The Best Christmas Cookie Recipes That'll Win This Year's Swap, Hands Down

The Best Christmas Cookie Recipes That'll Win This Year's Swap, Hands Down

The aroma of homemade Christmas cookies baking in the oven is one of the greatest smells in the world. The moment you begin scrolling through this list of Christmas desserts, you'll want to rush to your kitchen, preheat the oven, and grab all the sugary ingredients you can. And even if it isn't quite Christmas cookie season yet, you may want to get started taste testing, because there are dozens of must-make recipes offered on this roundup. No matter what type of Christmas sugar cookies you're in the mood for, trust us—you'll find it on this list.

Some of our favorites of these Christmas treats are the double chocolate peppermint cookie, peppermint mocha cookie, and thumbprint cookie recipes. For those who love eggnog—aka the official drink of the holiday season—there are a handful of eggnog recipes for you, such as the eggnog snickerdoodles, eggnog gooey butter cookies, and eggnog frosted chai snickerdoodle snowmen. There are also plenty of holiday desserts for the chocoholics out there. You'll absolutely love the triple chocolate cookies, hot chocolate melt-away cookies, and chocolate crinkle cookies.

Don't forget to pair these Christmas sweets with a batch of Christmas cocktails, or festive non-alcoholic Christmas drinks for the little ones. It doesn't matter which batch of Christmas cookies you decide to bake first—every single recipe on this list is amazing.

Pecan Snowflake Cookies

Boost a regular sugar cookie with these delicious pecan cookies shaped like snowflakes.

Get the recipe.

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Candy Cane Sugar Cookies

Keep it simple with these candy cane cookies that melt in your mouth.

Get the recipe at Cookies and Cups.

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Easy Meringue Cookies

Switch up your cookie offerings with these cute meringue cookies that are so easy to make with just five ingredients!

Get the recipe at Taste and Tell Blog.

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Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies

Elevate your favorite snowball cookie with this recipe that uses tasty raspberry jam as a surprise in the middle.

Get the recipe at Cooking Classy.

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Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Crinkle cookies always satisfy, but these red velvet ones really take the cake (erm, cookie).

Get the recipe at Broma Bakery.

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Stained Glass Cookies

These cookies are reminiscent of the stained glass windows at church on Christmas morning—and they're so much easier to make than you think.

Get the recipe at Cooking Classy.

SHOP HARD CANDIES

Snow Globe Sugar Cookies

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! These sugar cookies are adorable without the cover, but can easily be added with plastic ornament halves and white nonpareils.

Get the recipe at Sweets to Impress.

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Soft White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies

Include seasonal cranberries with these cookies. Easily make your cookies soft, thick, and chewy by adding a touch of cornstarch to your dough.

Get the recipe at Sally's Baking Addiction.

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Ugly Christmas Sweater Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Now you don't have to wear an ugly sweater to the holiday party—you can bring an edible version. Another idea is to turn this into a family game. Whoever creates the ugliest sweater on a plain cut-out is the winner!

Get the recipe at Mom Loves Baking.

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Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Not only are these delicate cookies beautiful, but they're also very easy to decorate. Just follow this blogger's tips and tricks and your batch will look just as stunning as hers.

Get the recipe at The Café Sucre Farine.

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Eggnog Cookies

Add this idea to the top of your eggnog recipes to make this year. It features the holiday beverage in both the cookie and the icing.

Get the recipe at Love From the Oven.

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Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Chocoholics won't be able to get enough of these rich bites. Each cocoa-infused cookie is loaded with white chocolate chips and dipped in a white chocolate coating.

Get the recipe at Broma Bakery.

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M&M's Christmas Cookies

When a cookie is loaded with M&M's, you know the kids are going to go crazy for it. However, adults will love these candy-loaded treats too!

Get the recipe at Cooking With Karli.

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Chocolate Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

Candy cane Hershey's Kisses make for the sweetest adornment in these thumbprint cookies. You could personalize this recipe by adding in any candy flavor you'd like.

Get the recipe at Inside BruCrew Life.

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Christmas Candy Cane Cookies

If you're involved in a holiday cookie exchange, you must bake these candy canes. They're sure to stand out from all the other cookies—and will be gone in no time.

Get the recipe at Home Cooking Memories.

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Coconut Snowman Cookies

Frosty has never looked (or tasted!) this good. Enlist your little ones to help decorate the smiling faces.

Get the recipe at Cookies and Cups.

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Santa's Trash Cookies

These salty-sweet cookies are loaded with chocolate chips, sprinkles, pretzels, and potato chips.

Get the recipe at Delish.

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Peppermint Bark Cookies

This blogger notes to use white chocolate baking bars and not white chocolate chips for the coating in her recipe. Although the two products sound similar, there's actually a big difference.

Get the recipe at Sally's Baking Addiction.

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Andes Mint Cookies

A melty Andes Mint makes for a crowd-pleasing topping on each one of these chocolatey confections. You'll be reaching for a second before you've even finished the first.

Get the recipe at Cooking Classy.

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Molasses Cookies

To make these spiced sweets even more mouthwatering, this blogger recommends dipping each one in milk chocolate and coating with sprinkles. If you prefer to leave them plain, they're still delicious.

Get the recipe at The Recipe Critic.

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Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups

Made with a dark chocolate cookie base and filled with a whipped peppermint cheesecake, these cups are bites of pure decadence. They'll definitely be one of the most impressive treats you bake this December.

Get the recipe at Liv for Cake.

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The Best Sugar Cookies

Homemade sugar cookies + buttercream frosting = an instant classic.

Get the recipe at Jenny Cookies.

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

This blogger's chewy chocolate cookie pairs perfectly with the sweet peppermint frosting.

Get the recipe at Crazy Little Projects.

Soft Frosted Holiday Sprinkles Cookies

Children will love decorating this dessert. The more sprinkles, the better!

Get the recipe at Averie Cooks.

Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Turn everyone into an eggnog lover with this sugared and spiced recipe.

Get the recipe at Lil' Luna.

Triple Chocolate Cookies

Chocoholics will love this treat filled with a molten chocolate center.

Get the recipe at Inside BruCrew Life.

White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

White chocolate adds just the right amount of sweetness to this no-chill dough.

Get the recipe at Liv for Cake.

Cake Mix Cookies

This blogger offers different variations to her original recipe, including options for red velvet and German chocolate cookies.

Get the recipe at Dinner at the Zoo.

Holiday Butter Spritz Cookies

Use a cookie press to mold this classic recipe into any shape you'd like.

Get the recipe at If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen.

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Chocolate Kiss Cookies

A chocolatey, sprinkle-rolled cookie—finished with a Hershey’s Kiss—will definitely be one of your kid's favorites.

Get the recipe at Two Peas and Their Pod.

Easy Christmas Wreath Cookies

Get inspired by these adorably decorated cookies to DIY your own Christmas wreath.

Get the recipe at Your Cup of Cake.

Peppermint Mocha Cookies

These white-chocolate dipped treats have just a hint of espresso powder.

Get the recipe at Baker by Nature.

Eggnog Frosted Chai Snickerdoodle Snowmen

Your little one will have a blast decorating these snowmen. How cute are those Reese's Peanut Butter Cup hats?

Get the recipe at Half Baked Harvest.

Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies

This burst of holiday flavors is made of a brownie base, peppermint cream cheese frosting, and crushed candy cane topping.

Get the recipe at Cooking Classy.

Soft and Chewy Christmas Molasses Cookies

This spiced recipe gets a festive touch—and extra crunch—from Christmas colored M&Ms.

Get the recipe at Crazy for Crust.

Christmas Funfetti Cookies

Anything loaded with sprinkles and topped with vanilla frosting is definitely kid-approved.

Get the recipe at Sally's Baking Addiction.

Peppermint Bark Cookies

With one pound of chocolate in each batch of these cookies, they're definitely a holiday decadence.

Get the recipe at Dinner at the Zoo.

Soft-Baked Cake Batter Cookies

This blogger recommends to slightly under-bake her recipe for a "super chewy and soft interior."

Get the recipe at Chelsea's Messy Apron.

Grinch Cookies

Bake a batch of this perfectly named dessert right before you see the new Grinch movie!

Get the recipe at The Recipe Critic.

Hot Chocolate Meltaway Cookies

These chocolate ganache-topped treats will melt in your mouth.

Get the recipe at Creme de la Crumb.

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry + orange = a match made in Christmas heaven.

Get the recipe at The Cookie Rookie.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

It's not Christmas without a powdered sugar-covered crinkle cookie (or five).

Get the recipe at Gimme Some Oven.

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White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Sugar Cookies

These chewy snacks get a hint of peppermint flavor in both the dough and the frosting.

Get the recipe at Cooking Classy.

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Hot Chocolate Cookies

A hidden piece of melted dark chocolate underneath each marshmallow makes these treats absolutely mouthwatering.

Get the recipe at Averie Cooks.

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Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies

Upgrade your usual gingerbread recipe with a melt-in-your-mouth spiced white chocolate filling.

Get the recipe at Swanky Recipes.

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Soft Batch Frosted Sugar Cookies

Kids will have a ton of fun decorating these cookies with Christmas sprinkles.

Get the recipe at Just So Tasty.

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Santa's Favorite Cookies

Be sure to layer in plenty of M&Ms into this brown sugar-pudding mix—the more, the merrier!

Get the recipe at Crazy for Crust.

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Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

Add a dash of peppermint extract into the dough for an extra burst of minty flavor.

Get the recipe at Hot Beauty Health.

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Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Cookies

Calling all chocolate lovers: This supremely rich recipe will be your new winter go-to.

Get the recipe at Two Peas and Their Pod.

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Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies

Have a holiday cookie exchange coming up? These colorful pinwheels will impress the lucky recipient with both taste and presentation.

Get the recipe at Baked by Rachel.

SHOP STAND MIXERS

Gingerbread Sugar Cookies

These absolutely adorable gingerbread men are super-simple — you don't even have to chill the dough.

Get the recipe at Creme de la Crumb.

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Eggnog Snickerdoodle

Even if you're not a fan of the drink, you won't be able to resist these eggnog-spiced snickerdoodles.

Get the recipe at Amy's Healthy Baking.

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Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies

Serve these buttery bites at room temperature, or even slightly chilled from the refrigerator.

Get the recipe at Wicked Good Kitchen.

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Christmas Light Sugar Cookies

An assortment of crushed starlight mints, rock candy, dragees, M&M's, and string licorice comes together for some beautiful bulbs. Varying amounts of texture add even more interest.

Get the recipe.

Peppermint Kiss Thumbprint Cookies

The best part of these cookies is the creamy white chocolate center.

Get the recipe at Creme de la Crumb.

Spiced Shortbread

Wrap the edges of a cardboard pie slice box with decorative ribbon. Wrap cookies in parchment, then secure with ribbon and tuck inside box.

Get the recipe.

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Fruitcake Cookies

Line a mini loaf pan, with plain tissue paper then wax paper. Add cookies, fold over paper, then wrap with ribbon and attach a card with a mini clothespin.

Get the recipe.

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Christmas Lights Cookies

Grab the kiddos to help you decorate these adorable Christmas lights cookies.

Get the recipe at Firesflies + Mudpies.

Shortcut Sugar Cookies

Use a glass with a decorative bottom to press patterns into ready-made sugar cookie dough.

Get the recipe.

Biscuit-and-Jam Cookies

Line a berry basket with polka dot tissue paper and add cookies. Wrap with rickrack, and sew in place with a button and embroidery thread.

Get the recipe.

Homemade Triple Chocolate-Hazelnut Cookies

Here's something for the chocolate lovers on your list! When stacked inside a cellophane bag, these little morsels will make anyone's holiday extra sweet.

Get the recipe.

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White Chocolate Dipped Ginger Cookies

Switch up the classic gingerbread cookie recipe by adding a touch of white chocolate.

Get the recipe at Cooking Classy.

Red Velvet Snowballs

After whipping up these snowball treats, fill a six-egg carton with mini lotus cupcake liners and add cookies. Tie it up with a plain tag adorned with a bottle brush wreath.

Get the recipe.

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Cinnamon-Sugar Lattice Cookies

If you love sugar cookies and buttery pie crust, these cookies are for you. They are simple, elegant, and sure to impress. Try gifting them at a Christmas cookie swap or bring them to your next holiday party.

Get the recipe.

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Shortbread Bites

Shortbread is always a good option for Christmas, and this cube-shaped version is both easy to prepare and decorative.

Get the recipe at Cooking Classy.

Snow Globe Cookie Jar

Skip the same-old tin and give cookies in a festive (airtight!) jar instead.

Step 1: Use a fine-tipped brush to paint small white dots on the outside of a glass jar.

Step 2: Fill bottom of jar with snowball cookies. Place small plastic trinkets inside for a snow globe-inspired vignette.

Step 3: Tie gift tag to jar with ribbon.

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White Chocolate and Peppermint Blondies

Line a kraft paper box with striped wax tissue paper. Add blondies, close box, then wrap exterior with decorative paper, red ribbon, and a candy cane accent.

Get the recipe.

Tea Cookies

One tasty recipe yields four very different kinds of Christmas cookies.

Recipes: Tea Cookie Dough

Roly Polys

Jam Thumbprints

Red-and-Whites

Raspberry Bars

Gingerbread Animals

Traditional gingerbread takes a walk on the wild side, via critter cookie cutters. Corral the whole stable in a hand-stenciled box filled with "hay."

Get the recipe.

Sugar-Cookie Buttons

These buttery delights are cute as, well, you know. Gather a stack together by threading ribbon through the buttonholes, and present the cookies in a perfectly sized papier-mâché box with a snowflake stenciled on the lid.

Get the recipe.

Shortbread Cookies

Displayed in a clear-topped checkerboard box, bite-size shortbread cookies—dipped in fruity glazes, chopped nuts, and citrus zest—pass for tiny works of art. Bonus: The sturdy container can later hold other petite treasures like jewelry or sewing notions.

Get the recipe.

Ho Ho Ho Cookies

Begin by pressing together nine 1 1/4-inch squares of dough to make the tic-tac-toe game board, and cut out plenty of Hs and Os. The tiny letters will bake very quickly, so keep watch to prevent them from overbrowning.

Get the recipe.

Linzer-Style Tree Cookies

Christmas tree cookies are a traditional favorite. Prevent waste by using both the positive and negative shapes. For Linzer-Style Tree cookies, spread red currant, strawberry, or raspberry jelly or preserves on the bottom cookie so the color peeks through the top cookie's tree-shaped opening (Smucker's jelly or preserves are a good choice).

Get the recipe.

Nana Cookies

These simple piped delights contain a secret ingredient: ground cloves! Mild and savory, these cookies taste fantastic with coffee—consider wrapping them up with a bag of roast beans.

Get the recipe.

Sandwich Cookies

There are two tasty versions of this classic: square winter-spice wafers (think gingersnaps) with orange cream and bittersweet chocolate rounds stuffed with raspberry preserves.

Bright Idea: Mini-Bundt, cupcake, and loaf pans double as gift "boxes" that recipients can put to good use.

Recipes: Winter-Spice Sandwich Cookies with Orange Cream

Bittersweet-Chocolate Sandwich Cookies with Raspberry Preserves

Whoopie Pies

These creations give standard vanilla cream a run for its money. Here, a maple-spice center holds pumpkin cakes together, while a peppermint cloud does the same for her chocolate option.

Bright Idea: Cheery vintage tins add a personal touch to baked goods.

Recipes: Chocolate Whoopie Pies with Peppermint Filling

Pumpkin Whoopie Maple-Spiced Filling

Biscotti

For a professional finish, sprinkle on a little fleur de sel before popping these lemon-olive oil and chocolate-pistachio biscotti in the oven.

Recipes: Lemon-Olive Oil Biscotti

Chocolate-Pistachio Biscotti

Cream Cheese Shortbread with Toasted Walnuts

The addition of cream cheese produces a softer, more cakelike texture than you'll find with typical shortbread. The perfect pairing for these fine-crumb shortbread cookies? A jar of decadent dulce de leche or caramel sauce.

Get the recipe.

Chocolate Coins

Semisweet chocolate chips, light-brown sugar, and Dutch-processed cocoa powder yield a refined richness.

Get the recipe.

Fig Cookies

Fancify traditional sugar-cookie dough, by filling in with a mixture of figs, chocolate, and orange marmalade, then scoring a pretty fan pattern on top.

Get the recipe.

Sugar Cookies

Simple sugar cookies go glamorous, thanks to ornament-shaped cutters and colorful icing.

Get the recipe.

Sugar Cookie Name Tags

To create these sweet name tags, follow our recipe for sugar cookie dough. Form the cookies with a tag-shaped cutter, then use a plastic straw to punch a hole in the pointed end of each treat before baking.

Get the recipe.

Red-and-White Cookies

All you need are two different-colored doughs, a rolling pin, and a knife. Form one dough ball into a log, then wrap the rolled-out colored dough around it, chill, slice into cookies, and bake.

Get the recipe.

Checkerboard Cookies

To create marbled cookies, shape vanilla and chocolate dough into ropes. Twist together for a swirled effect. Chill, slice, and bake.

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Springerle Cookies

Bavarian cookies called springerle are known for their distinctive flavor. The dough is rolled onto a floured surface, imprinted with clean, floured rubber stamps, dried overnight, and then baked.

Get the recipe.