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Home » Desserts

50 Must-Try Holiday Cookies You’ve Never Made Before

Published: Dec 13, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Holiday cookies are a must for any celebration, and these recipes are all about bringing you something sweet and fresh to make this season even better. They're the perfect way to treat yourself and your loved ones with a mix of flavors that are sure to impress. Whether you're baking for a party or just to enjoy at home, these cookies will add a special touch to your holiday spread.

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

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

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, crumbly, and rich in butter. With just six ingredients, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for spreading holiday cheer during the festive season.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Butter Cookies

Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies

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

Christmas cranberry cookies feature sweet, sugared cranberries and a creamy buttercream topping. These festive cookies are an eye-catching and flavorful addition to any holiday gift tray.
Get the Recipe: Sparkling Frosted Cranberry Cookies

Easy Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread Cookie on a plate beside a jar of milk.
Easy Gingerbread Cookies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Easy gingerbread cookies, crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, are made with molasses and seasonal spices. These timeless treats are perfect for cookie platters, dessert tables, or gifting to loved ones during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gingerbread 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 centers, making them as beautiful as they are tasty. Despite their intricate appearance, they’re surprisingly easy to make and perfect for gifting during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Stained Glass Christmas Cookies

Easy Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

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

Christmas tree sugar cookies are easy to make and come in fun, festive shapes. Their bright, cheerful appearance and simple recipe make them a great way to impress friends and family during the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Easy Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Festive Gingerbread Pizzelle

A close-up image of Double Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies.
Festive Gingerbread Pizzelle. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Gingerbread pizzelle cookies are thin, crisp, and filled with aromatic spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Their bold flavors and rich molasses sweetness make them a traditional and meaningful Christmas gift.
Get the Recipe: Festive Gingerbread Pizzelle

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.

These Nutella cookies require only three ingredients and 25 minutes to prepare, making them a quick and easy treat. Their rich, chocolaty flavor and simplicity make them a thoughtful gift for the holidays, perfect for last-minute baking.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies

Spicy Gingerbread Granola Cookies

Spicy Gingerbread Granola Cookies. Photo credit: At The Immigrant's Table.

Gingerbread granola cookies feature a chewy center with spices like ginger and cinnamon. They capture the flavors of gingerbread, making them a fun and easy treat to enjoy any time of day during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Gingerbread Granola Cookies

Biscoff Reindeer Linzer Cookies

Biscoff Reindeer Linzer Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Biscoff reindeer Linzer cookies put a playful twist on the classic Linzer, featuring a Biscoff or caramel filling. With pretzel antlers and adorable reindeer faces, they’re a charming and memorable gift for any holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Reindeer Linzer Cookies

Easy Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies

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

These gluten-free Linzer cookies are a holiday treat inspired by an Austrian classic. Easy to prepare with options for egg-free, dairy-free, and vegan adaptations, they’re a great addition to any Christmas cookie platter.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies

Gingerbread Linzer Cookies

Gingerbread Linzer Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Gingerbread sandwich cookies, filled with creamy ganache, combine the warm spices of gingerbread with a rich filling. These homemade treats are perfect for gifting or sharing during Christmas gatherings, offering a festive flair.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Linzer Cookies

Air Fryer Gingerbread Cookies

Air Fryer Gingerbread Cookies. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Air fryer gingerbread cookies are quick and convenient, capturing the classic flavors of gingerbread in less time. Their ease of preparation makes them a great option for anyone looking to bake without a lot of effort this holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Gingerbread Cookies

Christmas Reindeer Cookies

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

Christmas reindeer cookies are fun to decorate and eat, with charming holiday designs. These festive treats are perfect for baking with kids or sharing at holiday parties.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Reindeer Cookies

Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies

Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Holiday reindeer cookies, made from Nutter Butters, are easy to assemble with minimal ingredients. These adorable treats make a fun and thoughtful gift for Christmas parties or gatherings, perfect for kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies

Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Chewy gingerbread bars topped with cream cheese frosting offer all the flavors of gingerbread cookies in a convenient bar form. Easy to make, they’re a great option for any holiday gathering and offer a different way to enjoy classic gingerbread.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars

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 offer a soft, gooey center and a crispy, golden exterior. They’re a great choice for chocolate lovers, making them a thoughtful holiday gift that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

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

Gingerbread cookies are a holiday staple with soft textures, molasses, and spices. Whether decorating with family or gifting to loved ones, they bring festive cheer to any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringue Kiss Christmas Cookies

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

Chocolate-dipped peppermint meringue kiss cookies combine airy meringue with rich chocolate and candy cane flavors. These elegant treats are simple to make and add a special touch to holiday gift boxes.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringue Kiss Christmas 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.

Flourless cashew almond butter cookies, dipped in dark chocolate and garnished with candied sage, offer a chewy winter treat. Their distinct flavor makes them a memorable addition to any holiday cookie platter.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Cashew Almond Butter Cookies with Candied Sage

Crinkle Grinch Cookies

Crinkle Grinch Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Crinkle Grinch cookies bring fun to holiday baking with their vibrant red and green colors. They're perfect for enjoying during a Christmas movie night, adding cheer to your holiday table, or gifting to friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Crinkle Grinch Cookies

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Men Cookies

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

Gluten-free gingerbread men cookies are full of bold spice and roll out beautifully for easy shaping. Perfect for decorating and sharing, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser and a great holiday gift.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Gingerbread Men Cookies

Easy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Easy Gingerbread Man Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Gingerbread man cookies are a holiday staple with their soft texture and blend of spices. Fun to make and decorate, they’re a great choice for any holiday occasion, whether as a family activity or a gift for loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Easy Santa Whoopie Pies

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

Santa Whoopie Pies are a playful addition to holiday baking, with a soft cookie exterior and creamy filling. They’re sure to bring smiles to Christmas gatherings and create joyful memories with kids and guests alike.
Get the Recipe: Easy Santa Whoopie Pies

Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies

Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Disney-inspired gingerbread sandwich cookies bring the magic of the season into your kitchen with fun, festive designs. With their chewy texture and creamy filling, these cookies will be a hit with the whole family and are perfect for holiday baking.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies

Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies

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

Christmas sugar cookies are a classic choice for holiday baking, with their buttery sweetness and endless decoration possibilities. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings or gifting to loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies

Chocolate Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs

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

Chocolate sugar cookie cut-outs combine the richness of chocolate with the buttery texture of sugar cookies. Their festive shapes are perfect for decorating, making them a nostalgic and enjoyable holiday gift.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs

Gingerbread Collagen Cookies

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

Gingerbread collagen cookies are packed with protein, making them a cozy winter snack option. Their soft texture and warm spices make them a thoughtful addition to holiday gift baskets.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Collagen Cookies

Gluten Free Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Gluten Free Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Gluten-free pinwheel cookies, with their festive red and green swirls, bring vibrant color and cheer to any holiday gift. These easy-to-make cookies are just as joyful to give as they are to receive, making them a great addition to any holiday baking.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Snowman Cookies

Snowman Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Snowman cookies are a cute, simple holiday treat that’s fun to make and share. They’re perfect for family baking sessions and double as impressive homemade gifts or party treats.
Get the Recipe: Snowman Cookies

White Chocolate Dipped Ginger Cookies

White Chocolate Dipped Ginger Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

White chocolate-dipped ginger cookies combine rich molasses and ginger with a sweet white chocolate coating. They're perfect for cookie exchanges or as part of a thoughtful Christmas gift.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Dipped Ginger Cookies

Ginger Crinkle Cookies

Ginger Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Erren's Kitchen.

Ginger crinkle cookies combine a chewy texture with the bold, warming gingerbread flavor. They’re perfect for adding to your holiday dessert table and are sure to complement any celebration.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Crinkle Cookies

3D Gingerbread Tree Cookies

3D Gingerbread Tree Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

3D gingerbread tree cookies are both fun to look at and eat, with soft centers and crisp edges. These creative cookies are charming gifts that double as edible Christmas centerpieces.
Get the Recipe: 3D Gingerbread Tree Cookies

Peanut Butter Stuffed Black Bean Cookies

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

Black bean cookies, filled with a creamy peanut butter center, have a rich, gooey texture that’s both decadent and nutritious. These healthier cookies make a thoughtful and creative gift, perfect for those seeking something a bit different for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Stuffed Black Bean 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 are packed with rich peanut butter flavor and come together quickly with simple ingredients. They make a wholesome, delicious treat for gifting during Christmas.
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 are a no-bake treat that’s made festive with colorful designs. They’re simple to prepare, fun to give, and a great gift for Oreo lovers, sure to spread holiday cheer.
Get the Recipe: Festive Chocolate Covered Oreo Christmas 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 the flavors of winter in every bite. They’re a great addition to any holiday baking spread, making them perfect for sharing during festive gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Orange Pomegranate Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Italian Chocolate Chestnut Tortelli Cookies

Italian Chocolate Chestnut Tortelli Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Italian chocolate chestnut tortelli cookies are filled with a rich combination of chestnuts, dark chocolate, and a hint of rum. These authentic cookies stand out for their complex flavors, making them a perfect choice for Christmas cookie exchanges or gifting.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chocolate Chestnut Tortelli Cookies

Double Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies

Double Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Gluten-free double chocolate gingerbread cookies combine rich chocolate with the warm spices of gingerbread. These chewy cookies are a perfect holiday treat for both chocolate and gingerbread lovers.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Gingerbread 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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