Fruitcake had its moment—but let’s be real, the cookie tray is where the magic happens. From powdered sugar snowballs to chewy molasses throwbacks, these 25 holiday cookies bring bold flavor, buttery nostalgia, and serious bake sale energy. Some are no-bake, some are cake mix cheats, and all of them are MVPs for cookie swaps, Santa plates, and last-minute cravings. Let the baking begin.

Snowball Cookies (Mexican Wedding Style)

Snowball Cookies (Mexican Wedding Style). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These buttery snowball cookies are made with chopped walnuts, no dough chilling required, and a dusting of powdered sugar—perfect for holiday baking and sharing.
Get the Recipe: Snowball Cookies (Mexican Wedding Style)

No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

With cocoa, peanut butter, and oats, these no-bake cookies come together fast for a rich, fudgy treat that’s ideal for quick desserts or snacking.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Grinch-Inspired Christmas Cake Mix Cookies

Grinch-Inspired Christmas Cake Mix Cookies. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Bright green, soft, and festive, these Grinch cookies are an easy holiday treat made from cake mix—perfect for movie nights or baking with kids.
Get the Recipe: Grinch-Inspired Christmas Cake Mix Cookies

Quick Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies

Quick Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These colorful cookies come together in 20 minutes using Funfetti cake mix—chewy, festive, and ideal for birthdays or bake sales.
Get the Recipe: Quick Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies

A computer monitor displays "Printable Cookie Exchange Party Kit" with a printer beside it. Around the screen are festive printables for a cookie exchange, including voting ballots and certificates with holiday cookie designs.
Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Hosting a Christmas cookie exchange shouldn’t be complicated — it should be sweet and joyful! This coordinated set takes care of every detail, from the welcome sign to the award certificates. Each piece features matching holiday cookie designs that tie your décor together and bring instant festive flair to your celebration. To learn more: Christmas Cookie Exchange Kit

Chewy Pistachio Cranberry Cookies

Chewy Pistachio Cranberry Cookies. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Sweet and nutty with a pop of tart cranberry, these pistachio cookies are chewy, flavorful, and perfect for gifting or cozy tea breaks.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Pistachio Cranberry Cookies

Buttery Cashew Cookies with Brown Sugar

Buttery Cashew Cookies with Brown Sugar. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These soft and chewy cashew cookies combine rich brown sugar and salty roasted nuts for a craveable treat that’s great for sharing or snacking.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Cashew Cookies with Brown Sugar

Lemon Blueberry Cake Cookies

Lemon Blueberry Cake Cookies. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Soft and citrusy, these cake mix cookies are packed with fresh blueberries and topped with lemon glaze—perfect for brunch or baby showers.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Cake Cookies

Soft Gingerbread Cookies for Decorating

Soft Gingerbread Cookies for Decorating. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These classic gingerbread cookies are warmly spiced, soft-baked, and perfect for decorating during the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Soft Gingerbread Cookies for Decorating

Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These soft pumpkin spice cookies are filled with real pumpkin and warm cinnamon flavor—ideal for cozy fall days and seasonal cravings.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies

DIY Cookie Mix Jar Gift. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Layered cookie mix in a jar makes a thoughtful homemade gift—easy to assemble and even easier to bake into warm, delicious cookies.
Get the Recipe: DIY Cookie Mix Jar Gift

4-Ingredient Lemon Cool Whip Cookies

4-Ingredient Lemon Cool Whip Cookies. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Light, chewy, and bursting with lemony flavor, these Cool Whip cookies are quick to make and endlessly customizable with other cake mix flavors.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Lemon Cool Whip Cookies

4-Ingredient Holiday Cake Mix Cookies

4-Ingredient Holiday Cake Mix Cookies. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These Christmas cake mix cookies are soft, festive, and made with pantry staples—perfect for last-minute baking or cookie exchanges.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Holiday Cake Mix Cookies

Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies (No Eggs)

Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies (No Eggs). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Thick, soft, and full of peanut butter flavor, these egg-free cookies are also vegan and gluten-free—a sweet option everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies (No Eggs)

Strawberry Crinkle Cookies from Cake Mix

Strawberry Crinkle Cookies from Cake Mix. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Made with five simple ingredients, these strawberry cookies are soft inside, sugar-crisped outside, and perfect for spring parties or weekday fun.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Crinkle Cookies from Cake Mix

Soft Blackstrap Molasses Cookies

Soft Blackstrap Molasses Cookies. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Spiced with ginger and cinnamon, these chewy molasses cookies are a nostalgic holiday favorite with deep, rich flavor.
Get the Recipe: Soft Blackstrap Molasses Cookies

Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cookies

Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These chewy peanut butter cookies come together fast with just five ingredients—great for quick treats or freezer-friendly snacks.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cookies

White Chocolate Haystack Cookies

White Chocolate Haystack Cookies. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Made with chow mein noodles and melted white chocolate, these no-bake haystack cookies are sweet, crunchy, and fun for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Haystack Cookies

Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Soft, spiced pumpkin cookies topped with tangy cream cheese frosting—perfect for fall baking and festive gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Double Chocolate Pecan Chunk Cookies

Double Chocolate Pecan Chunk Cookies. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These rich, chewy chocolate cookies are packed with cocoa and crunchy pecans—a perfect treat for chocolate lovers.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Pecan Chunk Cookies

Classic Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Classic Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

These fudgy chocolate cookies have a crisp powdered sugar crust and chewy center—an easy, dairy-free favorite for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Classic Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Melted Snowman Cookie Bark. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This fun and festive cookie bark features melting snowmen made of candy and frosting—a whimsical treat for holiday dessert tables.
Get the Recipe: Melted Snowman Cookie Bark

Snowflake Sugar Cut-Out Cookies

Snowflake Sugar Cut-Out Cookies. Photo credit: Feast and West.

These beautifully iced sugar cookies are perfect for cookie swaps and holiday trays—use your favorite cutters and decorate to your heart’s content.
Get the Recipe: Snowflake Sugar Cut-Out Cookies

Blackberry Muffin Cookies

Blackberry Muffin Cookies. Photo credit: Life Currents.

These soft, buttery cookies are filled with fresh blackberries and swirls of jam, offering a creative twist on classic breakfast flavors.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Muffin Cookies

Fudgy Brownie Mix Cookies with M&M’s

Fudgy Brownie Mix Cookies with M&M’s. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Made from brownie mix and studded with chocolate chips and M&M’s, these cookies are chewy, chocolatey, and incredibly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Brownie Mix Cookies with M&M’s

Gluten-Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Gluten-Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

These soft oatmeal cookies are gluten-free and packed with warm spices, plump raisins, and chewy oats—a comforting treat for any time.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

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