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Home » Recipe Articles

Holiday cookies everyone looks forward to all year

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

There’s something about holiday cookies that instantly makes the season feel warmer, cozier, and more festive. From classic favorites and nostalgic bakes to fun, creative twists perfect for sharing, these holiday cookie recipes are made for gifting, swapping, and piling high on the dessert table. Whether you’re baking with family, prepping for a party, or just want your kitchen to smell like the holidays, these cookies help turn ordinary moments into something truly special.

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, rich in butter and seasonal spices, are quick and easy to prepare. They bring cozy holiday flavors to any gift platter in under 45 minutes, making them a great choice for gifting.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie 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.

Made with just six ingredients, these delicate Danish butter cookies melt in your mouth with every bite. Their simplicity and timeless flavor make them a perfect fit for holiday gift assortments.
Get the Recipe: Danish Butter Cookies

Snickerdoodles

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

Soft, chewy snickerdoodles with a cinnamon-sugar coating are easy to bake and feature the right amount of tang. Their comforting flavors make them an excellent option for holiday gifts.
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, with their buttery texture and bright citrus flavor, come together in under 30 minutes. They add a refreshing touch to Christmas gift tins, perfect for spreading holiday cheer.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Linzer Cookies

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

These buttery Linzer cookies, filled with jam and lightly spiced, are easy to make but look impressive. Their festive appearance and rich flavors make them a great choice for holiday gift-giving.
Get the Recipe: Linzer 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 are chewy and full of seasonal flavor, ready in just 20 minutes. These festive cookies bring holiday cheer to any gift basket, making them an easy and thoughtful gift.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies

3D Stacked Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

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

Stacked Christmas tree sugar cookies are made from colorful dough and shaped into 3D trees. Easy to prepare yet visually stunning, these cookies make a creative and festive gift idea.
Get the Recipe: 3D Stacked Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

No Spread Sugar Cookies

Top view of No Spread Sugar Cookies.
No Spread Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

No-spread sugar cookies are a versatile, reliable recipe for creating beautifully decorated holiday shapes. Made with butter and vanilla, they’re perfect for Christmas baking and gifting, providing a solid base for any festive design.
Get the Recipe: No Spread 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.

Christmas sugar cookies, decorated with royal icing, are tender, buttery, and simple to bake. Their festive designs can be personalized, making them a creative and meaningful gift to share during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Sugar 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 Kiss center, creating a festive treat. These cookies are perfect for spreading holiday cheer and make a great addition to gift boxes or holiday dessert trays.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Double Chocolate Chunk Gingerbread Cookies

Top view of Double Chocolate Chunk Gingerbread Cookies.
Double Chocolate Chunk Gingerbread Cookies. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Double chocolate chunk gingerbread cookies combine bold gingerbread flavor with rich chocolate, offering a sweet and flavorful treat. Their chewy texture and festive spice make them an excellent choice for holiday dessert tables.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Chunk Gingerbread Cookies

Keto Gingerbread Cookies

A plate of Keto Gingerbread Cookies.
Keto Gingerbread Cookies. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Keto gingerbread cookies let you enjoy the flavors of the season without the extra carbs. Easy to prepare, they’re a great option for those looking to maintain a low-carb diet while still enjoying a festive treat.
Get the Recipe: Keto Gingerbread Cookies

Get the Full List of Holiday 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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