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Home » Desserts

44 festive cookies everyone secretly wishes you would make

Published: Dec 14, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Festive cookies set the vibe for the season, and the ones in this post are all about big flavor, great texture, and that “wow, you really made these?” energy. These recipes hit that sweet spot where they’re easy to pull together but still feel special, the kind of thing friends pretend they’re not watching you plate but totally are. They’re perfect for anyone who wants treats that shine without getting complicated, and they bring just enough personality to make you look like you planned everything out—even if you didn’t.

A close up image of three pieces of cookies stacked on top of each other.
White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Linzer Cookies

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

Buttery Linzer cookies, lightly spiced and filled with jam, are simple to prepare but look elegant. They make a charming addition to any holiday gift spread.
Get the Recipe: Linzer Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies

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

Gingerbread cookies with molasses and warm spices have a soft, chewy texture. Cut them into fun shapes or rounds for a versatile holiday treat.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Cookies

Lemon Shortbread Cookies

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

Lemon shortbread cookies are prepared in less than 30 minutes and feature a buttery texture with bright citrus notes. They add a refreshing option among more traditional holiday cookies.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Snickerdoodles

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

Soft, chewy snickerdoodles with a cinnamon-sugar coating bake easily and consistently. They are a classic choice for sharing with family or including in holiday trays.
Get the Recipe: Snickerdoodles

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.

Crisp-edged, soft-centered white chocolate peppermint cookies combine creamy chunks and candy pieces. Ready in 25 minutes, they freeze well for later enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

A close up image of three pieces of cookies stacked on top of each other.
White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

White chocolate cranberry cookies balance bright tart cranberries with chewy centers. They come together quickly, making them an easy option for weeknight baking with bakery-level results.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Cranberry 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 decorated with royal icing are tender and buttery. Their designs allow for a personal touch when gifting.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Sugar Cookies

Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies

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

Christmas cranberry cookies with sugared cranberries and buttercream topping stand out on a gift tray. They offer both color and flavor in one treat.
Get the Recipe: Sparkling Frosted Cranberry 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 ingredients and melt in the mouth. Their simplicity and classic taste suit holiday gift assortments.
Get the Recipe: Danish Butter Cookies

Festive Gingerbread Pizzelle

Top view of Festive Gingerbread Pizzelle on top of a mug.
Festive Gingerbread Pizzelle. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Gingerbread pizzelle cookies are thin, crisp, and spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. They are a traditional treat that holds meaning for holiday gifting.
Get the Recipe: Festive Gingerbread Pizzelle

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.

Soft pumpkin pie cookies bring seasonal spices and rich butter flavor into a quick bake under 45 minutes. Their comforting taste makes them a fitting choice for holiday trays.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Cookies

Italian Chocolate Chestnut Tortelli Cookies

An image of Italian Chocolate Chestnut Tortelli Cookies.
Italian Chocolate Chestnut Tortelli Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Italian chocolate chestnut tortelli cookies are filled with chestnuts, dark chocolate, and a hint of rum. Their rich flavor makes them a standout for cookie exchanges.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chocolate Chestnut Tortelli Cookies

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 combine a gooey center with a crisp exterior. Their rich flavor is a popular choice for chocolate lovers during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten Free Stained Glass Christmas Cookies

An image of Gluten Free Stained Glass Christmas Cookies.
Gluten Free Stained Glass Christmas Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Stained glass Christmas cookies feature colorful candy centers and are surprisingly easy to make. They create a festive and visually striking addition to holiday gifting.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Stained Glass Christmas 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 20 minutes with chewy texture and festive flavor. They are quick to make and work well in gift baskets.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies

Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies on a wooden board.
Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Holiday reindeer cookies made from Nutter Butters are quick to assemble and charming. They are fun to give at parties or as gifts.
Get the Recipe: Nutter Butter Reindeer 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 require only three ingredients and 25 minutes to prepare. Their chocolaty richness makes them a sweet option for holiday sharing.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies

Christmas Reindeer Cookies

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

Christmas reindeer cookies are a fun decorating activity and enjoyable to eat. They work well for family baking or holiday parties.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Reindeer Cookies

White Chocolate Dipped Ginger Cookies

A stack of white chocolate dipped ginger cookies on a plate.
White Chocolate Dipped Ginger Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

White chocolate-dipped ginger cookies blend molasses and ginger with a sweet coating. They are perfect for cookie exchanges or as part of a gift assortment.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Dipped Ginger Cookies

Peanut Butter Stuffed Black Bean Cookies

Peanut Butter Stuffed Black Bean Cookies on a white plate.
Peanut Butter Stuffed Black Bean Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Black bean cookies with peanut butter have a rich, gooey center. They are a healthier option that still works as a thoughtful holiday gift.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Stuffed Black Bean Cookies

3D Gingerbread Tree Cookies

Three 3D Gingerbread Tree Cookies.
3D Gingerbread Tree Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

3D gingerbread tree cookies have soft centers and crisp edges. These creative cookies work well as gifts or edible holiday decorations.
Get the Recipe: 3D Gingerbread Tree Cookies

Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Peppermint Kiss Cookies on a circular wooden board.
Peppermint Kiss Cookies. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Peppermint Kiss cookies combine chocolate shortbread with a candy cane center. They bring festive flavor to holiday gift boxes.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies

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

Christmas sugar cookies have a buttery base and are easy to decorate. Their versatility makes them a favorite for sharing or gifting during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies

Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringue Kiss Christmas Cookies

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

Chocolate-dipped peppermint meringue kiss cookies pair airy texture with chocolate and candy cane flavor. They are easy to make and elegant for gifting.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringue Kiss Christmas Cookies

Santa Whoopie Pies

Santa Whoopie Pies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Santa Whoopie Pies have soft cookie exteriors with creamy fillings. These playful treats are fun for Christmas gatherings and sharing with children.
Get the Recipe: Santa Whoopie Pies

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 combine rich flavor with minimal ingredients. They are quick to bake and make a thoughtful gift for those who enjoy something different.
Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies

Orange Pomegranate Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

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

Pomegranate oatmeal chocolate chip cookies infused with orange zest capture winter flavors. They are great for holiday gatherings and cookie platters.
Get the Recipe: Orange Pomegranate Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

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

Gingerbread cookies combine soft textures with molasses and spices. They are perfect for decorating with loved ones or giving as gifts.
Get the Recipe: Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Men Cookies

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

Gluten-free gingerbread men cookies roll out easily and hold their shape. They are great for decorating or sharing as gifts.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Gingerbread Men Cookies

Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

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

Christmas tree sugar cookies are easy to make and visually appealing. They are a reliable option for holiday parties and gifting.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Gingerbread Linzer Cookies

Gingerbread Linzer Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Gingerbread sandwich cookies with creamy ganache fill combine warm spices with a festive touch. They are suitable for gifting or serving at Christmas gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Linzer Cookies

Gingerbread Collagen Cookies

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

Gingerbread collagen cookies are packed with protein and winter spices. They offer a simple way to include a festive snack in holiday gift baskets.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Collagen Cookies

Chocolate Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs

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

Chocolate sugar cookie cut-outs mix rich chocolate with buttery texture. Their festive shapes make them a nostalgic addition to holiday gifts.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs

Chocolate Dipped Cashew Almond Butter Cookies with Candied Sage

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

Flourless cashew almond butter cookies dipped in dark chocolate are topped with candied sage. Their chewy texture and distinctive flavor make them memorable.
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 have caramel or Biscoff filling with pretzel antlers. They are playful and festive for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Reindeer Linzer Cookies

Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies

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

Gluten-free Linzer cookies follow an Austrian classic and can be adapted for egg-free, dairy-free, or vegan diets. They are festive and suitable for holiday trays.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies

Festive Chocolate Covered Oreo Christmas Cookies

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

Chocolate-covered Oreo Christmas cookies are no-bake treats with festive designs. They are simple to prepare and fun to share.
Get the Recipe: Festive Chocolate Covered Oreo Christmas 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 are soft and crumbly with rich butter flavor. Using just six ingredients, they are easy to bake for gifting or sharing.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Butter Cookies

Gluten Free Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Gluten Free Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Gluten-free pinwheel cookies with red and green swirls add color to any gift. They are straightforward to bake and fun to give.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Snowman Cookies

Snowman Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Snowman cookies are simple to make and visually fun. They are a playful option for family baking or gifting.
Get the Recipe: Snowman Cookies

Crinkle Grinch Cookies

Crinkle Grinch Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Crinkle Grinch cookies feature red and green hues for a playful holiday touch. They are fun for movie nights or gifting in baskets.
Get the Recipe: Crinkle Grinch Cookies

Easy Gingerbread Cookies

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

Easy gingerbread cookies have crisp edges and soft centers, flavored with molasses and spices. They work well on dessert tables or in cookie platters.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gingerbread Cookies

3D Stacked Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

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

Stacked Christmas tree sugar cookies use colorful dough assembled into 3D shapes. They are visually impressive and simple enough to prepare for gifting.
Get the Recipe: 3D Stacked Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

No Spread Sugar Cookies

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

No-spread sugar cookies are made with butter and vanilla and bake consistently. They are reliable for creating decorated shapes for Christmas gifts.
Get the Recipe: No Spread Sugar 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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