Looking for Santa-approved Christmas Cookies to bake or share with your loved ones? I have gathered my best Christmas Cookie recipes that are sure to bring sweet cheer to your holiday festivities.
Baking Christmas cookies is one of my favorite holiday traditions. From childhood memories of baking cookies with my mom and siblings to baking cookies with my kids today, it is a tradition I hold near and dear to my heart.
The Christmas cookie recipes I am sharing today are tried and true. They make the--guaranteed to win over your family, friends, and neighbors, AND make Santa very happy!
The Ultimate Christmas Cookie Recipes
1. Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
This is the one recipe I am always asked for. My recipe for sugar cookies creates a soft, FLAVORFUL cookie that actually holds its shape. It is a must-make Christmas Cookie. And don't forget to add a festive finish to the cookies by frosting with sugar cookie icing.
2. Candy Cane Cookies
Rich and buttery cookie dough is shaped into festive candy canes, that are as delicious to eat as they are fun to make! Whether made with or without the addition of peppermint, you will love these Christmas Cookies.
3. Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies
You can't go wrong with chocolate and peanut butter! And when you only need 3 ingredients and no baking required, you know you need to add this cookie to your Christmas tray! Tip: Enlist your little hands to spread the peanut butter on the crackers.
4. $250 Neiman Marcus Cookies
If I had to pick a favorite cookie, this would be it! The 3 types of chocolate, blended oats, and blended nuts give this cookie the most amazing texture and flavor. I will always have this Christmas cookie on my holiday baking list!
5. Classic Shortbread Cookies
I love making shortbread cookies during the holiday season. They are rich, buttery, and not overly sweet, making these holiday cookies the absolute perfect companion to a mug of hot chocolate, Christmas tea, or peppermint mocha.
6. Snowball Cookies
While no one can guarantee a white Christmas, you can enjoy some snow with these Snowball Cookies! These buttery, sweet cookies are super easy to make and only require one mixing bowl and a handful of ingredients.
7. Peanut Butter Blossoms
While Peanut Butter Blossoms should not be reserved for just the holidays, these cookies have always been a favorite on my Christmas Cookie tray. Everyone loves this classic cookie!
8. Muddy Buddy Cookies
Puppy Chow, or Muddy Buddies, is a popular holiday treat. But why not enjoy it in cookie form? Soft peanut butter cookies topped with rich melted chocolate and coated in powdered sugar, these Christmas cookies are outrageously delicious.
9. Snickerdoodles
Made with warming cinnamon, Snickerdoodles sing with holiday flavor. They are also one of the easier Christmas cookies to make! Perfect for the busy holiday season!
10. Reindeer Cookies
Turn your gingerbread men into Santa's favorite helper--Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. These Christmas cookies are not only delicious but incredibly festive and fun.
How to Package Christmas Cookies
Do you want to mail some of your holiday cookies to those you love? It is best to choose a sturdy cookie, not a delicate cookie, that easily can break. Bake and fully cool the cookies. Place the cookies into a storage bag and then into a sturdy reusable plastic container or holiday tin. Place the cookies into a shipping box that is close to the size of the container. If there is extra room in the box, fill it with tissue paper or packing paper, as this will keep the container and cookies from being tossed about when shipped. It is also best to mail the cookies using an expedited method so they arrive fresh.
How To Freeze Christmas Cookies
When it comes to holiday baking, oftentimes you may have one marathon day of baking, but you don't want to enjoy those Christmas Cookies all at once. Thankfully, you have many options when it comes to freezing your cookies to enjoy the entire holiday season.
First, I recommend freezing baked cookies in freezer-safe containers versus freezer-safe bags. The containers will help protect the baked cookies from breaking. For cookie dough, using a freezer-safe bag is best as it will allow you to remove all excess air and take up less space in your freezer.
- How to Freeze Uniced Baked Cookies: To freeze uniced cookies, bake as directed and allow the cookies to cool fully. Place the cookies into a freezer-safe container, separated by layers of parchment or wax paper, and freeze for up to 2 months. Remove from the freezer and allow the cookies to come to room temperature before icing or eating.
- How to Freeze Iced Cookies: Iced cookies are typically best enjoyed fresh. However, they can be frozen if needed. Place iced cookies onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and place them into the freezer. Freeze until solid and freeze until solid, about 1 hour. This will keep the iced cookies from sticking together. Once the icing is hard to the touch, transfer cookies to a freezer-safe container, being sure to place a layer of parchment paper or wax paper in between layers of cookies. Store in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- How to Freeze Cookie Dough: You can either freeze disks of cookie dough or cookie dough balls.
- For cookie dough, like sugar cookie dough or shortbread cookie dough, it is best to freeze the cookie dough in disks. Wrap a disk of prepared cookie dough in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it into a freezer-safe bag. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then shape and bake as the recipe directs.
- For drop cookies, like Neiman Marcus cookies or chocolate chip cookies, shape the cookies into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place the cookie balls into the freezer. Freeze for 30-60 minutes until solid. Transfer the cookie dough balls into a freezer-safe zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, add 1-3 minutes to the original bake time.
More Holiday Treats
While the holidays aren't complete without a cookie tray, you don't want out on these other festive treats. And if you don't want to turn on your oven, be sure to check out my favorite no-bake Easy Christmas Treats!
I hope these recipes for Christmas Cookies bring some festive cheer to your holidays!
michael
Hey kristen.
Thought i'd tell ya i made your shortbread cookie recipe.came out great!! reminds me of the Lorna Doone cookies i used to buy only making my own is cheaper. Thanks for the recipe.
Michael.
PS. Don't ask for a pic. I ate them already..lol. c-ya
Kristen Chidsey
I love hearing this Michael! Thank you for sharing!
Steph-OH
So glad you included the Neiman Mar cus cookie re cope. My favorite too! I hadn’t thought of it for years. Definitely baking it for the grandchildren this year. Oh who am I kidding? For me too!
Kristen Chidsey
I can never resist them myself! My all-time favorite cookie! Enjoy baking and eating these cookies.