The Ultimate Guide to 20 Easy & Delicious Holiday Cookie Recipes for a Festive Season
For over 15 years, these cherished recipes have been my trusted companions for holiday baking, bringing joy and deliciousness to countless festive gatherings. While some of these delightful treats might not immediately scream “holiday” at first glance, a sprinkling of vibrant red and green or serene blue and white decorations can instantly transform any cookie into a seasonal masterpiece. Ultimately, any cookie lovingly made and shared during this special time truly embodies the spirit of a holiday cookie.
This morning, I delved into my treasured collection of recipes, meticulously selecting 20 options that are not only remarkably simple to prepare but also consistently yield excellent results. These aren’t just recipes; they’re proven favorites, designed to make your holiday baking effortless, enjoyable, and utterly delicious. Get ready to discover your new go-to cookies for the festive season!
Simple Holiday Cookies for Every Celebration
#1. I once baked a batch of these comforting Get Well Soon Cookies for a friend, and rumor has it, she was instantly cured! While that might be a slight exaggeration, the positive reviews for these cookies have been consistent ever since. Their soft, chewy texture and heartwarming flavor make them an ideal candidate for any holiday cookie tin or platter. For a truly festive transformation, simply swap out the Reese’s Pieces for cheerful Christmas-colored M&Ms. Imagine these delightful, comforting cookies nestled in decorative tins, ready to spread cheer and deliciousness. Their simple charm and universally appealing taste ensure they’ll be a hit at any holiday gathering or cookie exchange, offering a familiar warmth amidst the season’s hustle and bustle.
#2. The Ultimate Black Bottom Cupcake might technically be a cupcake, but why limit these irresistible delights? Their perfectly portioned size and rich, fudgy appeal make them a fantastic, slightly unconventional choice for a holiday cookie exchange. The deep chocolate base, crowned with a creamy, cheesecake-like topping, creates a luxurious blend of flavors and textures that is simply divine. As with our first cookie, the addition of vibrant Christmas-colored M&Ms either mixed into the batter or sprinkled on top after baking will instantly elevate their festive look. These offer a sophisticated yet fun twist to your holiday baking repertoire, ensuring they stand out and impress guests with their unique combination of indulgent ingredients.
#3. If you’re looking to get a head start on your holiday baking, Fine Cooking’s Gingerbread Biscotti is an absolutely superb choice. These sturdy, flavorful cookies are perfectly designed for making ahead of time, a huge advantage during the hectic festive season. Infused with the warm, comforting spices of gingerbread – cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves – they deliver a delightful crunch that pairs exquisitely with a morning coffee, an afternoon tea, or even a cozy mug of hot cocoa by the fireplace. Their elegant simplicity means there’s no need for elaborate decorations or M&Ms their classic holiday flavor speaks for itself, making them a sophisticated and practical addition to any holiday platter or gift basket.
#4. Prepare to be amazed by these Secret Ingredient Sugar Cookies! The ‘secret’ component imbues them with a unique depth of flavor that truly sets them apart from your typical sugar cookie recipe. While the dough might not be ideal for intricate cookie cutters due to its specific texture, their adaptability is part of their charm. Simply roll them into classic round shapes, bake them to a beautiful golden perfection, and then unleash your creativity with festive holiday sprinkles. You can also add a simple royal icing in red, green, or white, or a vibrant glaze to create a personalized and visually appealing touch. Their delicious foundational flavor makes them a versatile canvas for any holiday decoration, guaranteeing they are both a joy to bake and a delight to savor.
#5. Graham Cracker Candy offers the ultimate combination of ease and deliciousness, making it a perennial favorite for holiday baking. This isn’t just candy; it’s a delightful, buttery, caramel-infused treat often topped with a layer of chocolate that melts in your mouth with a satisfying crunch. The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimal effort yielding maximum reward. Perfect for those times when you need to whip up a large batch of festive treats without spending hours in the kitchen, these candies are notoriously addictive and always disappear remarkably quickly from any holiday spread. They are fantastic for gifting, filling cookie tins, or simply enjoying with family during a cozy evening.
#6. Secret Promises, crafted with luxurious Dove chocolates, are a truly special and indulgent treat for the holidays. The soft, melting center of the Dove squares provides a delightful surprise within each cookie, elevating them to a new level of decadence. If you’re a white chocolate enthusiast, keep an eye out for Dove’s new soft-centered white chocolate squares – they would undoubtedly add an even more unique and festive twist to this already fantastic recipe. These cookies are a celebration of rich, satisfying chocolate, perfect for a cozy holiday evening, a thoughtful gift, or as a sophisticated addition to your festive dessert table. They truly embody a little secret pleasure in every single bite.
#7. For those who adore the rich, nutty flavor of butter pecan, these Butterscotch Pecan Crinkle Cookies are an absolute dream come true. The distinctive crinkled surface, achieved by rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking, gives them a beautiful, rustic appearance that’s inherently festive. However, it’s the harmonious combination of warm, sweet butterscotch and toasted pecans that truly sings, creating a profoundly comforting and flavorful cookie. These cookies stand out with their unique taste profile, offering a delightful alternative to more traditional holiday cookies. They are sure to be a beloved hit with anyone who appreciates classic, comforting flavors with an elegant presentation, making them perfect for special occasions.
#8. These Peanut Butter Marshmallow Krispy Brownies are a fantastic example of how a simple boxed mix can be transformed into something truly spectacular for the holidays. Starting with a rich, fudgy brownie layer, they are then crowned with an irresistible mixture of fluffy marshmallow, delightfully crunchy Rice Krispies, decadent chocolate, and creamy peanut butter. This multi-layered approach creates a texture and flavor explosion that’s incredibly satisfying and utterly addictive. To ensure they are perfectly set and less messy for any cookie party or festive event, I highly recommend preparing them a day ahead and chilling them overnight. This allows the layers to firm up, making them easy to slice, transport, and even easier to enjoy!
#9. It’s been a little while since I last baked a batch of these glorious Peanut Butter Butterscotch Cookies, but I can confidently say they are truly exceptional. What sets these cookies apart is their wonderfully crunchy texture, which provides a delightful contrast to softer holiday treats. This crispiness is a key element of their appeal, so a crucial tip for serving is to avoid storing them directly with softer cookies, as they might absorb moisture and lose that excellent crunch. The classic pairing of rich, savory peanut butter and sweet, caramelized butterscotch creates a deeply satisfying flavor that makes these a standout addition to any holiday cookie platter, especially for those who appreciate a cookie with a bit more bite and a classic flavor profile.
#10. Halfway Cookies are incredibly unique, offering a distinct flavor and texture that genuinely stands out in a sea of traditional holiday sweets. I’ve explored many different variations of this recipe over the years, but this particular version is remarkably solid and reliably delicious. They often take the form of bar cookies, making them incredibly easy to bake in a large batch and then cut into uniform squares – perfect for gift boxes, party platters, or potlucks. Their versatility means you can subtly adapt them to different palates, perhaps by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or a touch of zest, but the core recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They bring an element of delightful surprise and unique character to any holiday baking spread.
#11. For a touch of whimsy and playful fun at your holiday cookie exchange or party, these Circus Animal Brownies are an absolutely fantastic choice! While we might wish for holiday-colored Circus Animals, the vibrant pink and white frosting and colorful sprinkles of the original cookies bring a cheerful, festive energy all on their own. These brownies combine a rich, fudgy chocolate base with the delightful crunch and sweetness of the classic animal crackers, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and incredibly appealing. They’re particularly wonderful for families with children or any gathering where you want to add a lighthearted, colorful, and utterly delicious treat to the table, sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
#12. Highly recommended by a dedicated reader who annually bakes and sends out dozens upon dozens of cookies, these Tahiti Blondies are a proven winner for holiday gifting and entertaining. Just observe how beautifully and neatly they sit in a gift box – a clear testament to their sturdy yet incredibly delicious nature! Blondies, in general, are celebrated for their rich, buttery, and often chewy texture, and these are certainly no exception. They offer a delightful alternative to traditional chocolate brownies, bringing forth notes of brown sugar, vanilla, and often a hint of coconut or macadamia, invoking a sense of tropical escape even in the middle of winter. Their elegant simplicity and excellent keeping qualities make them perfect for mass production and thoughtful, impressive gifting.
#13. When the holiday shopping frenzy has you feeling completely overwhelmed, but you still yearn to create something fun, festive, and utterly delicious, another old favorite, Chinese New Year Candy, comes to the rescue! This recipe is incredibly easy to make and delivers a unique textural experience that will delight everyone who tries it. Typically featuring crispy chow mein noodles coated in a delightful mixture of melted chocolate and butterscotch, these ‘candies’ offer a wonderful sweet and salty crunch that’s surprisingly addictive. They’re a fantastic no-bake option, perfect for last-minute additions to your holiday platters or as a novel treat for a cookie exchange, proving that simple ingredients can truly yield memorable and delightful results.
14. Not every holiday treat needs to be flashy or uniquely themed to be deeply appreciated. These Lemon Squares, while perhaps not exciting or unique in appearance, are universally loved and consistently disappear from any dessert table. This particular recipe stands out for its perfect balance of sweet and tart, featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped by a bright, zesty lemon filling that invigorates the palate. They offer a refreshing counterpoint to richer, heavier holiday desserts, providing a burst of citrusy flavor that cleanses the palate. Their understated elegance and incredible taste make them a highly valued and always welcome addition to any festive spread, proving that sometimes, classic is best.
15. Oh, here’s a truly exceptional find to add to your holiday repertoire – Eva Longoria’s Pan de Polvo recipe. These cookies were absolutely fantastic and unequivocally perfect for holiday cookie tins, thanks to their delicate texture and ability to travel wonderfully. Pan de Polvo, which translates to “dust bread,” earns its name from its incredible melt-in-your-mouth quality; these cookies quite literally break up in your mouth like dust, leaving behind a subtle, sweet flavor. They offer a sophisticated and slightly rustic charm, bringing a touch of traditional elegance to your holiday baking. Their unique texture and gentle sweetness make them a memorable and cherished addition to any festive collection, sure to be a conversation starter.
16. No holiday party, unless it’s a peanut-free gathering, is truly complete without the iconic presence of Peanut Butter Blossoms! These beloved cookies are a staple of festive baking for a reason. Combining a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie base with a perfectly melted chocolate kiss pressed into the center, they offer an irresistible blend of flavors and textures that satisfies every craving. Their classic appearance, often rolled in granulated sugar before baking, makes them instantly recognizable and a comforting symbol of holiday cheer. They evoke a wonderful sense of nostalgia and homestyle comfort, making them an essential and always-anticipated treat on any holiday cookie platter, guaranteed to be devoured.
17. Iced Anise Cookies are wonderfully suited for this festive time of year, offering a distinct aromatic flavor and an incredibly pretty presentation. The subtle, aromatic notes of anise, reminiscent of mild licorice, infuse these cookies with a unique and sophisticated taste that truly sets them apart from the usual holiday fare. When adorned with a delicate white icing, they take on an elegant, almost snowflake-like appearance, making them visually stunning on any holiday dessert table or in a beautifully wrapped gift box. Their beautiful simplicity and refined flavor profile make them a perfect choice for those looking for something a little different, yet utterly festive and charming, during this special season.
18. And keeping with the delightful anise and licorice theme, how about elevating your chocolate baking with some Sambuca Spiked Chocolate Crinkle Cookies? While many crinkle cookie recipes out there can be a tad disappointing, I genuinely loved this old recipe from Gourmet magazine for its exceptional quality. The rich, fudgy chocolate cookie base is perfectly complemented by the subtle, aromatic kick of Sambuca (or Ouzo), adding an unexpected layer of sophistication and warmth to each bite. The classic crinkle effect, achieved by rolling the dough in powdered sugar, gives them a charming, snow-dusted appearance. These cookies are a decadent treat for adult palates, offering a complex flavor profile that’s wonderfully festive and deeply satisfying, truly standing out on any holiday dessert spread.
19. If you’re concerned about both quality and quantity for your holiday baking, then the title of this recipe should immediately grab your attention: the renowned 50 Good Cookies. These cookies absolutely live up to their name in every way – they are light, wonderfully delicious, and possess excellent keeping qualities, making them ideal for preparing ahead of time during the busy festive season. Their simple, wholesome goodness ensures they are universally appealing, and having a batch of 50 readily available means you’re incredibly well-prepared for any unexpected guests, last-minute gift tins, or a bustling holiday party. They are a true testament to reliable, satisfying baking that never disappoints, providing an abundance of joy.
20. And finally, we arrive at my absolute very favorite on this list: the magnificent Tex Mex Chocolate Cookies. These are not just any chocolate cookies; they are a double chocolate delight, infused with the warm embrace of cinnamon and a surprising, lingering heat from a hint of cayenne pepper. This unique flavor profile creates an exciting and unforgettable blend of sweet, spicy, and rich chocolate that is utterly addictive. For the best results – think fatter, higher-rising cookies with an intensified flavor – a crucial tip is to use natural cocoa rather than Dutch process cocoa. I’ve consistently achieved superior outcomes when making these with Hershey’s Natural Cocoa Powder combined with high-quality semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips. These cookies are a truly memorable grand finale to your holiday baking, promising a taste experience that guests will talk about long after the season ends.
