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Home » Desserts

The 42 Christmas cookies everyone agrees beat the store-bought ones this year

Published: Dec 5, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Some Christmas cookies disappear faster than anything pulled from a bakery box, no explanation needed. Once warm trays start circulating and that familiar holiday scent fills the kitchen, store-bought barely gets a second glance. These are the Christmas cookies everyone agrees beat the store-bought ones this year.

A close-up view of holiday butter cookies on a white plate.

Holiday Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

A close up photo of a stack of pecan chocolate chip cookies.
Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Crisp edges give way to soft, gooey centers in these pecan chocolate chip cookies packed with nutty crunch. The balance of buttery dough and melted chocolate keeps hands reaching back to the platter.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

A close up image of white chocolate peppermint cookies stacked on top of each other.
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy white chocolate chunks meet cool peppermint crunch inside tender cookie centers. That mix of sweet and minty tends to vanish long before the last batch cools.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies

A close-up image of Double Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies.
Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Deep cocoa flavor blends with warm gingerbread spices in chewy, rich rounds. Each bite feels layered with holiday warmth and bittersweet chocolate.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies

Gluten-Free Rosemary Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Gluten-Free Rosemary Lemon Shortbread Cookies with a jar of honey and fresh rosemary.
Gluten-Free Rosemary Lemon Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Bright lemon notes mingle with buttery dough and subtle rosemary for a fresh twist on shortbread. The aroma alone gives these a baked-from-scratch edge no box can touch.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Rosemary Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Close-up image of a chocolate chip skillet cookie topped with two scoops of ice cream and sprinkles, with one slice missing.
Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

A thick, gooey chocolate chip skillet cookie scoops like molten brownie meets classic cookie. Served warm, it rarely survives long enough for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringue Kiss Christmas Cookies

Someone holding a Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringue Kiss Christmas Cookie.
Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringue Kiss Christmas Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Crisp peppermint meringue cookies dipped in glossy chocolate feel both light and indulgent. Their delicate crunch makes them disappear one elegant bite at a time.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringue Kiss Christmas Cookies

Cranberry White Chip Cookies

Cranberry cookies with a bite taken out of them.
Cranberry White Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate balance beautifully inside soft cookie dough. That pop of bright flavor keeps them from feeling overly rich.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry White Chip Cookies

Chocolate Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs

An image of Chocolate Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs.
Chocolate Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chocolate sugar cookie cutouts bring deep cocoa flavor to every decorated shape. Once stacked on the tray, they end up moving faster than the plain versions ever do.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs

Raspberry Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Raspberry hazelnut thumbrint cookies on a cooling rack.
Raspberry Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Buttery dough cradles sweet raspberry jam and toasted hazelnuts in each thumbprint. Paired with coffee or hot chocolate, they rarely last through the evening.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Men Cookies

Top view of Gluten-Free Gingerbread Men Cookies.
Gluten-Free Gingerbread Men Cookies. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Bold molasses spice fills these soft gluten-free gingerbread men with classic holiday flavor. Decorating tends to slow down once sampling quietly begins.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Gingerbread Men Cookies

Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies

A close-up image of Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies.
Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Sugared cranberries sparkle against smooth buttercream for a striking cookie that tastes as bright as it looks. That sweet-tart contrast leaves a lasting impression on the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies

Ginger Crinkle Cookies

An image of Ginger Crinkle Cookies.
Ginger Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Erren's Kitchen.

Soft ginger crinkle cookies crack with snowy sugar tops and cozy spice inside. The scent alone draws people back for just one more.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Crinkle Cookies

Festive Chocolate Covered Oreo Christmas Cookies

An image of Festive Chocolate Covered Oreo Christmas Cookies.
Festive Chocolate Covered Oreo Christmas Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chocolate-covered Oreos turn into glossy, candy-like treats with endless decorating potential. The no-bake simplicity makes them vanish even faster.
Get the Recipe: Festive Chocolate Covered Oreo Christmas Cookies

Sugar-Free Nutella Cookies

Sugar-Free Nutella Cookies on a black cooking rack.
Sugar-Free Nutella Cookies. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Rich Nutella flavor shines through these tender sugar-free cookies with minimal effort. Fresh-from-the-oven warmth makes it hard to believe only four ingredients were used.
Get the Recipe: Sugar-Free Nutella Cookies

Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies

Side angle view of almond flour peanut butter cookies with one half-bitten cookie.
Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Almond flour peanut butter cookies bake into soft rounds packed with nutty depth. Their tender texture makes them disappear without much notice.
Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies

Snowman Cookies

Top view of Festive Gingerbread Pizzelle on top of a mug.
Snowman Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cheerful snowman cookies double as a baking activity and a dessert tray favorite. Smiles tend to come before the first bite even happens.
Get the Recipe: Snowman Cookies

Linzer Cookies

An overhead image of three Linzer cookies on a plate.
Linzer Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Jam-filled Linzer cookies sandwich sweet centers between tender, lightly spiced layers. Their bakery-style appearance never hints at how quickly they empty.
Get the Recipe: Linzer Cookies

Shortbread Cookies

A white plate with cookies on it.
Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Crisp, buttery shortbread delivers rich flavor with only a few simple ingredients. Each bite melts just enough to keep fingers reaching for another.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Cookies

Christmas Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Christmas Chocolate Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Deep chocolate flavor defines these festive Christmas sugar cookies with soft, rich centers. Party platters seem to thin out quietly once these show up.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Gluten Free Stained Glass Christmas Cookies

Gluten Free Stained Glass Christmas Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Colorful stained glass cookies glow as light passes through candy-filled centers. The visual appeal only speeds up how fast they disappear.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Stained Glass Christmas Cookies

White Chocolate Dipped Ginger Cookies

White Chocolate Dipped Ginger Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

White chocolate coating softens the bold spice of tender ginger cookies. Switching between dark or milk chocolate keeps every batch slightly different.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Dipped Ginger Cookies

Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies

Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Gooey marshmallows melt into soft chocolate cookies for rich, sticky bites. The texture alone makes these impossible to ignore while warm.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies

3D Stacked Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

3D Stacked Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Stacked Christmas tree sugar cookies layer frosting between soft, sweet shapes. Their playful look makes them vanish before the decorating tools are put away.
Get the Recipe: 3D Stacked Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Christmas Sugar Cookies

Overhead view of Christmas sugar cookies on a white plate, with cookies on the side as well.
Christmas Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Royal icing rests over tender, buttery Christmas sugar cookies built for gifting. Once displayed, the best-looking ones are always taken first.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Sugar Cookies

No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

A stack of maple pecan cookies on a white plate.
No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Maple syrup sweetness blends with buttery dough and crunchy pecans in these no-bake cookies. The flavor feels rich without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies. Photo credit: Erren's Kitchen.

Dark chocolate and hazelnut meet inside chewy cookie centers loaded with depth. Lining these up beside lighter cookies makes the contrast impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

Crinkle Grinch Cookies

Crinkle Grinch Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Red and green Grinch crinkle cookies add instant playful energy to any tray. Their soft texture keeps people coming back long after the novelty fades.
Get the Recipe: Crinkle Grinch Cookies

Biscoff Reindeer Linzer Cookies

Biscoff Reindeer Linzer Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Caramel-like Biscoff filling transforms classic Linzer cookies into something extra indulgent. The reindeer shapes make them almost too fun to eat—almost.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Reindeer Linzer Cookies

Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies

Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Nutter Butter bases turn into instant reindeer with a few simple decorations. Assembly is quick, but the finished treats don’t stick around long.
Get the Recipe: Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies

No Spread Sugar Cookies

No Spread Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

No-spread sugar cookies hold crisp edges and smooth tops for clean decorating. Their buttery flavor still shines once the icing sets.
Get the Recipe: No Spread Sugar Cookies

Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies

Close up view of lemon curd cookies with a lavender flower in background.
Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Bright lemon curd fills tender thumbprint cookies with bold citrus flavor. Quick baking time means these often appear on the table more than once a season.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies

Orange Pomegranate Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Orange Pomegranate Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pomegranate seeds add bright bursts of tartness inside chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. The mix of winter fruit and comfort texture feels unexpectedly addictive.
Get the Recipe: Orange Pomegranate Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Holiday Butter Cookies

A close-up view of holiday butter cookies on a white plate.
Holiday Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Soft holiday butter cookies bake with rich flavor using only six ingredients. Their crumbly texture practically guarantees they won’t last through the night.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Butter Cookies

Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tart cranberries add seasonal contrast to classic chocolate chip dough. The chewy centers keep these anchored on every holiday tray rotation.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies

White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

White chocolate melts into raspberry-studded dough for a bakery-style flavor pairing. The balance of creamy and tart feels just right for December baking.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies

Gluten Free Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Gluten Free Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Swirled gluten-free pinwheel cookies bring bright color and festive charm to the table. Their bakery look makes them disappear before anyone asks about ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Soft gingerbread cookies deliver deep molasses flavor with warm spice in every bite. Decorating becomes secondary once tasting begins.
Get the Recipe: Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Peppermint Kiss Cookies. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Peppermint Kiss cookies hide striped candy centers inside chocolate shortbread bases. Unwrapping the candy becomes part of the fun.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Kiss Cookies

3D Gingerbread Tree Cookies

3D Gingerbread Tree Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Layered gingerbread tree cookies stack into edible holiday decor with crisp edges and soft centers. Once the structure comes apart, the cookies rarely last long.
Get the Recipe: 3D Gingerbread Tree Cookies

Easy Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies

Easy Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Egg-free gluten-free Linzer cookies sandwich sweet jam between delicate cookie layers. Their tender texture keeps them just as popular as the classic version.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies

Christmas Reindeer Cookies

Reindeer-themed cookies decorated with icing.
Christmas Reindeer Cookies. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

Reindeer-shaped Christmas cookies turn decorating into a hands-on holiday tradition. Finished trays always empty faster than expected.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Reindeer Cookies

Festive Gingerbread Pizzelle

Festive Gingerbread Pizzelle. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Crisp gingerbread pizzelles bake thin with aromatic spice and delicate crunch. Their old-world texture brings something different to modern cookie spreads.
Get the Recipe: Festive Gingerbread Pizzelle

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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