Easy Christmas Cookies to Sweeten Your Holidays

The winter holiday season is synonymous with sharing homemade treats, and nothing brings more cheer than a colorful platter of Christmas cookies. Whether you’re looking for a shortcut dessert, classic cut-outs, or a kid-friendly kitchen adventure, these easy cookie recipes ensure your holidays are packed with sweetness and spirit. From sugar cookies to unique festive bites, there’s something for every baker and every cookie platter.

Classic Christmas Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Arguably the most iconic of all Christmas cookies, cut-out sugar cookies are a must-have on every holiday tray. With a tender crumb and endless decorating potential, these cookies set the stage for festive creativity.

• Simple, buttery dough: The base starts with a classic mix of softened butter, sugar, flour, egg, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract for rich flavor.
• Easy to roll and cut: Chilled and rolled out to about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, these cookies hold their shape perfectly when pressed with holiday cookie cutters—think snowflakes, stars, and reindeer.
• Perfect for decorating: Once cool, frost with homemade buttercream or a shiny glaze, then shower with sprinkles, colored sugar, or edible glitter. Little hands especially love helping with this part!

Pro Tip: To keep cookies tender and ensure crisp edges, chill dough before rolling and cut shapes just before baking.

How to Make Classic Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

1. Prepare dough: Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms.
2. Chill dough for at least an hour to make it easier to roll and cut.
3. Roll out on a floured surface and cut into festive shapes.
4. Place shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until just golden at the edges—about 8 to 10 minutes.
5. Let cool before frosting and decorating as desired.

No-Fuss Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

For last-minute bakers or busy holiday hosts, cake mix cookies are a game-changer—just a few pantry ingredients and some festive sprinkles are all you need for soft, delicious cookies that taste right out of the bakery.

• Ingredients: One box of cake mix (yellow, chocolate, or even red velvet for color!), eggs, vegetable oil, and lots of colorful sprinkles or mix-ins.
• Quick and simple: Mix everything in a bowl until a thick dough forms, roll into balls, and coat with sprinkles.
• Bake and enjoy: Bake for about 10–12 minutes and let cool. These cookies are soft, chewy, and the easiest path to holiday happiness.

Chewy Gingerbread Cookies

No Christmas cookie collection is complete without the warm aroma of gingerbread. These cookies balance ginger, cinnamon, and molasses with a chewy bite—perfect for decorating or dunking in hot cocoa.

• Smooth dough: Molasses, brown sugar, and spices blend into a dough that chills easily and rolls out smoothly.
• Customize your treats: Cut into gingerbread men, snowflakes, or other holiday shapes, then decorate with royal icing or simple glaze.

Fun Idea: Use gingerbread cookies for assembling small houses or ornaments—just add icing for glue!

No-Bake Christmas Cookie Ideas

Need cookies fast or want a recipe kids can handle solo? No-bake cookies come together in a snap—no oven required, and cleanup is a breeze.

• Chocolate-dipped pretzels: Dip mini pretzel twists in melted white or dark chocolate, then top with crushed candy canes or sprinkles for a salty-sweet treat.
• Peanut butter cornflake wreaths: Mix cornflakes, peanut butter, and marshmallows, then shape into festive green wreaths and dot with red candies.
• Oreo truffles: Crush chocolate sandwich cookies, combine with cream cheese, roll into balls, and dip in white chocolate. Add red and green sprinkles for maximum holiday cheer.

Fun Twists on Holiday Favorites

Looking for cookies that stand out? Try these unique recipes and techniques to add variety and surprise to your dessert spread:

• Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies: Chocolate cookie dough, filled with semisweet chips, topped with chocolate ganache, then sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies. Offers a rich, brownie-like center and a beautiful, festive finish.
• Cranberry Orange Shortbread: Buttery cookies with chewy dried cranberries and lively orange zest—bright and refreshing amid traditional spiced treats.
• Lace Cookies: Delicate, thin cookies made with oats, brown sugar, and butter that bake up lacy and crisp. Sandwich two together with melted chocolate for a sophisticated treat.
• Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies: Buttery dough pressed with your thumb and filled with bright red raspberry jam—simple yet stunning and always a favorite.

Tips for Decorating Perfect Sugar Cookies

Want your cookies to look as fabulous as they taste? Follow these essential tips for bakery-worthy decorating:

• Use royal icing for crisp lines and vibrant colors. Whisk powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water to stiff peaks, then color and pipe as desired.
• Add details in layers: Outline cookies first, let set, then flood the center for an even, professional finish.
• Sprinkle with sparkles: Add sanding sugar, nonpareils, or edible glitter before icing dries.
• Let icing dry completely before stacking or packaging cookies for gifts.
• Experiment with edible paints or gold leaf for glamorous, modern designs.

Festive Cookie Flavors and Fillings

The holidays call for cookies that go beyond the basics. Try infusing doughs and frostings with:

• Peppermint extract or crushed candies for a wintery twist
• Orange zest or almond extract to deepen flavor profiles
• Dried fruits and toasted nuts for texture and contrast
• Spiced cocoa powder for chocolate lovers

Bonus: Fill sandwich cookies with marshmallow fluff, fruit preserves, or chocolate hazelnut spread for a surprise inside!

How to Store Your Christmas Cookies

Cookie longevity means more holiday magic! Here’s how to keep treats fresh from now into the New Year:

• Store in airtight containers: Separate cookie types (especially softer and crispier varieties) to preserve intended texture.
• Layer with parchment paper: Prevents sticking and keeps decorations gorgeous.
• Freeze extra cookies: Most Christmas cookies freeze well. Cool completely, freeze in single layers, then transfer to airtight bags. Thaw at room temperature for instant holiday cheer.

Cookie Swap Favorites: Crowd-Pleasers for Sharing

Planning a cookie exchange, school party, or office treat day? These cookies travel well and always get rave reviews:

• Snickerdoodles: Soft cinnamon-sugar cookies that are easy to bake in big batches.
• Chocolate Crinkles: Fudgy cookies rolled in a snowy coat of powdered sugar—beautiful and irresistible.
• Peanut Butter Blossoms: Classic peanut butter rounds with a Hershey’s Kiss pressed into the center as soon as they come out of the oven.
• Lemon Meltaways: Buttery, tangy cookies that truly melt in your mouth and add a pop of brightness to any assortment.

Kids’ Favorite Christmas Cookies

Certain cookies are holiday hits with kids year after year:

• Decorated sugar cookies: Let little hands unleash creativity.
• Chocolate-dipped treats: Dipping pretzels, sandwich cookies, or marshmallows into chocolate is fun for all ages.
• Thumbprints and jam-filled cookies: Interactive and sweet, with a splash of color kids love.
• No-bake or cereal-based cookies: Easy to assemble and full of crunchy, gooey fun.

Essential Supplies for Holiday Baking

• Various cookie cutters: Snowflakes, stars, trees, reindeer, and more
• Baking sheets and parchment paper: For even baking and easy cleanup
• Cooling racks: Essential to prevent soggy bottoms
• Stand mixer or hand mixer: For creamy doughs and fluffy frostings
• Piping bags and tips: For professional-looking decorations
• Assorted sprinkles, colored sugars, and edible glitter: Make every cookie unique

Table: Quick Guide to Popular Christmas Cookies

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What’s the best way to make cookies ahead of time?

A: Prepare doughs in advance and refrigerate up to three days, or freeze shaped, raw dough to bake fresh as needed. Baked cookies freeze well for up to three months when stored airtight—just let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q: How can I get my cut-out cookies to hold their shapes?

A: Chill your dough thoroughly before rolling and after cutting for at least 10 minutes before baking. Don’t overwork the dough, and use a sharp-edged cutter for clean shapes.

Q: Can you substitute butter for margarine or shortening in cookie recipes?

A: Butter is ideal for flavor and texture, but you may use margarine or a butter-shortening blend if needed—just note that the flavor and spread may differ slightly.

Q: How do I keep cookies soft after baking?

A: Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a tortilla; these will help keep them soft by balancing moisture. Change out the bread if it becomes stale.

Q: What are some allergy-friendly Christmas cookie options?

A: Try flourless peanut butter cookies (if not nut-allergic), coconut macaroons, or vegan sugar cookies using a plant-based butter and egg substitute.

Bring the Spirit of the Holidays to Your Cookie Jar

This festive season, celebrate with easy Christmas cookies that are as fun to bake as they are to eat. Whether you’re a traditionalist, a shortcut seeker, or an innovative baker hunting for something new, there’s a recipe on this holiday cookie list for everyone. Share your batch as homemade gifts, bring a platter to a cookie swap, or simply savor the magic of baking with loved ones—the sweet memories will last long after the last crumb is gone.

Author

Anjali Sayee

 

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

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