93 Christmas Cookie Recipes for Absolutely Any Holiday Occasion

Double chocolate plus peppermint? That’s a recipe for holiday cookie success! First, you’ll make a cocoa-infused shortbread dough, which is spiked with just enough peppermint extract to give a hint of mint, rather than an intense toothpaste-like flavor. Then you’ll press the dough into a cool square-edged log. (But if that feels too hard, you can just roll them into a round log.) Don’t rush the chilling process. This makes the dough easier to slice plus helps the cut cookies hold their shape in the oven. Once the cookies are baked and cooled, they get a glossy coating of melted chocolate and a sprinkle of peppermint candies. For the easiest clean up, set the cookies on a rack over a foil-lined baking sheet before pouring the chocolate over. Top with the crushed candies and let cool until the chocolate is firm. The result? A modern take on peppermint patty flavors, all dressed up for a party. Serve alongside hot cocoa or eggnog for a festive pairing.

Your search for the perfect Christmas brownie ends right here with these party-ready sweets. We start with our favorite chocolate brownie recipe, using both cocoa powder and semisweet chocolate, and bake as usual. Once the brownies have cooled completely, the fun begins. First, dress them up with a layer of melted white chocolate, then sprinkle with chopped peppermint candies (leftover candy canes work great here, too) for a pretty holiday touch. When everything is set, cut into squares and enjoy. A rich, cakey brownie base topped off with smooth white chocolate and crunchy bits of peppermint goodness—who could resist?

Don’t feel like baking but still want to serve something homemade? These no-bake cookies are just the thing. Even better, you can make them a day ahead. You’ll start with store-bought chocolate wafer cookies, then process them into a dough with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and mascarpone. Shape into logs, then chill in the fridge until firm. Roll the chilled logs in crushed peppermint candies, then slice and serve. Is it really a cookie? Is it a confection? We’re not sure, but either way, it’s delicious. For a different twist, you can also roll the dough in crushed toasted nuts or roasted cocoa nibs.

A holiday cookie platter just isn’t the same without a few cheerful gingerbread men (and women) in the batch. Making these cut-out cookies from scratch sounds like a daunting task, but using a food processor instead of a standard electric mixer can help guarantee great results every time. The food processor cuts the butter into the dry ingredients more evenly, so you’ll wind up with a dough that’s firm enough to roll out and cut into shapes, yet is tender enough to chew and enjoy. After they’re baked, decorate as you wish. They’ll be almost too cute too eat, but once you take a bite of these cookies—flavored with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses—you won’t be able to stop nibbling.

Hello, good looking! These gorgeously shiny and crisp cookies are also gluten-free, thanks to buckwheat groats, which are triangular-shaped seeds of a buckwheat plant. The toasted groats add texture to these wafer-like cookies, plus the signature subtle, nutty flavor of buckwheat, which tilts the cocoa- and toffee-flavored dough toward the grown-up side. Serve with a glass of milk for dunking, or take advantage of the wide, flat shape to make ice cream sandwiches. Play up the toasty flavors with butter pecan, or double down on the cocoa-infused dough with scoops of chocolate ice cream. Want to get a head start on holiday baking? This dough can be made two days ahead. Refrigerate until ready to bake, then scoop and bake straight from the fridge. Be sure to let them cool completely before packing up for giving: they’ll lose they’re crispiness if stacked before they reach room temperature.

Not lucky enough to have an Italian grandmother? Never fear. These classic Italian pignoli cookies may look and sound fancy, but they’re quite easy and fun to make. You don’t need a lot of ingredients, either. Almond paste (don’t use marzipan) gives them their signature flavor and makes them moist and chewy, while orange zest helps cut through the richness and adds an unexpected hint of citrus. Using delicate powdered sugar in place of granulated ensures these irresistible cookies will melt in your mouth. Topped with a generous sprinkle of pine nuts and baked until lightly golden, they’ll make any nonna’s holiday table proud.

If you’re looking for a cookie recipe to win the holiday bake sale, look no further. These adorable cones steal the show. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make. They start with a chocolate coating reminiscent of Magic Shell, that lines the inside of mini sugar cones. While it may seem tricky at first, once you get into the rhythm of coating the shells it will go lickety split. Don’t be tempted to skip this step, though: it keeps the cones from getting soggy and keeps them crisp and crunchy. An easy-to-make mixture of toasted hazelnuts and Nutella gets tucked inside each cone then more Magic Shell drapes over top. A sparkly, crunchy homemade hazelnut praline tops them off (but you could use a similar store-bought version if you can find it). These cookies are a decadent Nutella-lover’s dream, but we think even non-chocoholics will swoon for them.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make peanut brittle, you’re in luck. In fact, our method is fairly foolproof, since we use a microwave to do the bulk of the work. This crunchy candy may look complicated, but your handy kitchen appliance can easily pull off the task. You’ll use the microwave to melt some of the key ingredients together—sugar, salt, light corn syrup, and butter. Stir in the peanuts, vanilla extract, and a little baking soda, then spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool. Once it has hardened, break into small pieces for a sweet, nutty treat.

Give simple sugar cookies a seasonal twist with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Get the recipe: Spiced Sugar Cookies

There’s a lot to love about a great meringue cookie—a crisp outer shell, a gooey soft interior, and in this case, salty-sweet cornflakes for crunch. To make them perfectly is all about getting egg whites to form stiff, glossy peaks. The key is to start with an extra clean bowl. Before you get going, wash the bowl of your stand mixer, then wipe down with a mixture of distilled vinegar and water, which breaks down any remaining fat that might be clinging to the bowl from previous recipes like whipped cream. Cornflakes add great crunch but experiment with other cereals and find out what you like best. Cocoa pebbles? Grape Nuts? Have fun with it! The edible gold is optional, but it makes for a showstopper effect, worthy of birthdays, holidays, or New Year’s Eve celebrations. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

These spicy cookies get their holiday flavor from a mix of ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon.

Caramel-coated almonds and pepitas (aka pumpkin seeds) make up the filling of these incredibly tasty honey-nut bars. The base is a classic press in short dough, which comes together quickly in a food processor. Then, you’ll make a quick caramel coating that envelops the nuts and seeds. We like the combination of almonds and pumpkin seeds here but feel free to swap in an equal measure of whatever nuts you like. The nut mixture tops the crust and then it all goes to bake together in the oven, resulting in a chewy treat that’s as welcome alongside mid-morning coffee as it is after a dinner party. Pro tip: these bars are easiest to slice when they are just this side of room temperature (read, slightly warm). For extra clean cuts, get your knive very hot under running water, wipe it dry then slice. Repeat and slice.

These basic but tasty cookies can be cut out and decorated any way you please.

These sandwich cookies not only look bakery-worthy, they’re totally delicious. The off-center cut out takes normal sandwich cookies to a modern-art place, and sparkling sugar and lime zest add a spectacular sparkle. As for the dough, it’s flavored with lime zest and spicy cayenne pepper, making for a unique sweet-tart pairing. The cookies stick together with a lemon curd center, which draws on the citrus flavors in the dough. Make these your go-to gifting cookie for the holiday season and you’re sure to win rave reviews. If lemon curd is too tart for your palate, try half curd and half vanilla frosting for a mellower take on the filling (but raspberry jam works too). And if you’d rather keep your cookies strictly sweet, feel free to omit the cayenne pepper. One last tip: to keep your edges crisp, freeze or refrigerate the cut out dough until firm prior to baking.

These rich, eye-catching, pistachio-studded cookies look sophisticated, but couldn’t be simpler to make. Sprinkle the cookies with coarse sugar to give them extra shine.

It’s no secret that chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in confectionary heaven. These chewy treats get a third partner: rolled oats, which add an extra layer of texture and might even trick your guests into thinking these are healthy. We’ve also thrown in some peanuts to boost the crunch factor and add a double dose of nuttiness. Best of all, these simple, rustic-looking cookies don’t even require an oven. Just drop spoonfuls of batter onto baking sheets and let cool until set. There’s no need to refrigerate them, either; they’ll keep at room temperature for up to 3 days.

This addictive sweet-and-salty candy is loaded with tasty ingredients, including shredded coconut, mixed nuts, dried fruit, and pretzels.

In this not-so-classic bar cookie, a layer of dried figs, brown sugar, and orange juice anchors the buttery cinnamon topping.

Soft pumpkin-flavored cookies are sandwiched together with a sweet cream cheese filling.

These chewy cookies will keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Use high-quality chocolate to maximize the flavor of this creamy, rich fudge.

Dust these cute little treats with cinnamon sugar before baking for a touch of sweetness and spice.

The star of this recipe, oats are packed with goodness, from cholesterol-fighting fiber and antioxidants to a nutty taste and chewy texture.

Update a childhood favorite with these chewy bars topped with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crumbled graham crackers.

Peppermint extract in the chocolate ganache and a garnish of crushed peppermint candies give mini brownies a cool, wintry bite.

Feeling decadent? Dip one side of each cookie in melted chocolate.

Rolled oats add texture and a pleasing nuttiness to these chewy favorites.

Toasting the coconut before adding to the batter to deepens its flavor and give it a lovely golden color.

Dust the tops of these buttery, jam-filled cookies with confectioners’ sugar for a beautiful wintry effect.

Get the recipe: Gingersnaps With Crystallized Ginger

If you like variety, try making some of the cookies in the batch using other jams, like apricot or peach.

Get the recipe: Raspberry Rugelach

Add ground almonds to the batter and fold in toasted slivered almonds for a double dose of nuttiness.

Get the recipe: Almond Thins

These whimsical treats can be decorated to suit any holiday or occasion and make a perfect activity for kids.

Get the recipe: Lollipop Cookies

Creamy peanut butter bites dipped in bittersweet chocolate are an irresistible indulgence.

Get the recipe: Buckeyes

Add cashews and candied ginger to the batter to add a nutty crunch and an extra spicy kick.

Get the recipe: Cashew Gingersnaps

Chunks of chocolate in every bite give the cookies a decadent twist.

Get the recipe: Chocolate Chunk Gingersnaps

Cocoa powder and semisweet chocolate ensure these brownies have a deep, rich flavor.

Get the recipe: Double Chocolate Brownies

For a childhood take on standard brownies, fold in chopped mini peanut butter cups.

Get the recipe: Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Buttery shortbread makes a great gift; its firm texture means that it will transport well.

Get the recipe: Classic Shortbread

Toasting the nuts deepens their flavor, making them a delicious crunchy addition to the basic recipe.

Get the recipe: Toasted Pecan Shortbread

Dress up the original by melting chocolate in the microwave and drizzling over the cooled shortbread.

Get the recipe: Chocolate-Drizzled Shortbread

There’s always room for this crowd-pleasing classic on any holiday table.

Get the recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Crushed chocolate-covered espresso beans elevate this cookie to a more sophisticated grown-up treat.

Get the recipe: Mocha Chocolate Chip Cookies

The unexpected combination of dried apricots, chopped macadamia nuts, and chocolate chips adds a fun twist.

Get the recipe: Apricot-Macadamia Chocolate Chip Cookies

Dusted with confectioners’ sugar, these dainty little cookies pack a lot of flavor into every bite.

Get the recipe: Sugared Pecan Balls

Pungent ground cardamom lends a warm quality to this variation made with roasted cashews.

Get the recipe: Cardamom Cashew Balls

A final sprinkle of cinnamon gives these treats an extra touch of holiday flair.

Get the recipe: Cinnamon Walnut Balls

Crunchy, chewy, and nutty, these bars will keep for about 5 days.

Get the recipe: Pecan Bars

Embrace the season by baking this version with pure maple syrup.

Get the recipe: Maple-Walnut Bars

Antioxidant-rich chocolate and heart-healthy dates make this decadent bar seem almost good for you.

Get the recipe: Chocolate-Date Pecan Bars

Use both whole almonds and almond extract to infuse these cookies with a double dose of nuttiness.

Get the recipe: Almond Biscotti

Swap in pistachios and add a teaspoon of anise seed to give the biscotti a licorice flavor.

Get the recipe: Pistachio-Anise Biscotti

Studded with antioxidant-rich dried cherries, chopped chocolate, and toasted hazelnuts, this version is chock-full of tasty goodness.

Get the recipe: Chocolate-Cherry Biscotti

There’s melted chocolate in the batter along with chocolate chunks in the final product—a chocoholic’s delight.

Get the recipe: Chocolate Chocolate-Chunk Cookies

Mix in raisins and roasted peanuts to make this version especially kid-friendly.

Get the recipe: Peanut-Raisin Chocolate-Chunk Cookies