Best Christmas Cookie Recipes

Freshly baked cookies on a rack with rainbow sprinkles.
MapleArtStudio/istockphoto

The holiday season is upon us, which means you have full permission to curl up on the couch and enjoy some homemade cookies. If you're looking for decadent and scrumptious cookie recipes (or healthier alternatives) to pair with a cup of hot cocoa or cider, these will be perfect. And don't worry, we totally believe that calories don't count during the holidays. You've worked hard all year; it's time to treat yourself.


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Homemade rack of Nutella macadamia biscotti.
C3PICS/istockphoto

If you're a fan of Nutella, these cookies were made for you. And the best part is that you need only five ingredients to re-create this recipe. The cookies are decadent, rich, and chewy — sure to be a hit with the kids or anyone who needs sweet tooth cravings quenched.


Recipe: The Pioneer Woman


Related: Get Into The Holiday Spirit With These Festive Cocktail Recipes


Traditional homemade ginger snaps
Mariha-kitchen/istockphoto

Packed with healthy ingredients such as ginger, molasses, and cinnamon, these soft and chewy cookies are perfect to enjoy on a snowy day. The resulting cookies stay soft for days, according to the recipe creators — making them ideal to prep and make ahead of time.


Recipe: Ahead of Thyme

Directly above shot of decorated gingerbread cookies with spices on table. Homemade Christmas cookies on gray background.
alvarez/istockphoto

No holiday season would be complete without some classic gingerbread cookies. These are soft and chewy in the center and slightly crispy on the edges. Kids will love icing them in festive and colorful designs.


Recipe: Ahead of Thyme


Delicious fluffy sugar cookies with white frosting snd rainbow sprinkles
Rachel Lodin/istockphoto

Use refined sugar to re-create these soft and classic sugar cookies, sure to trigger nostalgic Christmas memories. A bit of baking powder in the recipe ensures that they puff a little while still holding their shape.


Recipe: The Food Network

coconut biscuits
ajaykampani/istockphoto

Made with rum and bourbon, this slightly more elaborate recipe will remind you of your favorite holiday cocktail. The cookies — which resemble fluffy snowballs after being baked — are also pretty healthy; the recipe calls for almonds and freshly ground nutmeg.


Recipe: The Food Network

Apple Pie Cookies
PosiNote/istockphoto

This recipe is sure to impress pie lovers of all ages. They're quick and easy to make (as easy as pie, you may say). If apple isn't your favorite, try substituting fruits such as pear and peach; add fresh blackberries or blueberries for an extra touch of tartness.


Recipe: The Pioneer Woman

Brown Round Christmas Gingerbread cookies drizzled with White Chocolate on a plate.
Denise Erickson/istockphoto

Try this recipe for a chocolatey, gooey cookie that provides a kick of caffeine. For an extra touch of creamy sweetness, drizzle melted white chocolate once they're out of the oven.


Recipe: The Pioneer Woman

Oatmeal cookies with peanut butter, coconut oil and cocoa powder. Healthy snack.
Monica Lorenzo/istockphoto

This recipe is for those who prefer not to mess with the oven. They're deeply chocolatey with a sweet, rich, and buttery flavor — and super easy to make — while relatively healthy, thanks to the use of oatmeal.


Recipe: The Pioneer Woman

Several diabetic friendly snickerdoodle cookies on a black slate board with one cookie broken into two pieces and snickerdoodle sugar on a wooden table
Marie C Fields/shutterstock

Made with cinnamon, pecans, and chocolate toffee chunks, this recipe was inspired by blogger Sarah Kieffer's internet-famous crinkled chocolate chip cookies. The trick is pulling them out of the oven midway through cooking and banging the baking sheet against the counter to produce a delicious cookie with crispy edges and a soft, chewy interior.


Recipe: The Food Network

Melted snowman gingerbread cookies on blue background
og-vision/istockphoto

This recipe is for peanut butter-loving adults and kids who love "Frozen." Using marshmallows makes these cookies reminiscent of s'mores, and they can be decorated to look like little snowmen.


Recipe: The Food Network

Delicious Valentine Day cupcakes or muffins on white board ant white table. Present for Valentines day dessert
Maria Tebryaeva/istockphoto

Enjoy the classic flavors of red velvet and cream cheese baked into chewy, soft cookies. This recipe will remind you of a red velvet cheesecake and is sure to impress guests at the next holiday dinner party.


Recipe: The Food Network

Warm cup of tea with tea cookies and biscuits on a plate for enjoyable cup of afternoon tea
Stefan Tomic/istockphoto

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