25 Best Christmas Cookie Recipes to Bake This Year

Who else believes that Christmas bakes are the best part of the holiday season? Christmas cookies are especially satisfying and can be given as gifts or be part of a Christmas cookie spread. Chances are you have some time-tested family recipes for cookies but if you want to try something new, you have come to the right place because we have rounded up dozens of festive cookie recipes for you to try.

From Peppermint Meltaways to Caramel Stuffed Gingerbread Cookies, we have some truly inspired recipes to share with you. Many are classic cookies with a fresh twist while others look so thoroughly modern and singular. If you’re in the mood to really bake it up this year, try any of these delicious Christmas cookie recipes that are sure to delight your friends and loved ones. Enjoy!

Greek Christmas Cookies (Kourabiedes)

These Greek Christmas cookies look like adorable, little snowballs! According to the food writer who shared this recipe, the cookies usually are “made from buttery short dough, usually studded with almonds and flavored with orange blossom water or rose water.” Yum! Get the recipe here.

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

A true classic and a blast to bake with kids, Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are as delightful in taste as they are in appearance. We love the sprinkle detailing on this batch. Get the recipe here.

Gingerdoodle Cookies

Gingerbread meets Snickerdoodle in this delightful Christmas cookie recipe. Spiced with flavors of the season, these cookies are rolled in cinnamon sugar before they bake. You’re welcome. Get the recipe here.

Cranberry Cookies With a Brown Butter Glaze

“I won a baking contest with these chunky glazed cookies that are so easy, even novice bakers can pull them off,” the baker behind this recipe explained. “What makes them special? Fresh cranberries.” Sounds like a winner to us! Get the recipe here.

Giant Molasses Cookies

These chewy molasses cookies are so delightful and will definitely be a hit with your family. They stay fresh for a very long time, making them ideal for mailing as gifts to loved ones. Get the recipe here.

Lemon Wreath Cookies

Wow, just wow! Lemon is a nice change of pace after eating so many heavily spiced desserts around Christmas. These zingy lemon wreath cookies are just the thing to brighten up your Christmas dessert spread. Get the recipe here.

Cherry Walnut Snowball Cookies

Classic snowball cookies are great but they reach new heights with the addition of cherry and walnut. These delicious cookies are a breeze to make and look so festive. Get the recipe here.

Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookie Bars

Your kids are going to lose it over these cookie bars. They contain both M&M’s and chocolate chips for a double dose of sweet goodness. They are easy to make and you should invite your kids along for the ride. Get the recipe here.

Triple Chocolate Peppermint-Filled Cookies

Has there ever been a more winning holiday flavor combination than chocolate and peppermint? We think not. These elegant cookies are going to be the star of the show in your cookie spread. Get the recipe here.

Eggnog Spice Cookies

This one’s for the eggnog lovers. For those who don’t love the beverage prepare to be converted as these delicious cookies will surely change your feelings about it. Get the recipe here.

Pecan Date Cookies with Brown Butter Frosting

Hidden inside these soft, Christmas cookies you will find a pecan and date filling that tastes so decadent. We feel that dates don’t get the attention they deserve so these treats are really worth considering if you are searching for cookie recipes that are unique. Get the recipe here.

Butter Cream Cheese Almond Cookies

These understated cookies look like little mounds of snow. Sometimes the most simple flavor pairings are the best and that’s absolutely the case with these unpretentious cookies. Get the recipe here.

Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies

The tiny gingerbread men are optional with this classic gingerbread recipe that yields soft, not crunchy, cookies. The warm spices you know and love are all present here. These cookies could not be any easier to come together. Get the recipe here.

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Now, for some dazzling color! These buttery cookies shine in red and green making them appealing for those looking to brighten up their cookie spread this year. Get the recipe here.

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Caramel Stuffed Gingerbread Cookies

If you are after something different, these gingerbread cookies with a caramel twist could be the answer. They are warmly spiced and made with molasses. The sweet caramel interior is a perfect surprise. Get the recipe here.

Nutty Chocolate Chip Fruitcake Cookies

Fruitcake is not for everybody but if you do enjoy it, consider yourself a member of the winning team. Nuts and chocolate ramp up the classic flavors of fruitcake in this chunky cookie that’s filled with goodness. Get the recipe here.

Button Sugar Cookies

So cute they’re topped with a bow! These button-shaped cookies are made from fool-proof sugar cookie dough. Easily shape them into buttons before baking with two holes to allow you to tie kitchen twine or ribbon inside for an extra festive look. Get the recipe here.

Belgian Speculoos Cookies

It’s time to pull out your favorite cookie cutters and molds for this crunchy, spiced cookie. The above was achieved with a specialty rolling pin but you do not need one. Just cut into your favorite shapes and you are in business. Get the recipe here.

Buckeye Balls

Are you serving folks with dietary restrictions? These tasty buckeye balls that represent the perfect marriage between chocolate and peanut butter just so happen to be gluten and dairy free! Get the recipe here.

Cappuccino Swirl Butter Cookies

These decadently buttery cookies are rolled in an espresso powder and sugar mixture before baking to give them just a hint of coffee flavor. The topping could not be easier and is one of the most ingenious hacks on this list. Pull your cookies from the oven and immediately top each one with a Hershey’s hug chocolate. The residual heat will melt the hug just take a toothpick to create a swirl with the molten chocolate. Clever, right? Get the recipe here.

No-Bake Haystack Cookies

If you’re looking for the easiest Christmas cookie recipe on the planet, look no further than these haystack cookies that do not require any baking. Chow mein noodles, white chocolate, and salted peanuts are all it takes to bring these cookies to life. Get the recipe here.

Glazed Butter Pecan Cookies

The classic pairing of butter and pecans will never let you down. Definitely add this recipe to your Christmas cookie list this year. Get the recipe here.

Tripple Chocolate Christmas Cookies

Triple the chocolate? You bet. if you’re in it for the chocolate this season, you’ve just met your cookie soulmate. Get the recipe here.

Oreo Red Velvet Cookies

Can you tell we’re craving chocolate? The delicious red velvet cookie dough is topped with Oreo cookie bits and white chocolate for a decadent-looking and tasting cookie that is the right color for the holiday season. Get the recipe here.

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Peppermint Meltaways

How dreamy do these pink, peppermint cookies look? We think they are the cutest cookies on the list. These peppermint delights are buttery and truly do melt in your mouth. Get the recipe here.

There you go! We hope you found some Christmas cookie recipes to try this year. If we had all the time in the world, we would try them all. Happy holidays and happy baking! If you want even more holiday recipes, keep reading. We’ve got some exciting ones for you to also try.

Starters, Appetizers, Snacking

Sausage Balls

Cheesy, spicy, sausage balls are a popular holiday recipe that can be made in advance and even frozen. We encourage you to up the spice in this basic recipe from Betty Crocker. Add mustard powder or sage (can there ever be too much when paired with pork?) or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Pro tip: prepare the balls but don’t bake them a day before you want them prepared. Sitting overnight in the fridge allows the flavors to marry and become even more delicious.

Cheese Ball Bites

The classic cheese ball we all know and love gets a makeover with these cute little cheese ball bites. We like the pretzel handles but they can also be placed on top of crackers if that’s more your speed. These are a perfect starter to make ahead. Just pull them out of your fridge to come to room temperature before serving.

Spinach Puffs

Frozen puff pastry makes quick work of these cheesy spinach puffs. These vegetarian puffs are filled with cream cheese and a Mexican cheese blend for a little kick.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

If you prefer your spinach delivered in dip form, this classic spinach artichoke dip is going to be the holiday recipe for you. This dip’s prep is an absolute breeze and will take you no more than 15 minutes. You can assemble everything ahead of time and bake it about 40 minutes before you want to serve it.

Shrimp Cocktail

A classic shrimp cocktail with a zesty/spicy homemade dipping sauce is a real crowd-pleaser that’s never going out of style. It’s one of our go-to holiday recipes. You might think it’s an undertaking but the cocktail sauce can be made 2 weeks ahead, and shrimp can be poached a day or two ahead, both kept wrapped and refrigerated.

Ree’s Classic Hot Wings

Ree Drummond‘s hot wings are the ones to beat as far as we are concerned. These wings are easy to come together and have a spicy sauce that’s hot but not too hot for most. Who says you can’t have messy fingers this holiday season?

Pull-Apart Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

It doesn’t get much more festive than this! This cheesy bread is rolled into balls and shaped into a Christmas tree. Grab a ball of dough from your grocery store or favorite pizza shop and this will come together so quickly.

Million Dollar Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are one of the most classic holiday recipes that have been on Thanksgiving and Christmas spreads for decades. This recipe kicks up the flavor with punchy ingredients like the addition of pickle juice. These can be made a day in advance.

Sides

Roasted Carrots with Whipped Tahini, Sticky Dates & Crispy Quinoa

Update the old roasted carrot recipe with one that offers creamy, nutty goodness from the whipped tahini and a surprising crunch from the crispy quinoa. Yum!

Asian-Inspired BBQ Brussels Sprouts

These Brussels sprouts get a fresh makeover with the addition of BBQ sauce and other Asian ingredients that bring tang and depth of flavor. These babies can be prepared in your air fryer for convenience but if you don’t have one, that’s totally fine. They crisp up just as nicely in the oven.

Chorizo and Calabrian Chile Stuffing

Classic stuffing is so great you might not want to mess with perfection. But, for us, a little spice is always nice. Chorizo and mild Calabrian Chile bring a meaty heat to this dish that cuts through the richness of the stuffing. If you’re looking to try something new, this is one of the most exciting stuffing recipes we’ve come across.

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Copycat Panera Mac & Cheese

IYKYK about the Mac and Cheese from Panera. This copycat dish captures the sublime creamy, cheesy, goodness of Panera’s signature. It will get along well with your other holiday recipes and is as easy as it gets.

Hasselback Butternut Squash with Sage

Have you ever seen a more elegant Butternut Squash Side? This holiday recipe finds roasted squash topped with a buttery sauce with all things warm spice and some sweet additions to bring out the natural sweetness. This could be the holiday recipe that your friends and family will not stop talking about.

Kabocha Squash in Maple Soy Brown Butter

Kabocha squash has become more and more readily available in supermarkets across the country. If you have not had it yet, treat yourself to this deceptively simple preparation that pairs salty miso with sweet maple for some seriously amazing flavor.

Celery Caesar Salad

For some families, celery is a polarizing ingredient. If that’s not the case for yours, you are in for a real treat with this crunchy and refreshing Celery Salad. Instead of gloopy dressing, this one is finished closer to a vinaigrette so it’s lighter and brighter.

Chrissy Teigen’s Broccoli Salad with Creamy Cashew Dressing

If you’re looking for lighter holiday recipes, consider your salad options and go for something a bit more unconventional. Chrissy Teigen‘s Vegan Broccoli Salad has a little sweetness, a little spice, and a hint of creaminess thanks to the dressing. Not every holiday recipe should result in a food coma.

Green Beans and Greens With Fried Shallots

Sure, that mushroom soup green bean casserole is fine but we prefer something a lot lighter with much more texture. Alison Roman‘s Green Beans and Greens holiday recipe is crunchy, punchy, and totally comforting. This dish is sauteed quickly and comes together in about 20 minutes. As with most of Roman’s recipes, a few ingredients tell an outsized story.

Roast Sweet Potatoes with Kimchi Butter

If you want to skip the souffle this year and go with something out of the box, consider roasting Sweet Potatoes and topping them with funky Kimchi Butter. Sweet, salty, earthy, and balanced once you try these sweet potatoes you will wonder how you ever ate them any other way.

Mains

Very Good Turkey with Tangy Roasted Shallots and Excellent Gravy

Okay, we admit we’re in Alison Roman’s cult but her holiday recipes are simple to come together and really deliver. The same is true for her Turkey Recipe which encourages you to season your bird with reckless abandon. In addition to the basic steps to follow, she’s also included ways for you to spin the recipe to add new flavors and more dimension to the holiday turkey.

Mustard-Crusted Boneless Prime Rib Roast with Cream Sauce

This crusty, juicy Prime Rib Roast uses a reverse sear method for a great crust but with meat inside that is evenly cooked and very tender. If you follow this method, you will not have a dry, tough roast but just in case, there is a delightful horseradish and mustard cream sauce. This holiday recipe could replace turkey for Thanksgiving this year or land on your Christmas table.

Brown Sugar and Mustard-Glazed Ham

Ham is great for Thanksgiving and Christmas and this Sweet yet Salty Ham is the holiday recipe that will really please a crowd. This large ham will take a few hours to roast in the oven but needs almost an hour to rest. That means it can hang out and cool while you roast your sides. It’s just as delicious at room temperature as it is warm.

Grilled Vinegar Turkey With Chiles and Rosemary

This Grilled Turkey is split in half before hitting the grill to ensure even cooking and deliciously crisp skin. In this holiday recipe, vinegar spiked with chiles offers a satisfying zing next to the richness of the turkey meat. If you want to bust out the grill this holiday season, here’s the holiday recipe for you!

Beef Wellington with Green Sauce

Beef Wellington is a retro dish that’s delightful and much easier to make than you might expect. Mushrooms add depth and complexity to the beefy filling while an herbaceous and citrus-infused sauce brings brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the beef. It’s Beef Wellington for the modern era.

Desserts

Smooth and Spicy Pumpkin Pie

Our favorite Pumpkin Pie holiday recipe is from King Arthur Flour. Say no to bland pumpkin pie! This spice-forward pie has one of the smoothest, creamiest interiors which is a match made in heaven. It does call for one specialty ingredient, Vietnamese Cinnamon, but you can order it today to get it before you back. Trust us, it’s worth it.

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Oreo Ice Cream Dessert

Are you not looking forward to baking a pie this year? We’ve got a holiday recipe for you that can be made weeks ahead as in today to be enjoyed on Thanksgiving. In fact, it keeps in the freezer for several weeks so you could do a batch for your next holiday gathering as well. Oreo cookies and cream is the classic flavor combo in this delightful holiday recipe.

Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Some folks prefer cake over pie and if that’s true for you and your family we highly recommend this Pumpkin Bundt Cake. Bake it once and prepare to count it among your most prized holiday recipes.

Cinnamon Crunch Crinkle Apple Pie

Want to take Apple Pie to the next level? You must try this holiday recipe that takes all of the elements that make apple pie special (cinnamon, sweet apples, and a touch of tartness) but bumps up the flavor and crunch factor a ton!