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75 Christmas Cookie Recipes to Fill Out the Holiday Table

Set out a few out for the big guy on Christmas Eve.

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Becky Lugart-Stayner

One of our absolute favorite Christmas traditions? Baking Christmas cookies! So fire up your Christmas playlist or put on your family's favorite Christmas movies, and let's get baking!

To help you fill your home with warmth and cheer this Christmas, we’ve rounded up some of our very favorite Christmas cookie recipes—from classic gingerbread to decorated sugar cookies, from Christmas classics to revamped version of them, and absolutely everything in between. There’s something tasty and delicious for everyone on this list — including Santa.

1

Red Velvet Snowflakes with Cream Cheese Icing

christmas cookies red velvet sugar cookies
Becky Lugart-Stayner

These bright festive cookies will pop on the holiday table! Plus, you can't go wrong with cream cheese icing.

Get the recipe for Red Velvet Snowflakes with Cream Cheese Icing.

2

Classic Spritz Cookies

classic spritz cookies recipe
Becky Lugart-Stayner

These pressed cookies are true holiday classics! They also make pretty cute gifts when packaged in Christmas tins.

Get the recipe for Classic Spritz Cookies.

3

Chocolate-Walnut Sandwich Cookies

chocolate walnut sandwich cookies recipe
Becky Lugart-Stayner

Hailing from Eastern Europe and Russia, where they were originally cooked in their signature two-part skillet over an open fire, these crispy shelled sandwiches, also known as oreshki, boast a creamy chocolate-and-walnut filling

Get the recipe for Chocolate-Walnut Sandwich Cookies.

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4

Speculaas Cookies

speculaas christmas cookies
Becky Lugart-Stayner

These traditional almond-flavored cookies are a classic treat! Popular in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany around the Feast of St. Nicholas, these highly spiced cookies are made by pressing dough into carved wooden molds known as speculaas planks.

Get the recipe for Speculaas Cookies.

5

Eggnog Madeleines

christmas cookies eggnog madeleines
Becky Lugart-Stayner

Give these beautiful cookies a bit of a Christmas twist! Eggnog lovers, these delicate treats are just the thing for you.

Get the recipe for Eggnog Madeleines.

6

Peppermint Palmiers

peppermint palmiers arranged on a white plate with red trim
Becky Luigart-Stayner

These beautiful French cookies are dusted with a seasonal treat. Serve them at your next Christmas party with cups of peppermint eggnog, for a cooling winter treat.

Get the recipe for Peppermint Palmiers.

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7

Thin-and-Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies

thin and crispy chocolate chip cookies
Becky Lugart-Stayner

If you're team crispy in the great chewy vs crispy cookie debate, these crunchy, sweet, wafer-thin cookies are here to help you make your case. Light and delicate with a decidedly fun snap, they'll hold their own in a big glass of milk any day.

Get the recipe for Thin-and-Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies.

8

Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies

striped peppermint sandwich cookies on a red glass serving stand
Becky Luigart-Stayner

They may look like they just came from a professional baker's dessert case, but these beautiful 5-ingredient Christmas cookies couldn't be easier to make. They're fun for the holidays and make excellent gifts!

Get the recipe for Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies.

9

Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Truffles

snickerdoodle truffles
Maria Siriano

Sugar cookie dough, white chocolate, and a sprinkle of cinnamon make up these easy no-cook cookie dough truffles.

Get the recipe for Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Truffles.

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10

Cranberry Walnut Shortbread Bars

christmas cookies cranberry shortbread
Hector M. Sanchez

Sugared cranberries are so festive for Christmas! Give your holiday dessert table a pop of sweet cranberry flavor with these shortbread bars.

Get the recipe for Cranberry Walnut Shortbread Bars.

11

Mini Gingerbread Men

mini gingerbread men arranged on a parchment lined cake stand
Becky Luigart-Stayner

How do you make gingerbread men cookies better? By making them cuter! These mini guys are great on their own but also make adorable toppers for cakes and other Christmas confections!

Get the recipe for Mini Gingerbread Men.

12

Classic Oatmeal Cookies

classic oatmeal cookies
Becky Lugart-Stayner

These easy cookies are filled with all the brown sugar and holiday spice you could want.

Get the recipe for Classic Oatmeal Cookies.

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13

Christmas Light Sugar Cookies

christmas light sugar cookies with various sprinkle and arranged on a licorice string
Becky Luigart-Stayner

An assortment of candies and a string of licorice help turn these cute bulb-shaped cookies into impressive-looking treats. Keep the theme up by serving these with a retro Christmas tree cake.

Get the recipe for Christmas Light Sugar Cookies.

14

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

christmas cookies chocolate crinkles
Kat Teutsch

These simple, chewy, chocolaty little cookies are a classic for a reason! Put them on your Christmas cookie tray or stack them in little jars or bags for a cute holiday gift!

Get the recipe for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies.

15

Classic Chewy Sugar Cookies

classic chewy sugar cookies
Becky Lugart-Stayner

Cut out sugar cookies are a hit at Christmas time, but classic chewy sugar cookies are just at home on a holiday dessert table! Enjoy them as is or top with frosting and festive sprinkles for an easy holiday treat.

Get the recipe for Classic Chewy Sugar Cookies.

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16

Marbled Tahini Shortbread Cookies

marbled tahini shortbread cookies arranged on a dark green serving plate
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Shortbread is a low-key Christmas cookie winner. It doesn't seem fancy, until you take a bite and suddenly can't stop eating it.

Get the recipe for Marbled Tahini Shortbread Cookies.

17

Cookie Cutter Ginger Crisps

cookie cutter ginger crisps
Susie Cushner

This recipe will yield plenty of cookies, which you may not need right away. Roll unused dough into logs, wrap well, and freeze for up to one month. Then you can have delightful ginger cookies all Christmas season.

Get the recipe for Cookie Cutter Ginger Crisps.

18

Almond Biscotti

almond biscotti in a blue container
Becky Luigart-Stayner

These classic crispy Italian sweets are exactly what you want for dipping into a spiced-up coffee or holiday mulled drink.

Get the recipe for Almond Biscotti.

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19

Christmas Light Gingerbread Cookies

christmas light gingerbread cookies arranged in the shape of a wreath with a pink bow
Becky Stayner

These easy gingerbread cookies are festive enough as-is, but they look extra spectacular arranged on a platter in the form of a wreath!

Get the recipe for Christmas Light Gingerbread Cookies.

20

Marshmallow-Chocolate Cookie Sammies

marshmallow chocolate cookie sammies
Angie Mosier

If you love Moon Pies, you'll love this homemade version! Sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles for an extra festive touch.

Get the recipe for Marshmallow-Chocolate Cookie Sammies.

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