Cookies People Quietly Take Seconds of at the Cookie Swap
Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering, assembling edible gifts, or simply indulging in the joy of holiday treats, this collection of Christmas cookies has something for everyone. From timeless classics like buttery snowballs and frosted sugar cookies to creative twists like Grinch-inspired cake mix cookies and no-bake peppermint treats, each recipe offers a balance of simplicity and holiday charm. With options for vegan, gluten-free, and no-bake cookies, plus plenty of crowd-pleasing flavors and nostalgic favorites, this list is designed to inspire and delight. So preheat the oven—or don’t!—and dive into a season full of sweet memories and delicious moments.
Chewy Pistachio Cranberry Cookies
Pistachios and cranberries shine in these chewy, buttery cookies with a festive flair. Sweet and tart with a nutty crunch, they’re ideal for seasonal gatherings or edible gifts. A unique and elegant addition to any cookie tray.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Pistachio Cranberry Cookies
Classic Walnut Snowball Cookies
These melt-in-your-mouth walnut snowballs—also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies—are a timeless holiday favorite. With just six ingredients and no chilling required, they’re rich, buttery, and rolled in a blanket of powdered sugar. Ideal for gifting or last-minute baking.
Get the Recipe: Classic Walnut Snowball Cookies
Cookie Mix Gift Jars for the Holidays
This DIY cookie mix in a jar is a charming, ready-to-bake gift idea filled with pre-measured ingredients. Just add wet ingredients and bake for a warm, homemade treat. A thoughtful and delicious holiday gesture.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Mix Gift Jars for the Holidays
Chewy Blackstrap Molasses Cookies
Deeply spiced and irresistibly soft, these molasses cookies are made with blackstrap molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. The chewy texture and warm flavor make them a comforting holiday classic. Perfect for enjoying with tea or wrapping up as a cozy gift.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Blackstrap Molasses Cookies
Vegan Coconut Cranberry Cookies
These chewy vegan cookies are bursting with festive flavor thanks to tangy cranberries and sweet coconut flakes. Naturally dairy- and egg-free, they’re a satisfying treat for any cookie platter. Great with a glass of almond milk or as a wholesome dessert option.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Coconut Cranberry Cookies
Grinch Green Cake Mix Cookies
Inspired by How the Grinch Stole Christmas, these vibrant green cookies are made with cake mix and plenty of holiday cheer. Soft, simple, and fun for all ages, they’re a whimsical addition to movie nights and cookie exchanges. A true crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Grinch Green Cake Mix Cookies
No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Quick and fudgy, these no-bake oatmeal cookies blend cocoa, peanut butter, and oats for a rich treat with zero oven time. Made from pantry staples, they’re perfect for busy holiday weeks. Set in minutes and vanish just as fast!
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Christmas Cake Mix Cookies With Only A Few Ingredients
If you need great tasting Christmas cookies in a hurry then make this easy Christmas cookie recipe with only a few ingredients you normally keep on hand. Just 4 ingredients and it take less than 5 minutes to make the dough.
Get the Recipe: Super Easy Christmas Cake Mix Cookies With Only A Few Ingredients
Mint Chocolate Ritz Cracker Cookies
These no-bake Ritz cookies are dipped in mint-flavored chocolate and topped with sprinkles for a crunchy, cool bite. They mimic the flavor of fudge mint cookies but require no baking at all. A festive, freezer-friendly favorite.
Get the Recipe: Mint Chocolate Ritz Cracker Cookies
Easy White Cake Mix Cookies
These quick-to-make cookies use white cake mix as a shortcut, creating soft, sweet holiday treats in minutes. Just add festive sprinkles or candy for a fun twist. Perfect for beginner bakers or last-minute celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Easy White Cake Mix Cookies
Peppermint Chip Green Christmas Cookies
Made with white cake mix, Andes peppermint chips, and white chocolate, these minty green cookies are festive and flavorful. Their vibrant color makes them a holiday showstopper. A fast, foolproof favorite for cookie swaps.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Chip Green Christmas Cookies
Frosted Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
These soft sugar cookies are topped with creamy frosting and colorful holiday sprinkles. Easy to decorate and even easier to eat, they’re perfect for baking with kids or adding to your holiday trays. A true Christmas classic.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Buttery Cashew Drop Cookies
These chewy, golden cookies are loaded with roasted cashews and rich brown sugar for the perfect salty-sweet bite. The crisp edges and soft center make them completely irresistible. Great for nut lovers and cookie tins alike.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Cashew Drop Cookies
Egg-Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
These soft and chewy peanut butter cookies are completely egg-free and vegan, yet packed with flavor. Naturally gluten-free and simple to make, they’re a great allergy-friendly option for cookie trays. Loved by kids and adults alike!
Get the Recipe: Egg-Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
Funfetti Cake Mix Holiday Cookies
Chewy, colorful, and bursting with sprinkles, these cookies come together in under 20 minutes using Funfetti cake mix. They’re easy enough for kids to help with and festive enough for any holiday party. Sweet, simple, and joyful!
Get the Recipe: Funfetti Cake Mix Holiday Cookies
Double Chocolate Marshmallow M&M Cookies
These rich chocolate cookies are studded with gooey marshmallows and colorful M&Ms for a festive twist. Fudgy, fun, and perfect for the holidays, they’re as eye-catching as they are delicious. A must for chocolate lovers.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Marshmallow M&M Cookies
Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
These hearty vegan cookies offer all the chewy goodness of a classic oatmeal cookie, studded with dairy-free chocolate chips. No eggs or dairy needed—just comforting, wholesome flavor. A plant-based favorite.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sprinkle-Topped Holiday Shortbread
These buttery shortbread cookies are soft and delicate, topped with vibrant sprinkles for a holiday touch. Simple to make and lovely to look at, they’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with hot cocoa.
Get the Recipe: Sprinkle-Topped Holiday Shortbread
Peppermint Oreo Chip Cookies
These festive cookies are packed with crushed Oreos, chocolate chips, and peppermint candy bits. Soft, chewy, and filled with texture, they’re a must-have for peppermint lovers. Great for cookie boxes or holiday parties.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Oreo Chip Cookies
Classic Christmas Sugar Cut-Outs
Buttery sugar cookies shaped into stars, trees, and more—ready for icing, sprinkles, or enjoying plain. These classic cut-outs are a holiday baking tradition for good reason. A fun activity for families and cookie decorators.
Get the Recipe: Classic Christmas Sugar Cut-Outs
Sweet & Salty Pretzel M&M Cookies
A mix of M&Ms, chocolate chips, and pretzels gives these drop cookies the ultimate sweet-and-salty combo. Colorful, crunchy, and chewy, they’re a festive favorite for all ages.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Salty Pretzel M&M Cookies
Peppermint Frosted Sugar Cookies
These soft sugar cookies are topped with peppermint-flavored frosting and crushed candy for a festive crunch. Red and green hues make them extra merry. A bright, minty addition to your dessert spread.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Frosted Sugar Cookies
Italian Almond Holiday Cookies
These almond-scented Italian cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating with colorful sugars. A lovely traditional recipe that’s as simple as it is delightful. Great for cookie trays and gifting.
Get the Recipe: Italian Almond Holiday Cookies
Swirled Slice-and-Bake Christmas Cookies
These slice-and-bake cookies feature red and green swirls and a tender, buttery texture. Eye-catching and easy to prepare, they’re a fun make-ahead option for holiday baking.
Get the Recipe: Swirled Slice-and-Bake Christmas Cookies
Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies with Frosting
Cake mix and crushed peppermint candies make these cookies quick and festive, with a generous layer of homemade frosting. Great for when you want a shortcut without sacrificing holiday cheer.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies with Frosting
Make-Ahead Icebox Christmas Cookies
These sliceable icebox cookies are made in advance, then baked and glazed with powdered sugar and sprinkles. A low-stress, high-reward option for holiday prep.
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Icebox Christmas Cookies
Chocolate Dipped Puff Pastry Cookies
Twists of flaky puff pastry dipped in chocolate and decorated with sprinkles make these cookies light, crispy, and party-ready. Elegant and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Puff Pastry Cookies
Glazed Italian Ricotta Cookies
Soft and cake-like, these Italian Ricotta Cookies are finished with a simple sugar glaze and festive sprinkles. A beloved holiday tradition with a light, sweet flavor.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Italian Ricotta Cookies
No-Bake Reindeer Nutty Buddy Cookies
Turn Nutty Buddy bars into adorable reindeer with pretzel antlers and candy faces. A creative, no-bake project that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Reindeer Nutty Buddy Cookies
Decorated Italian Tree Cookies
Buttery and delicate, these Italian Christmas Tree Cookies are shaped and decorated for the season. A lovely treat for cookie exchanges or festive platters.
Get the Recipe: Decorated Italian Tree Cookies
Jam-Filled Walnut Thumbprints
These thumbprint cookies are rolled in walnuts and filled with fruity jam, delivering a sweet and nutty contrast. A classic holiday cookie with a beautiful presentation.
Get the Recipe: Jam-Filled Walnut Thumbprints
Layered Jam Meringue Bars (Yugoslavian Cookies)
These elegant bar cookies have a buttery base, jam layer, and a nutty meringue topping. Unique in texture and flavor, they stand out on any holiday dessert tray.
Get the Recipe: Layered Jam Meringue Bars (Yugoslavian Cookies)
Chocolate-Dipped Holiday Cookies
Rich and soft, these chocolate cookies are dipped in white chocolate and dressed with sprinkles for any occasion. Swap the toppings to fit the season.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate-Dipped Holiday Cookies
Slice-and-Bake Gift Tag Cookies
These crisp-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside refrigerator cookies come with printable gift tags, making them perfect for edible presents.
Get the Recipe: Slice-and-Bake Gift Tag Cookies
Holiday M&M Cake Mix Cookies
With a cake mix base and red and green M&Ms, these cookies are festive, chewy, and incredibly easy. Ideal for busy holiday weeks or baking with kids.
Get the Recipe: Holiday M&M Cake Mix Cookies
Chocolate Sugar Cookies with Frosting Dip
These rich chocolate sugar cookies are paired with a fluffy buttercream dip for dunking and decorating. A playful alternative to traditional icing.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Sugar Cookies with Frosting Dip
4-Ingredient Holiday Shortbread Cookies
These classic shortbread cookies melt in your mouth and come together with just four simple ingredients. Buttery, crumbly, and completely irresistible.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Holiday Shortbread Cookies
Peppermint Kiss Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
These chocolate cookies are rolled in sugar and topped with a candy cane kiss. Rich, chewy, and minty—the ultimate holiday indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Kiss Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Christmas Cookie Sampler Box
Fill your cookie tray with a festive mix of shapes, flavors, and textures. This assorted collection is perfect for gifting or setting out at holiday parties.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cookie Sampler Box
Quick & Easy Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
With only four ingredients and minimal prep, these cake mix cookies are fast, festive, and full of flavor. A lifesaver for last-minute bakers.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Chocolate-Dipped Oreo Christmas Treats
Classic Oreos get a holiday makeover with chocolate coating and peppermint sprinkles. No-bake and endlessly customizable.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate-Dipped Oreo Christmas Treats
Anise-Flavored Italian Holiday Cookies
These traditional Italian cookies are infused with anise and glazed for a sweet, spiced bite. Soft and festive with a nostalgic flavor.
Get the Recipe: Anise-Flavored Italian Holiday Cookies
Traditional Italian Cookie Collection
This selection of classic Italian Christmas cookies offers soft textures, warm flavors, and time-honored traditions. Share the sweetness all season long.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Italian Cookie Collection
Rainbow Swirl Slice-and-Bake Cookies
These eye-catching slice-and-bake cookies have a vibrant swirl design and a border of rainbow sprinkles. Great for gifting and celebrating.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Swirl Slice-and-Bake Cookies
3D Stacked Sugar Cookie Trees
These adorable 3D Christmas Tree Cookies are layered and decorated to resemble holiday trees. A fun baking project and a stunning centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: 3D Stacked Sugar Cookie Trees
Chunky Chocolate Christmas Tree Cookies
Packed with chocolate chunks and walnuts, these rustic cookies are shaped like Christmas trees for a festive, hearty treat.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Chocolate Christmas Tree Cookies
Italian Fig-Filled Cucidati Cookies
Cucidati are traditional Italian cookies with a buttery pastry and a sweet, spiced fig filling. A meaningful holiday recipe full of old-world charm.
Get the Recipe: Italian Fig-Filled Cucidati Cookies
Holiday Chocolate Covered Oreo Molds
These molded chocolate-covered Oreos are made using silicone trays and holiday-colored chocolate. A great DIY treat that looks professionally made.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Chocolate Covered Oreo Molds
Peppermint Chocolate Meringue Kisses
Light, crisp peppermint meringues dipped in chocolate make for an elegant and airy holiday treat. Naturally gluten-free and beautifully festive.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Chocolate Meringue Kisses
Festive No-Bake Wafer Cookies
These colorful wafer cookies require no baking and are great for kids to assemble. Quick, sweet, and perfect for party platters.
Get the Recipe: Festive No-Bake Wafer Cookies
Gluten-Free Christmas Swirl Cookies
These festive gluten-free pinwheel cookies have red and green swirls and a bakery-style softness. A beautiful option for gluten-free baking.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Christmas Swirl Cookies
Stained Glass Gluten-Free Cookies
Made with gluten-free dough and filled with melted candy centers, these stained glass cookies are as pretty as they are tasty. A unique holiday treat.
Get the Recipe: Stained Glass Gluten-Free Cookies
DIY Holiday Cookie Gift Box Ideas
Assemble your own cookie box filled with a variety of homemade treats. This giftable idea is festive, customizable, and perfect for spreading holiday cheer.
Get the Recipe: DIY Holiday Cookie Gift Box Ideas