast.
Molasses Cookies
Soft and warmly spiced.
Snowball Cookies
Powdered sugar–coated classics.
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cool and festive.
Orange Cranberry Cookies
Bright and seasonal.
Espresso Chocolate Cookies
Perfect with coffee.
Almond Biscotti
Great for gifting and dipping.
Caramel Stuffed Cookies
Rich and indulgent.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
A timeless pairing.
Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Soft and warmly spiced.
Red Velvet Cookies
Festive color and flavor.
Toffee Crunch Cookies
Sweet, buttery, and crisp.
FAQs
How many cookies should I bake for a cookie exchange?
Six to twelve cookies per person is standard.
Can I freeze cookie dough?
Yes, most doughs freeze very well.
Which cookies travel best?
Shortbread, biscotti, and sugar cookies.
Can kids help with baking?
Yes, decorating and shaping are perfect for kids.
How do I keep cookies fresh?
Store in airtight containers with parchment.
Should I chill cookie dough?
Chilling improves flavor and texture.
Can I bake cookies ahead of time?
Yes, many cookies improve after a day.
What cookies freeze best after baking?
Drop cookies and bar cookies freeze well.
How do I prevent overbaking?
Remove cookies when edges are set but centers are soft.
What makes a great cookie platter?
Variety in flavor, color, and texture.
Conclusion
Baking Christmas cookies is one of the most joyful traditions of the holiday season, and this list of 24 Christmas Cookies to Bake This Year gives you endless inspiration to make the season sweet. From nostalgic classics to modern favorites, these cookies are perfect for sharing, gifting, and celebrating. Whether you bake one recipe or all twenty-four, each batch adds warmth, comfort, and festive spirit to your holiday celebrations.
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