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Home » Desserts

42 Christmas cookies that will make you forget store-bought forever

Published: Dec 4, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Christmas cookies should taste like they came from a bakery, but better, and these recipes deliver that every time. Each one is packed with flavors and textures that make them impossible to forget. They’re simple enough to make without stress but still turn out great enough to impress anyone who takes a bite. If you’ve been stuck buying store-bought, these recipes will change the game and make you want to bake from scratch every year.

A line of gingerbread man cookies on a wooden plate.
Gingerbread Cookies. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Linzer Cookies

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

Linzer cookies with jam filling look festive while staying easy enough for everyday baking. Their polished appearance brings a touch of charm to Christmas cookies on any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Linzer Cookies

Snickerdoodles

An overhead image of snickerdoodles on a plate.
Snickerdoodles. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These chewy snickerdoodles bake consistently well and require only basic ingredients. Their cinnamon-sugar finish helps them stand out among Christmas cookies for gifting and sharing.
Get the Recipe: Snickerdoodles

Lemon Shortbread Cookies

An image of lemon shortbread cookies in a serving plate.
Lemon Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Lemon shortbread cookies mix bright citrus notes with a quick 30-minute process. Their light flavor adds a refreshing contrast to richer Christmas cookies in any gift tin.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Pumpkin Pie Cookies

An overhead image of pumpkin pie cookies with whipped cream on top cooled on a wire rack.
Pumpkin Pie Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These soft pumpkin pie cookies come together in under 45 minutes and use simple steps that make them easy to prepare. Their cozy seasonal spices make them a smooth fit among Christmas cookies when you want something that brings a bit of fall into winter.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Gingerbread cookies made with molasses and spices form soft centers that hold their shape nicely. They add a classic touch to Christmas cookies whether shaped into figures or simple rounds.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Cookies

Gluten Free Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Gluten Free Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Pinwheel cookies with red and green swirls roll easily and maintain clean lines when sliced. Their colors give Christmas cookies an extra festive touch.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Easy Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies

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

Linzer cookies with gluten-free adaptations still bake evenly and hold their shape well. They help include more friends and family in the enjoyment of Christmas cookies.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies

Danish Butter Cookies

Four swirled butter cookies, each nestled in a white paper liner, arranged on a wooden tray.
Danish Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Danish butter cookies use six basic ingredients and bake into crisp, tender rounds. Their simplicity makes them a steady anchor among Christmas cookies in gift boxes.
Get the Recipe: Danish Butter Cookies

White Chocolate Dipped Ginger Cookies

White Chocolate Dipped Ginger Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

White chocolate-dipped ginger cookies pair simple baking steps with a smooth finish. They fit well into Christmas cookies for exchanges and holiday trays.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Dipped Ginger Cookies

Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

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

Gingerbread cookies prepared with molasses and spice bake into soft shapes perfect for decorating. They remain a core part of Christmas cookies passed around during the season.
Get the Recipe: Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

Orange Pomegranate Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

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

Pomegranate oatmeal chocolate chip cookies feature winter flavors and approachable steps. They add variety to Christmas cookies when serving a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Orange Pomegranate Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

No Spread Sugar Cookies

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

No-spread sugar cookies keep their shape well and bake with dependable results. Their clean edges help create neat Christmas cookies for gift boxes and displays.
Get the Recipe: No Spread Sugar Cookies

Snowman Cookies

Snowman Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Snowman cookies rely on simple decorating and a straightforward dough. Their playful look makes them a cheerful addition to Christmas cookies for family baking days.
Get the Recipe: Snowman Cookies

Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringue Kiss Christmas Cookies

Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringue Kiss Christmas Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Peppermint meringue kiss cookies dipped in chocolate bake quickly and stay light in texture. Their crisp bite brings a refined touch to Christmas cookies given as gifts.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringue Kiss Christmas 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.

Peanut butter cookies made with almond flour come together quickly with minimal prep. Their rich flavor adds something different to Christmas cookies when sharing with others.
Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies

Festive Chocolate Covered Oreo Christmas Cookies

Festive Chocolate Covered Oreo Christmas Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chocolate-covered Oreo Christmas cookies require no baking and use familiar pantry items. They add a simple, eye-catching treat to Christmas cookies for parties.
Get the Recipe: Festive Chocolate Covered Oreo Christmas Cookies

Christmas Reindeer Cookies

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

Christmas reindeer cookies use basic decorating steps and sturdy shapes that hold up well. They add a fun project to Christmas cookies when baking with kids.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Reindeer Cookies

Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies

Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Reindeer cookies made from Nutter Butters assemble quickly with candies and pretzels. Their cute look adds a playful spot among Christmas cookies for parties.
Get the Recipe: Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies

Peanut Butter Stuffed Black Bean Cookies

Peanut Butter Stuffed Black Bean Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Black bean cookies with peanut butter centers bake into soft, rich rounds using pantry staples. They add a creative option to Christmas cookies when seeking something slightly different.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Stuffed Black Bean Cookies

Easy Santa Whoopie Pies

Easy Santa Whoopie Pies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Santa Whoopie Pies pair soft cookie layers with a creamy center and come together easily. Their fun design adds energy to Christmas cookies for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Santa Whoopie Pies

Italian Chocolate Chestnut Tortelli Cookies

Italian Chocolate Chestnut Tortelli Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Italian chocolate chestnut tortelli cookies use a flavorful filling and bake into tidy, gift-ready pieces. They bring an old-world touch to Christmas cookies for exchanges.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chocolate Chestnut Tortelli Cookies

Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies

A plate of pumpkin cookies with white chocolate chips is displayed on a table.
Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pumpkin white chocolate chip cookies bake in about 20 minutes and keep a chewy center. Their seasonal flavor makes them a quick way to expand Christmas cookies for gifting.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Easy Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Easy Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Christmas tree sugar cookies are easy to shape and keep their color well during baking. Their bright look adds charm to Christmas cookies for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Easy Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

3D Gingerbread Tree Cookies

3D Gingerbread Tree Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

3D gingerbread tree cookies assemble easily and create a fun edible display. Their shape makes them a standout choice among Christmas cookies for gifting.
Get the Recipe: 3D Gingerbread Tree Cookies

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Men Cookies

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

Gingerbread men cookies roll out easily and take well to decorating. They help round out Christmas cookies when sharing with friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Gingerbread Men Cookies

Gingerbread Collagen Cookies

Gingerbread Collagen Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Gingerbread collagen cookies use familiar winter spices and easy mixing steps. They bring a small boost of protein to Christmas cookies without straying from holiday tradition.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Collagen Cookies

3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies

Side angle view of piped Nutella cookies on a wooden board lined with parchment paper.
3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Nutella cookies use just three ingredients and bake in about 25 minutes. Their deep chocolate flavor makes them an easy addition to Christmas cookies for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies

Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies

Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Classic Christmas sugar cookies come together easily and invite creative decorating. Their simple prep makes them a steady choice among Christmas cookies for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies

3D Stacked Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

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

Stacked Christmas tree sugar cookies assemble into 3D shapes that remain sturdy once decorated. Their structure makes them a creative option within Christmas cookies for gift baskets.
Get the Recipe: 3D Stacked Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Holiday Butter Cookies

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

Holiday butter cookies come together quickly with a short ingredient list and a crumbly texture. Their simplicity makes them a dependable pick among Christmas cookies for gifting.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Butter Cookies

Festive Gingerbread Pizzelle

Festive Gingerbread Pizzelle. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Gingerbread pizzelle cookies cook quickly on a press and carry familiar holiday spices. Their thin texture brings a traditional feel to Christmas cookies.
Get the Recipe: Festive Gingerbread Pizzelle

Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

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

Pecan chocolate chip cookies bake into soft centers with crisp edges using simple steps. They bring a rich option to Christmas cookies for chocolate fans.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Crinkle Grinch Cookies

Crinkle Grinch Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Crinkle Grinch cookies brighten any tray with bold holiday colors and simple mixing. They add playful energy to Christmas cookies for movie nights or parties.
Get the Recipe: Crinkle Grinch Cookies

Chocolate Dipped Cashew Almond Butter Cookies with Candied Sage

Chocolate Dipped Cashew Almond Butter Cookies with Candied Sage. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cashew almond butter cookies dipped in dark chocolate offer a chewy texture with minimal ingredients. They add a memorable choice to Christmas cookies when gifting.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Cashew Almond Butter Cookies with Candied Sage

Biscoff Reindeer Linzer Cookies

Biscoff Reindeer Linzer Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Biscoff reindeer Linzer cookies use simple assembly with pretzel antlers and shaped cutouts. Their cheerful appearance brings charm to Christmas cookies at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Reindeer Linzer Cookies

Gingerbread Linzer Cookies

Gingerbread Linzer Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Gingerbread sandwich cookies with ganache require basic assembly and hold up well for gifting. Their layered texture gives Christmas cookies a richer option for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Linzer 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.

Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing keep a tender bite and decorate well. Their personal designs bring meaning to Christmas cookies shared with loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Sugar Cookies

Chocolate Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs

Chocolate Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chocolate sugar cookie cut-outs combine familiar ingredients with shapes that hold well after baking. They bring a nostalgic touch to Christmas cookies given as gifts.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs

Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Peppermint Kiss Cookies. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Peppermint Kiss cookies combine shortbread and a candy center using straightforward steps. Their festive look fits smoothly among Christmas cookies for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Gluten Free Stained Glass Christmas Cookies

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

Stained glass cookies look decorative yet rely on straightforward steps that are easy to manage. Their colorful centers make them a bright addition to Christmas cookies for gifting.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Stained Glass Christmas Cookies

Easy Gingerbread Cookies

Easy Gingerbread Cookies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Easy gingerbread cookies bake with crisp edges and soft centers, using straightforward steps. They keep Christmas cookies grounded in classic holiday flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gingerbread Cookies

Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies

Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Christmas cranberry cookies use sugared cranberries and buttery frosting to create a bright finish. They bring color and a fresh note to Christmas cookies on any platter.
Get the Recipe: Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies

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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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