Ah, Christmas—the season of twinkling lights, crackling fireplaces, and that unmistakable magic in the air.
But what’s Christmas without the warm, sugary embrace of freshly baked Christmas cookies?
They’re the heart of every holiday gathering, a delicious tradition that brings families together, and the perfect excuse to indulge your sweet tooth guilt-free.
Whether you’re baking for a festive cookie swap, decking your dessert table, or making treats to wrap up as gifts, Christmas cookies are the one thing you can never have too many of.
And don’t worry if you’re not a kitchen wizard—these recipes are simple, delicious, and designed to bring out your inner holiday baker.
So, dust off those cookie cutters, preheat the oven, and let’s make magic happen!
Here are 5 delicious Christmas cookies recipes to whip up in 2024 and share with everyone you love.
- Classic Gingerbread Cookies
Let’s kick things off with the undisputed holiday favorite—gingerbread cookies.
With their warm spices and chewy texture, these cookies bring a wave of cozy nostalgia with every bite.
Plus, they’re ridiculously fun to decorate!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and baking soda.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Chill the dough for at least an hour.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface and cut it into festive shapes. Bake on a parchment-lined tray at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Let the cookies cool completely before decorating with icing or sprinkles.
Fun Idea: Turn these classic Christmas cookies into edible ornaments by poking a hole at the top of each cookie before baking.
Once decorated, thread a ribbon through the hole and hang them on your tree!
- Buttery Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies are an undeniable holiday essential.
They’re simple, rich, and practically melt in your mouth.
Perfect for gifting or pairing with a steaming mug of cocoa, these Christmas cookies are a timeless classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Cream together the butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla and a pinch of salt. Gradually add flour and mix until the dough comes together.
- Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thick and cut into your favorite shapes.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are a light golden brown. Let cool completely.
Optional Upgrade: Dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped nuts or crushed peppermint candies for an extra layer of holiday magic.
Related Searches:
- Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
If you’re looking for Christmas cookies that strike the perfect balance between rich chocolate and festive freshness, look no further.
These peppermint-infused crinkle cookies are fudgy, crackly, and completely irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions:
- Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, peppermint extract, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Slowly mix in the dry ingredients until a thick dough forms. Chill for at least 2 hours.
- Roll the dough into small balls and coat generously in powdered sugar.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set, and the cookies have that classic crinkle top.
Serving Tip: Pair these cookies with a cup of peppermint hot chocolate for a double dose of holiday joy!
- Thumbprint Jam Cookies
Sometimes, the simplest cookies are the most beautiful.
Thumbprint cookies are classic Christmas cookies with their buttery base and colorful jam-filled centers.
They’re as delicious as they are pretty—perfect for brightening up your cookie platter.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and mix until the dough comes together.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Press your thumb (or a spoon) into each ball to create an indent.
- Fill the indents with jam and bake for 12–15 minutes until the edges are golden. Let cool completely before serving.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different fillings like apricot jam, lemon curd, or even Nutella for a fun twist.
- Classic Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
Sugar cookies are the ultimate blank canvas for Christmas creativity.
Whether you’re cutting them into trees, snowflakes, or stars, these versatile Christmas cookies are perfect for decorating with royal icing.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Royal Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients.
- Roll out the dough and cut it into festive shapes. Bake for 8–10 minutes and let cool completely.
- Mix the icing ingredients to a smooth, pipeable consistency. Add food coloring and decorate the cookies as desired.
Family Fun Idea: Set up a decorating station with sprinkles, edible glitter, and colorful icing for a fun family activity that everyone will remember!
Baking Christmas cookies is more than just a holiday tradition—it’s a way to create joy, share love, and savor the flavors of the season.
From the spiced nostalgia of gingerbread to the rich decadence of chocolate crinkles, these five recipes are everything you need to make your 2024 holiday season delicious and unforgettable.
So, tie on that apron, gather your loved ones, and let the sweet scent of baking cookies fill your home.
After all, nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a tray of beautifully baked, lovingly shared Christmas cookies.
Happy baking, and may your holidays be as sweet as sugar cookies and twice as merry!
