10 Best Christmas Cookies: Tried & Tested Recipes for the Holidays
Your Quick Cookie Guide
Let's be honest. Every December, the same question pops up: what Christmas cookies should I actually make? The internet is flooded with ideas, some fantastic, some... well, not so much. After more burnt batches and successful trays than I can count, I've narrowed it down to a solid list. This isn't about the trendiest cookie of the month. It's about the classics, the crowd-pleasers, the ones that make your kitchen smell like the holidays and have people asking for the recipe.
We're talking about the 10 best Christmas cookies that have stood the test of time. These are the ones you can rely on.
Think of this as your ultimate baking checklist. I've included the non-negotiables, a few personal favorites that might surprise you, and all the little tricks I've learned the hard way (like why chilling your dough isn't just a suggestion). Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, there's something here for you.
What Makes a Cookie a "Christmas Cookie" Anyway?
It's a vibe, right? It's more than just shape. It's the spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves. It's the colors—red and green sprinkles, snowy white icing. It's the textures—chewy, crispy, melt-in-your-mouth. But most of all, it's tradition. The recipes we return to year after year. That's the spirit behind this list of the 10 best Christmas cookies.
I've ranked them, but honestly, your personal number one might be different. And that's okay! The goal is to give you a fantastic starting point.
The Definitive List: 10 Best Christmas Cookies, Ranked
Here we go. From the iconic to the underrated, these are the recipes worth your butter, sugar, and precious holiday time.
Top 1: Classic Gingerbread Cookies (The Holiday Poster Child)
You can't have a list of the best Christmas cookies without gingerbread. It's the scent of Christmas. My grandmother's recipe used blackstrap molasses, and let me tell you, it makes all the difference. It gives a deeper, almost bitter-sweet flavor that balances the spices perfectly.
The dough can be tricky. It's often sticky. Don't panic. Flour your surface well, and for the love of all that is holy, chill the dough before you roll it. I'm talking at least two hours, preferably overnight. This prevents the cookies from spreading into weird, blobby shapes in the oven. Trust me on this.
The real fun is in the decorating. Royal icing is the go-to for a reason—it dries hard and is perfect for detailed work. But with kids? A simple powdered sugar glaze works wonders and is far less fussy.
Top 2: Spritz Cookies (The Butter Bomb)
If you've never had a Spritz cookie, you're missing out. They're the definition of melt-in-your-mouth. The recipe is deceptively simple: butter, sugar, flour, egg. The magic is in the cookie press. You force the dough through a disc to create beautiful shapes like trees, wreaths, and stars.
Pro Tip: Your dough MUST be the right consistency. Too warm and it will ooze out of the press messily. Too cold and it's a workout to press. If it's not working, let the dough sit on the counter for 10 minutes or pop it back in the fridge for 10. Finding that sweet spot is key.
They bake in just 6-8 minutes. Watch them like a hawk—the edges should be just barely golden. A little sprinkle of colored sugar before baking is all the decoration they need.
Top 3: Peanut Butter Blossoms (The Unbeatable Crowd-Pleaser)
There is not a single cookie platter I've ever made where these weren't the first to disappear. A soft, criss-crossed peanut butter cookie topped with a Hershey's Kiss right when it comes out of the oven. The chocolate melts just a little, fusing itself to the cookie.
The secret to a soft cookie? Don't overbake. Take them out when they look just set. They'll firm up as they cool. And use a good quality peanut butter—the kind where the ingredients are just peanuts and salt. The oil separation is normal, just stir it well.
It's a simple recipe, but it delivers every single time. A must-have for any list of the 10 best Christmas cookies.
Top 4: Russian Tea Cakes / Snowball Cookies / Mexican Wedding Cookies
This cookie has more names than a royal family, but it's universally loved. A buttery, nutty dough (usually with finely chopped pecans or walnuts) baked into a ball and then, while still warm, rolled in powdered sugar. Twice. The second roll after they cool gives them that iconic snowy, messy look.
They are fragile. Delicate. One bite and they practically dissolve into a cloud of sweet, nutty goodness. They contain no eggs, which gives them their unique texture. They're also naturally gluten-free if you use a certified GF flour blend, making them a great option for friends with dietary restrictions.
Top 5: Cut-Out Sugar Cookies (The Decorating Canvas)
Ah, the sugar cookie. The blank slate of the cookie world. For many families, decorating these is the main Christmas event. The recipe matters. You want one that holds its shape sharply (again, chilled dough!) but still tastes good. A common complaint is that decorative sugar cookies are beautiful but taste like sweet cardboard.
My go-to recipe includes a touch of almond extract and a little cream cheese. It adds flavor and ensures the cookie stays tender. Don't skip the almond extract—it's what makes people go "Mmm, what's in these?"
The decorating possibilities are endless. Flood icing, sprinkles, sanding sugar. It's where creativity runs wild. Is it time-consuming? Yes. Is it worth it for the memories? Absolutely.
Top 6: Thumbprint Cookies
Buttery shortbread-like dough, rolled into balls, and then you press your thumb (or the back of a small spoon) right into the center. That little well is then filled with jam after baking. Raspberry is classic, but apricot, strawberry, or even a tart cranberry jam are fantastic.
Some recipes have you fill the jam before baking, but I find it can bubble over and burn. Filling them after they bake gives you more control and a prettier, glossier finish. You can also fill them with a dab of chocolate ganache or even a small piece of caramel.
They're elegant, simple, and offer a lovely fruity contrast to all the chocolate and spice.
Top 7: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
These look like they're dusted with snow, but it's powdered sugar. The dough is rich, dark, and fudgy. As they bake, they spread and crack, creating a beautiful crinkled pattern where the dark chocolate shows through the white sugar.
The key is chilling the dough balls for several hours before rolling them in granulated sugar first, then a heavy coat of powdered sugar. The granulated sugar helps the powdered sugar stick and creates more texture. They're intensely chocolatey and have a brownie-like texture. A dark chocolate lover's dream and a staple among any collection of the best Christmas cookies.
Top 8: Shortbread (The Sophisticated One)
Simple. Elegant. Just butter, sugar, and flour in perfect harmony. A good shortbread should be crisp, sandy, and rich without being greasy. The quality of your butter is front and center here, so use the good stuff.
You can press it into a pan and score it into fingers, use a mold, or slice it from a log. A little sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking adds a nice crunch. Some people dip one end in melted chocolate after baking. I'm a purist, but I won't judge.
It's a quiet, understated cookie that provides a welcome break from the sweetness overload.
Top 9: Snickerdoodles
That crackly top, that soft and chewy center, rolled in cinnamon sugar. Snickerdoodles are pure comfort. They have a slight tang, often from cream of tartar, which gives them their distinctive flavor and helps with that chewy texture.
The trick is to roll the dough balls generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. When you place them on the baking sheet, give them plenty of room to spread. They should be just set in the middle when you take them out—they'll finish cooking on the hot baking sheet.
They're humble, homey, and impossible to eat just one.
Top 10: Oatmeal Raisin with a Twist (The "Healthy" One)
I know, I know. "Oatmeal raisin isn't a Christmas cookie!" Hear me out. When you add festive spices, dried cranberries (cherries are amazing too), and maybe even some white chocolate chips or orange zest, it transforms. It becomes a hearty, chewy, spiced cookie that feels like a warm hug.
It's the cookie you reach for with your morning coffee. It feels a little wholesome amidst the decadence. Toasting the oats beforehand can add a wonderful nutty depth. Soaking the dried fruit in a little orange juice or rum plumps them up and prevents them from becoming little flavorless rocks in your cookie.
It rounds out our list of the 10 best Christmas cookies perfectly.
Your Christmas Cookie Baking Toolkit: Ingredients That Matter
Great cookies start with good ingredients. This isn't about being fancy, it's about knowing where to splurge and where you can save.
Butter: Use unsalted. Always. You want to control the salt level in your recipe. And take it out of the fridge at least an hour before you start (room temperature butter creams beautifully with sugar). For consistent, science-backed food safety guidelines on handling dairy, I always double-check resources like the USDA's Food Safety site.
Flour: For most cookies, all-purpose is perfect. Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off. Don't scoop directly from the bag—you'll pack in too much flour and end up with dry cookies.
Sugar: Granulated white sugar gives spread and crispness. Brown sugar (light or dark) adds moisture, chew, and that caramel-like flavor. They are not always interchangeable!
Spices: Please, buy new ones if yours are from last year (or older). Ground spices lose their potency. Fresh nutmeg, grated yourself, is a revelation compared to the pre-ground stuff.
Chocolate: For chips, the brand matters less. For melting or in recipes where chocolate is the star, use a bar of baking chocolate and chop it yourself. The flavor is incomparable.
A quick note on food safety during the holidays: If you're shipping cookies or leaving them out for Santa, remember that items containing perishable fillings like cream cheese or eggs need extra care. The FDA has clear guidelines on safe food handling that are worth a glance, especially when baking for a crowd.
Baking FAQ: Your Questions, Answered
Quick Reference: At-a-Glance Guide
| Cookie Name | Key Flavor/Feature | Texture | Prep Level | Good for Kids? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gingerbread | Spiced, molasses | Firm, good for decorating | Medium/High | Yes (decorating) |
| Spritz | Buttery, simple | Melt-in-your-mouth, tender | Medium (needs press) | Yes (pressing shapes) |
| Peanut Butter Blossoms | Peanut butter & chocolate | Soft, chewy | Easy | Yes |
| Russian Tea Cakes | Buttery, nutty, snowy | Crumbly, delicate | Easy | Yes (rolling in sugar) |
| Cut-Out Sugar | Sweet, vanilla/almond | Firm, holds shape | High (decorating time) | Yes (cutting & decorating) |
| Thumbprint | Buttery with jam | Shortbread-like | Easy/Medium | Yes (making the thumbprint) |
| Chocolate Crinkle | Rich, fudgy chocolate | Chewy, brownie-like | Medium (requires chilling) | Yes (rolling in sugar) |
| Shortbread | Pure butter, simple | Crisp, sandy | Easy | Yes (simple shaping) |
| Snickerdoodles | Cinnamon-sugar, tangy | Soft, chewy, crackly top | Easy | Yes |
| Oatmeal Cranberry | Hearty, spiced, fruity | Chewy, substantial | Easy | Yes |
Final Thoughts Before You Preheat the Oven
So there you have it. My personal, tried-and-true, absolutely-no-filler list of the 10 best Christmas cookies. This isn't about baking every single one (unless you're feeling ambitious!). It's about having a reliable guide.
Maybe you'll pick three from this list to start a new family tradition. Maybe you'll find a new favorite. The real magic isn't just in the eating, though that's a big part of it. It's in the making. The messy kitchen, the smell, the shared effort.
Don't stress about perfection.
A slightly lopsided gingerbread man has more character. A cookie with too many sprinkles is just extra festive. The goal is joy, not a magazine spread. So grab your apron, pick a recipe, and get started. Your perfect batch of the best Christmas cookies is waiting.
Happy baking!
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