Updated Dec 22th, 2024
The holidays are around the corner, and there’s something so comforting about baking a fresh batch of cookies.
With all the hustle and bustle of the season, quick and easy Christmas cookie recipes are essential.
These recipes are perfect for creating beautiful, delicious treats without spending all day in the kitchen.
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a holiday cookie exchange, these ideas will keep things stress-free while still bringing the holiday spirit into your home.
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[1] M&M Cookies with Chocolate Chunks
Soft, chewy, and bursting with festive charm, these cookies are a holiday must-have. Featuring red and green M&Ms and rich chocolate chunks, they’re as delightful to eat as they are to look at.
Perfect for making ahead, the dough can be frozen for up to three months, making holiday prep stress-free.
Trust us, these cookies taste as magical as they look!
Check out the full recipe here.
[2] Classic Sugar Cookies
Nothing says Christmas quite like a tray of classic sugar cookies decorated with festive icing.
They’re super versatile, allowing you to use fun cookie cutters and colorful sprinkles, making them perfect for kids to join in on the fun.
You can even make the dough ahead of time and freeze it for when you’re ready to bake!
Check out the full recipe here.
[3] Nutella Cookies with Just 3 Ingredients
With just three simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you’ll have soft, chewy cookies bursting with rich Nutella flavor.
Perfect for this holiday, they’re a no-fuss dessert that doesn’t skimp on taste. Try it once, and you’ll be making these cookies on repeat!
Check out the full recipe here.
[4] Peanut Butter Blossoms
These Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies combine the best of both worlds: the soft, peanut butter base and the sweet chocolate kiss on top.
They’re an absolute must during the holiday season and are always a crowd favorite.
Plus, they’re quick to whip up and perfect for any cookie exchange!
Check out the full recipe here.
[5] Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are a holiday classic. Their warm, spiced flavor and versatility for decorating make them a go-to for Christmas.
Whether you go for traditional gingerbread men or decide to make gingerbread houses, this recipe is perfect for a fun family activity during the holidays.
Tip: Add a little extra molasses for a deeper, richer flavor.
Check out the full recipe here.
[6] Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
For chocolate lovers, these Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a dream.
The rich, fudgy center combined with the powdered sugar exterior creates a beautiful contrast and a decadent bite that melts in your mouth.
Plus, they’re super easy to make and require just a few ingredients.
Check out the full recipe here.
[7] Snickerdoodles
The cinnamon-sugar coating on these soft, chewy cookies makes them irresistible.
Snickerdoodles are a timeless holiday favorite and are easy to prepare with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Pro tip: Use cream of tartar in the dough for that signature tangy flavor.
Check out the full recipe here.
[8] No-Bake Cornflake Wreaths
Need something easy but festive? These No-Bake Cornflake Wreaths are perfect!
They’re colorful, cute, and only take a few ingredients to make. The marshmallow holds the cornflakes together, and with a little green food coloring and red candy “berries,” they look like mini wreaths.
Best of all, no oven required!
Check out the full recipe here.
[9] Thumbprint Cookies
These Thumbprint Cookies are as delicious as they are beautiful.
With a buttery base and a center filled with sweet jam, they’re a perfect balance of flavors.
You can easily customize them with different jams, making each batch unique!
Tip: Chill the dough before baking to help the cookies keep their shape.
Check out the full recipe here.
[10] Oreo Truffles
For a no-bake option that’s quick and indulgent, try these Oreo Truffles.
Crushed Oreos, cream cheese, and melted chocolate make these bite-sized treats both decadent and easy to make.
They’re perfect for holiday parties or as gifts!
Tip: Use white chocolate for a beautiful contrast and festive look.
Check out the full recipe here.
[11] Linzer Cookies
These Linzer Cookies are a festive treat with a shortbread-like base and a sweet jam filling.
They’re pretty enough to gift but easy enough to make in batches.
Dust them with powdered sugar for that classic holiday look.
Check out the full recipe here.
[12] Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
If you love sugar cookies but don’t have time for rolling and cutting dough, these Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are the answer.
They’re thick, chewy, and topped with a festive layer of frosting and sprinkles.
A perfect quick alternative to traditional sugar cookies!
Tip: Cut them into squares after baking and frost once they’ve cooled completely.
Check out the full recipe here.
[13] Molasses Cookies
Rich and chewy, Molasses Cookies are a holiday staple.
The deep molasses flavor combined with ginger and spices creates a comforting, nostalgic treat that pairs perfectly with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
Check out the full recipe here.
[14] Pecan Snowball Cookies
These Pecan Snowball Cookies (also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies) are buttery, nutty, and coated in powdered sugar for that snowball effect.
They practically melt in your mouth and are perfect for gifting!
Tip: Make sure to let the cookies cool slightly before rolling them in powdered sugar for the perfect coating.
Check out the full recipe here.
Let’s Get Baking!
We’ve rounded up these easy Christmas cookie recipes to make your holiday baking fun and stress-free.
Which recipe will you try first? We’d LOVE to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
And don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more holiday treats and ideas to keep your season merry and bright.
Love, Mia
made the peanut butter blossoms last year, and they were a HIT. thinking about trying the molasses cookies this time—something about those warm spices just screams christmas.
hey, can I use homemade strawberry jam for the thumbprint cookies? or will it be too runny? got a big jar in the fridge that needs using up!
homemade jam totally works! just make sure it’s thick enough so it doesn’t spread everywhere while baking
These chocolate crinkle cookies look amazing! Adding them to my weekend baking list—hoping they’ll be as fudgy as they look.