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If there’s one thing that brings everyone into the kitchen during the holidays, it’s Christmas cookies. From classic sugar cookies to quick drop cookies you can bake in between school concerts and last-minute errands, this list of 29 easy Christmas cookie recipes is one you’ll come back to year after year. These are the kinds of cookies that feel festive but doable—no complicated steps, no hard-to-find ingredients, just easy Christmas cookies that taste as good as they look.
Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, filling tins for neighbors, or just creating memories with your kids at the counter, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here. This roundup includes soft and chewy favorites, traditional Christmas cookies, and a few fun ideas that are perfect when you want something a little different—but still simple enough to pull together on a busy December day.
Grab your baking sheets, preheat the oven, and let’s make this Christmas cookie season feel a little less stressful and a whole lot sweeter. ❤️
You should also check out my Christmas brunch recipes, Christmas appetizer ideas and Christmas pies perfect for the holiday season!
Why you’ll love my Christmas cookie recipes!
I started baking Christmas cookies in the kitchen with my mom, and now it’s something I do every year with my own kids—and honestly, with you too. These Christmas cookie recipes are the ones I come back to because they’re easy, reliable, and made for real life during a busy holiday season.
Every recipe in this list is simple enough to fit into December but still feels special. Whether you’re baking for your family, a cookie exchange, or just because the house needs to smell like Christmas, these easy Christmas cookies are the kind you’ll actually enjoy making.
If you need a quick win, my No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies are always a favorite. And for a classic, my Frosted Sugar Cookies never disappoint.
I hope this list helps you create sweet memories—just like I did growing up, and just like I’m doing now with my kids. 💛
The Best Christmas Cookie Recipes Ever
I have tried all of these easy Christmas cookie recipes, and I can tell you that they all bake beautifully and disappear quickly. Whether you are baking for Christmas cookie trays to give as gifts or just to have some festive cookies to snack on, these are the recipes you need!
1. Christmas M&M Cookies
Red and green M&M Christmas cookies are a true classic. Everyone adores these iconic Christmas cookies and, with our recipe, they’re so easy to make! (Use extra M&Ms to make my Christmas crack recipe!)
2. Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies
These incredible butter cookies completely melt in your mouth. We cover them in red and green sprinkles to make them perfect for any Christmas cookie tray. Just a warning, they’re addictive and tend to disappear fast!
3. No Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies
Sweet, crunchy, and ready in minutes, these no bake Christmas cookies are a go-to option when you’re in a hurry or just need to save some oven space for the holiday ham.
4. Christmas Tree Brownies
Okay so we know these are brownies and not technically Christmas cookies, but they’re just so good we had to include them on our list. These Christmas tree brownies are really easy to make and look amazing on a cookie tray or dessert buffet.
5. Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
These pinwheel cookies are easier to bake than you may think. Make three batches of simple cookie dough, use food coloring to help you out, and roll them all together for a stunning treat that makes enough to easily serve a crowd.
6. Easy Christmas Cookies With Holiday Pretzels
Cute, festive, and quick, these easy Christmas cookies come together in minutes and are perfectly poppable for a snack your guests will find themselves reaching for all night long.
7. Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
These Christmas cookie bars are soft, gooey, and perfectly sweet. They have everything you want in a cookie bar and will be a recipe you make on repeat.
8. Very Best Rolled Sugar Cookies With Frosting
Nothing says Christmas quite like classic cut-out cookies, and this version is the absolute best! Use it to make fun shapes, and get the kids involved in decorating for endless fun.
9. No Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Truffles
Imagine a chocolate chip cookie and a truffle combined and that is what you get with its amazing recipe. These no-bake truffles look decadant and fancy but are actually very easy to make.
10. Italian Christmas Cookies
Italian Christmas cookies have a slightly cake-like texture that you will adore. They are sweet, a little crumbly, and have a delicious icing that you can quickly top with some Christmas cookie sprinkles to make them holiday-ready.
11. Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
These red velvet cookies look stunning on your Christmas table. Even better, you can whip them up in minutes, thanks to the use of boxed cake mix!
12. Haystack Cookies
We’re not sure how haystack cookies became so popular at Christmas time, but they are definitely a classic December cookie! We love how easy these perfect haystack cookies are to make. Add some Christmas cookie sprinkles and you will have a tasty, holiday treat!
13. Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
Soft and chewy with pockets of sweet and tart flavor, these oatmeal cookies are studded with cranberries and white chocolate chips for a festive-looking recipe that will be a welcome addition to any holiday dessert table.
14. Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Melt in your mouth tender, these soft sugar cookies are a classic cut-out cookie that couldn’t be easier to make or decorate. Make multiple batches to give to friends and family, or leave them out for Santa to enjoy!
15. Shortbread Cookies
Buttery and tender, these Christmas shortbread cookies are a classic. With no frosting and no crazy decorations, they are very easy to make. Make these cookies big or bite-sized. They are great either way!
16. Snowball Cookies
Snowball cookies are laced with pecans, packed with delicious butter, and rolled in fluffy powdered sugar. They look like snowballs, but they taste like heaven.
17. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Chocolate crinkle cookies look like they were left out in the Christmas snow. They are rich and chocolatey and perfect for any chocolate lover this holiday season.
18. Hot Chocolate Blossom Cookies
Everyone is going to go crazy for these intensely chocolate Christmas cookies. The melty Hershey’s kiss on the top is pure perfection. I dream about these cookies all year long and, now that Christmas is here, it is time to make them by the dozens!
19. Thumbprint Cookies
A traditionally Swedish recipe, thumbprint cookies are a staple in many homes during the Christmas season. And for good reason! Filled with raspberry or strawberry jelly, they’re perfectly poppable and great for when you just want a bite of something sweet.
20. Icebox Cookies
Icebox cookies are the ultimate make-ahead Christmas cookie. You can make the easy cookie dough, flavor it in all different ways, and store it in the freezer until you are ready to bake. Make a big batch to keep on hand for unexpected visitors and last-minute parties!
21. Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
These are the best peanut butter kiss cookies ever! Soft and chewy, they’re full of peanut butter flavor and topped with a rich Hershey’s kiss for a holiday dessert you’ll find yourself making all year long.
22. Cutout Sugar Cookies
Decorating sugar cookies for the holidays is one of my favorite childhood memories and a tradition I continue with my kids to this day. This recipe is my go-to because it comes together so quickly, meaning you can start decorating right away! (It’s also great with this easy sugar cookie icing!)
23. Classic Spritz Cookies
Spritz cookies are everyone’s Christmas favorite. These easy-to-make Spritz cookies are perfect for preparing ahead of time as they stay fresh for weeks! Use a cookie press or a piping bag to create bakery-worthy shapes.
24. 7-Layer Magic Cookies
These 7-layer Magic Cookie Bars are made with seven delicious layers – crushed graham cracker crumbs, butter, sweetened condensed milk, butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans. This 7-layer cookie recipe is a classic that everyone loves any time of year!
25. Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
No Christmas cookie tray is complete without a batch of classic chocolate chip cookies! Unlike any recipe you’ve had before, this version is made with pudding for an extra rich flavor and a soft, chewy texture that no one can resist!
26. Pizzelles
Pizzelles are a classic Christmas cookie that you have likely seen in fancy bakeries and pastry shops. But I’ll let you in on a secret. They’re actually not hard to make when you use my easy recipe and an electric pizzelle press!
27. Macadamia Nut Cookies
Macadamia nuts are a pretty fancy nut which is why they are perfect for Christmas. You need to treat yourself this time of year and these decadent cookies will help you do just that!
28. Christmas Wreath Cookies
How beautiful are these easy Christmas cookies! They remind me of Rice Krispies treats with a little extra crunch and a lot more Christmas cheer.
29. Christmas Crack
This addictive snack is like a cracker and a candy combined. It may not be a Christmas cookie exactlyy, but it is a Christmas treat that I just had to share. It is perfect for Christmas cookie trays and gifting as well!
30. Cutout Sugar Cookie
FAQs
The most popular Christmas cookie is usually the classic sugar cookie, especially the cut-out kind decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles. They’re fun to make, easy to customize, and loved by both kids and adults. Gingerbread cookies and chocolate crinkle cookies also rank high, but sugar cookies almost always take the top spot.
Most cookies last 3–5 days in an airtight container, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Many cookie doughs can also be frozen and baked fresh later.
Cookies often spread when the butter is too warm or the dough isn’t chilled. Pop the dough in the fridge for 30–60 minutes for thicker, more uniform cookies.
To make the best Christmas cookie tray, aim for a mix of flavors, textures, and shapes so the tray looks and tastes fun and festive. Include 5–7 different cookies, adding something chocolaty, something fruity, something spiced, and at least one no-bake option for balance. Finish with pops of color (like sprinkles or peppermint pieces) and arrange everything neatly so it feels homemade and gift-worthy.
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