8 Best Holiday Cookie Recipes: Isn’t there something utterly magical about the smell of cookies baking in the oven during the holidays? From spicy gingerbreads to buttery shortbreads, each cookie brings its own joy and is capable of sparking old memories while helping create new ones.
1. Classic Gingerbread Cookies
A Festive Favorite
Why We Love Them
Gingerbread cookies, with their rich spices and inviting aroma, are synonymous with holiday cheer. These cookies are fun to make, decorate, and even more enjoyable to eat.
Making Them Special
Use a variety of cookie cutters to create festive shapes, and decorate with royal icing for a touch of sweetness and artistry.
2. Peppermint Mocha Cookies
A Flavorful Twist on a Holiday Classic
Why We Love Them
Combining the bold flavors of coffee and the brisk snap of peppermint, these cookies taste like your favorite holiday latte in a bite-sized form.
Making Them Special
Incorporate crushed peppermint candy and a hint of espresso into your dough for that iconic holiday flavor profile.
3. Snowball Cookies
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Goodness
Why We Love Them
Also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, these buttery, nut-filled delights are dusted with powdered sugar and are simply irresistible.
Making Them Special
Double-dust these with powdered sugar; once while warm and again once cooled for an extra snowy effect.
4. Cranberry Orange Shortbread
A Tangy, Buttery Treat
Why We Love Them
The refreshing zest of orange and the tartness of cranberries cut through the richness of shortbread, making these cookies a bright addition to any holiday table.
Making Them Special
Add freshly grated orange zest and dried cranberries to your shortbread dough for a burst of flavor.
5. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
A Decadent Delight
Why We Love Them
These cookies offer a luscious blend of chocolate and peppermint, a combination that’s sure to please any crowd during the holidays.
Making Them Special
Dip half the cookie in white chocolate and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive look.
6. Linzer Cookies
A Beautiful, Jam-Filled Cookie
Why We Love Them
These almond-flavored cookies sandwiched with jam and dusted with powdered sugar not only taste delightful but also look incredibly elegant.
Making Them Special
Use a variety of jams for the filling—raspberry, blackberry, and apricot—to add color and variety.
7. Salted Caramel Thumbprints
A Sweet and Salty Sensation
Why We Love Them
The combination of sweet caramel and a hint of sea salt makes these cookies an addictive addition to your holiday baking list.
Making Them Special
Fill the thumbprint indents with homemade caramel and sprinkle a little sea salt on top before they cool.
8. Holiday Sugar Cookies
A Canvas for Creativity
Why We Love Them
Sugar cookies are the perfect blank slate for decorating. They can be cut into any shape and decorated with any design, making them ideal for personalization.
Making Them Special
Use royal icing and an assortment of sprinkles and edible glitter to bring your festive visions to life.
Conclusion: Share the Joy of Baking
Holiday cookies are more than just treats; they’re a reason to gather, to create, and to share. This season, as you try out these eight best holiday cookie recipes, remember that each batch comes with the opportunity to spread a little more joy and sweetness in the world.