21 Easy Christmas Cookies Recipes Ideas

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The holiday season is the perfect time to gather with loved ones and indulge in the delightful tradition of baking Christmas cookies.

From classic recipes to modern twists, cookies are a cherished part of festive celebrations.

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Here’s a list of 21 easy Christmas cookie recipes that will fill your home with the warm aroma of baked goods and sweet memories.

1. Classic Sugar Cookies

These timeless cookies are perfect for decorating with icing and sprinkles, making them a favorite for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk
• Sprinkles or icing for decoration

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
4. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Add milk as needed for consistency.
5. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls into balls, place on cookie sheets, and flatten slightly. Decorate with sprinkles or icing.
6. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden.

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2. Chocolate Chip Cookies

The ultimate comfort cookie, chocolate chip cookies are always a hit and can be made with variations like nuts or different types of chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
3. Combine flour and baking soda; gradually blend into the creamed mixture. Finally, mix in chocolate chips.
4. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans.
5. Bake for about 10 minutes, until edges are nicely browned.

3. Peanut Butter Blossoms

These delightful cookies combine the rich flavor of peanut butter with the sweet surprise of chocolate Kisses on top.

Ingredients:

• 48 unwrapped chocolate Kisses
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix together peanut butter, white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking soda. Gradually mix into the peanut butter mixture.
4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheets. Bake for 10 minutes.
5. Immediately press a chocolate Kiss into the center of each cookie after removing from the oven.

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4. Snickerdoodles

These soft and chewy cookies, rolled in cinnamon sugar, are a nostalgic treat that many love to bake during the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cream together butter, 1 1/2 cups sugar, and eggs until smooth.
3. Mix flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt; gradually blend into the creamed mixture.
4. Roll dough into balls, then roll in a mixture of 3 tablespoons sugar and 3 teaspoons cinnamon.
5. Place on ungreased cookie sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

5. Gingerbread Cookies

With their warm spices and molasses flavor, gingerbread cookies are perfect for holiday decorations and fun shapes.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in molasses and egg.
4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
5. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

6. Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

These chewy cookies are a delightful combination of oats and tart cranberries, perfect for adding a festive touch to your cookie platter.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dried cranberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. Combine oats, flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually mix into the creamed mixture. Stir in cranberries.
4. Drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

7. Thumbprint Cookies

These adorable cookies are known for their unique thumbprint in the center, which can be filled with jam or chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Jam or chocolate for filling

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Mix in the egg yolk.
3. Stir in flour and salt. Roll dough into balls and make an indentation in each.
4. Fill with jam or chocolate and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

8. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These rich and fudgy cookies are coated in powdered sugar before baking, giving them their signature crinkly appearance.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix cocoa, sugar, and oil. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
3. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to the cocoa mixture.
4. Roll dough into balls and coat in powdered sugar. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

9. Almond Joy Cookies

These cookies combine the flavors of chocolate, coconut, and almonds, inspired by the famous candy bar.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped almonds

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
3. Combine flour and baking soda; gradually mix into the creamed mixture. Stir in coconut, chocolate chips, and almonds.
4. Drop by spoonfuls onto baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

10. Linzer Cookies

These beautiful sandwich cookies are filled with jam and dusted with powdered sugar, perfect for a festive presentation.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Raspberry or apricot jam for filling
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture. Roll out dough and cut shapes, making sure to cut out the center for the top cookies.
5. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool and fill with jam, then dust with powdered sugar.

11. Rugelach

These flaky, nut-filled cookies are rolled up with a variety of fillings and are a delightful addition to any holiday cookie tray.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Filling options: chopped nuts, cinnamon, chocolate chips, fruit preserves

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth. Gradually mix in flour.
3. Divide dough into quarters, roll out each into a circle, and spread with filling. Cut into wedges and roll up.
4. Place on baking sheets and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

12. Molasses Cookies

These soft and chewy cookies are flavored with warm spices, perfect for the holidays and great with a glass of milk.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together butter, brown sugar, and molasses until smooth. Beat in egg.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and spices; gradually blend into the wet mixture.
4. Roll into balls, then flatten slightly. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

13. Pecan Snowballs

These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, resembling snowballs and perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• Additional powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar. Mix in vanilla.
3. Gradually add flour and pecans. Roll dough into balls.
4. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar.

14. Meringue Cookies

These light and airy cookies are made from whipped egg whites and sugar, creating a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treat.

Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and cream of tartar, beating until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold in vanilla. Drop spoonfuls onto baking sheets.
4. Bake for 1 hour. Turn off the oven and let cool completely inside.

15. Fudge Brownie Cookies

These rich, chocolatey cookies combine the texture of brownies with the convenience of cookies, perfect for chocolate lovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt butter and stir in cocoa powder and sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
3. Mix flour and baking powder; stir into the chocolate mixture.
4. Drop spoonfuls onto baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

16. Eggnog Cookies

These festive cookies capture the flavor of eggnog in a soft and delicious treat, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup eggnog
• 1 egg
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggnog and egg.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, nutmeg, and baking powder. Gradually blend into the creamed mixture.
4. Drop by spoonfuls onto baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

17. White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

These chewy cookies combine sweet white chocolate and crunchy macadamia nuts for a delightful treat that feels extra special.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup macadamia nuts, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. Mix flour and baking soda; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.
4. Drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

18. Candy Cane Cookies

These festive cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a fun addition to any holiday cookie tray.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Red and green food coloring

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar. Mix in egg and vanilla.
3. Gradually add flour and peppermint extract. Divide dough in half and tint one half with red food coloring.
4. Roll small pieces of each color into ropes, twist together, and shape into candy canes.
5. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes.

19. Nutella Stuffed Cookies

Indulge in these soft cookies that hide a delicious center of Nutella, providing a rich, chocolatey surprise in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup Nutella

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. Mix flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.
4. Take a tablespoon of dough, make a well in the center, and add a teaspoon of Nutella. Enclose the dough around Nutella and roll into a ball.
5. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

20. Caramel-Stuffed Cookies

These decadent cookies are filled with gooey caramel, providing a sweet surprise in every bite—a perfect treat for the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Caramel candies

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. Mix flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.
4. Take a tablespoon of dough, flatten it, place a caramel candy in the center, and cover with another tablespoon of dough. Roll into a ball.
5. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

Conclusion

With these 21 easy Christmas cookie recipes, you’re sure to find the perfect treat for your holiday celebrations.

From classic sugar cookies to delicious gingerbread, these recipes are not only simple but also allow for creativity in decorating and personalizing each cookie.

Gather your family, enjoy the festive spirit, and make memories in the kitchen this holiday season!

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