The holidays are the perfect time to bake, and these easy Christmas cookies make it simple to share something sweet. With more than 50 recipes to choose from, you’ll find festive cookies that are quick to make, fun to decorate, and ideal for gifting.
Easy Christmas cookies are a seasonal favorite because they’re simple, delicious, and bring people together in the kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cookie exchange, or a cozy night with family, these recipes will help make your holiday baking merry and stress-free.
Easy Christmas Cookies Tips
- Use a cookie scoop to portion dough evenly; it saves time and ensures uniform cookies.
- A large baking sheet helps you bake more cookies per batch and reduces total baking time.
- Silicone baking mats or parchment paper prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Season for Baking
The holidays are one of the best times to bake. Once Thanksgiving passes, many of us start filling the house with smells of cinnamon, nutmeg, and freshly baked goods. While pies are a staple for Thanksgiving and often reappear at Christmas, cookies are the star of most holiday dessert tables.
Two popular pies often baked during the season are Caramel Apple Pie and Homemade Apple Pie, but this list focuses on a wide range of easy cookie recipes for every taste and dietary need.
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft, spiced gingerbread crinkle cookies that freeze well and look beautiful on any Christmas platter.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Pistachio Cookies
Chewy pistachio cookies made with crushed pistachios and pudding mix for a rich, nutty flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Cookies
Snickerdoodle Cookies
Classic snickerdoodles rolled in cinnamon sugar with crisp edges and soft, chewy centers.
Get the Recipe: Snickerdoodle Cookies
Ginger Chip Spice Cookies
Warm ginger chip spice cookies are filled with holiday spices and work beautifully on any cookie tray or in gift boxes.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Chip Spice Cookies
Reindeer Sugar Cookie Bars
Playful reindeer sugar cookie bars decorated with pretzels, candy eyes, and M&Ms—kids love them.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Sugar Cookie Bars
Snowball Christmas Cookies
Buttery snowball cookies made with pecans and rolled in powdered sugar—a holiday essential.
Get the Recipe: Snowball Christmas Cookies
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies with Pretzels
Sweet-and-salty peanut butter cup cookies with crunchy pretzels that are crowd-pleasers.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cup Cookies with Pretzels
Snowman Peanut Butter Cookies
Cute snowman peanut butter cookies that are fun to bake and decorate with the family.
Get the Recipe: Snowman Peanut Butter Cookies
Thin and Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies
Thin, chewy brown sugar cookies with notes of molasses and vanilla for a comforting flavor.
Get the Recipe: Thin and Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies
M&M Christmas Cookies
Soft and chewy M&M cookies loaded with colorful candies to brighten any dessert table.
Get the Recipe: M&M Christmas Cookies
Soft and Chewy Gingersnap Cookies
Soft, chewy gingersnap cookies with warm spices that make a cozy holiday treat.
Get the Recipe: Soft and Chewy Gingersnap Cookies
Frostbite Cookies
Crispy yet tender frostbite cookies with a hint of peppermint—a refreshing holiday option.
Get the Recipe: Frostbite Cookies
Red Velvet Snowball Cookies
Red velvet snowball cookies combine chocolate notes with a snowy powdered sugar finish for an elegant holiday bite.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Snowball Cookies
Flourless Chocolate Mudslide Cookies
Fudgy flourless mudslide cookies are gluten-free, dairy-free, and loaded with chocolate flavor.
Get the Recipe: Flourless Chocolate Mudslide Cookies
Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Soft oatmeal cookies studded with tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate chips for a festive contrast of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies
Classic buttery sugar cookies that are perfect for cutting shapes and decorating for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies
Rolo Cookies
Soft chocolate cookies with a caramel center—great for cookie swaps and parties.
Get the Recipe: Rolo Cookies
Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies
Beautiful gingerbread snowflake cookies that are easy to make and full of warm holiday spice.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies
Chewy Chocolate Chip Chunk Cookies
Thick, chewy chocolate chip chunk cookies packed with gooey chocolate in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Chip Chunk Cookies
Shortbread Cookies with Pecans
Tender, buttery shortbread cookies topped with pecans—ideal for sharing during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Cookies with Pecans
Christmas Shortbread Cookies with Icing
Light, buttery shortbread cookies topped with sweet icing for a simple, festive treat.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Shortbread Cookies with Icing
Monster Cookies
Big-batch monster cookies made with oats, peanut butter, and chocolate—easy to make and great for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Monster Cookies
Biscochitos (Cinnamon Anise Shortbread)
Traditional biscochitos flavored with cinnamon and anise for a sweet-and-spicy holiday cookie.
Get the Recipe: Biscochitos (Cinnamon Anise Shortbread)
Caramel Snickerdoodles
Soft caramel snickerdoodles flavored with cinnamon and vanilla—great with coffee or tea.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Snickerdoodles
Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies
Raspberry cheesecake cookies filled with creamy white chocolate and bright berry flavor.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies
Chocolate Crinkle Kiss Cookies
Soft, fudgy chocolate crinkles rolled in powdered sugar and topped with a candy kiss for a festive finish.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Crinkle Kiss Cookies
Double Chocolate Chewy M&M Cookies
Chewy double chocolate M&M cookies made with rich cocoa and holiday candies for an extra chocolatey treat.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Chewy M&M Cookies
Gingerbread Man Sugar Cookies
Classic gingerbread man sugar cookies that are easy to decorate and fun for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Man Christmas Sugar Cookies
Cranberry Orange Swirl Cookies
Bright cranberry orange swirl cookies offer a lively, citrusy flavor perfect for the season.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Cookies
Chocolate Chunk Marshmallow Cookies
Gooey chocolate chunk marshmallow cookies that are soft, chewy, and full of melty goodness.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chunk Marshmallow Cookies
Frosted Pistachio Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
Crisp shortbread cookies topped with frosting, pistachios, and cranberries for a beautiful holiday dessert.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Pistachio Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft, fudgy double chocolate chip cookies with crispy edges and deep chocolate flavor.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft Amaretti Cookies
Delicate Italian amaretti that are soft, chewy, and naturally gluten-free.
Get the Recipe: Soft Amaretti Cookies
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Soft and chewy red velvet crinkles with a rich cocoa note and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies
Copycat cranberry bliss bars made with white chocolate and tart cranberries for a Starbucks-inspired holiday treat.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Bliss Bar Cookies
Funfetti Cookies
Colorful, buttery funfetti cookies that are soft, sweet, and loved by kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Funfetti Cookies
Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Peppermint candy cane kiss cookies that pair festive flavor with classic chocolate.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Soft Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies
Rich, buttery soft-batch chocolate chip cookies made with both chips and chunks of chocolate.
Get the Recipe: Soft Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Chip Biscotti
Crunchy chocolate chip biscotti that combine cookie flavor with a dunkable crunch.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Biscotti
Chocolate Chip Mint Cookies
Refreshing chocolate chip mint cookies that capture classic holiday flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Mint Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Classic chocolate chip cookies that are quick to make and perfect for any holiday cookie tray.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies
Speculoos (Belgian Spice Cookies)
Crisp speculoos cookies flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and brown sugar for authentic Belgian spice.
Get the Recipe: Speculoos
Christmas Kiss Cookies
Peanut butter blossom cookies rolled in sugar and topped with a milk chocolate star candy.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Kiss Cookies
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Soft, chewy chocolate crinkle cookies rolled in powdered sugar—a classic holiday favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Red Velvet Macarons
Elegant red velvet macarons filled with cream cheese frosting—crisp, chewy, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Macarons
Butterscotch Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
Soft pumpkin oatmeal cookies with butterscotch chips—cozy and gluten-free-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
Chewy Gingersnap Cookies
Classic gingersnaps with chewy centers and crisp edges—perfect for dunking.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Gingersnap Cookies
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blossoms
Health-conscious gluten-free peanut butter blossoms made with simple ingredients and protein powder options.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blossoms
Merry Meringue Cookies
Light, airy meringues made with three ingredients and garnished with mint and sugared cranberries for a festive touch.
Get the Recipe: Merry Meringue Cookies
Cherry Kiss Cookies
Soft cherry chocolate kiss cookies that combine bright cherry flavor with a chocolate center—easy and festive.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Kiss Cookies
Brown Butter Sugar Cookies
Brown butter sugar cookies add a rich, nutty twist to a holiday classic.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Sugar Cookies
Molasses Cookies
Soft, chewy molasses cookies flavored with warm spices; many recipes include gluten-free and vegan options.
Get the Recipe: Molasses Cookies
Classic Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Old-fashioned iced oatmeal cookies that are spiced, soft, and topped with a sweet glaze.
Get the Recipe: Classic Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Cake Mix Christmas Crinkle Cookies
Simple cake mix crinkle cookies that are quick to make—perfect for sharing or gifting during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Christmas Crinkle Cookies
Hot Cocoa Cookies
Rich hot cocoa cookies studded with mini marshmallows—like a cup of hot chocolate in cookie form.
Get the Recipe: Hot Cocoa Cookies
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chewy mint chocolate chip cookies made with chopped Andes mints for a refreshing holiday flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
Soft pumpkin sugar cookies made with real pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar
Simple chocolate chip cookies made without brown sugar for a lighter, crispier texture and pronounced vanilla notes.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar
There are a lot of cookie ideas listed above. If you’d like even more dessert inspiration, consider exploring collections dedicated to bars, cakes, cheesecakes, cookies, cupcakes, fudge, and pies, or browse easy pie recipes with gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options.
- Soft Frosted Cut Out Sugar Cookies with Buttercream
- Cake Mix Gingerbread Loaf
- Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Loaf Cake
- Sweet Potato Pie