75+ Irresistible Christmas Cookie Recipes (+ Free Printable Gift Tags!)
There’s something magical about Christmas cookies. Whether you’re baking with loved ones, assembling festive tins for friends, or filling your kitchen with warm, spiced aromas, cookies are at the heart of the holiday season. This guide features 75+ Christmas cookie recipes—from nostalgic classics to innovative modern creations—and includes a FREE printable to help package your cookies beautifully
We’ll break down cookie categories by flavor, dietary need, and baking style, and share tips for storing, gifting, and decorating. Plus, don’t miss the at the end for all your cookie-baking questions answered.
🎄 Why Christmas Cookies Are More Than Just Treats
| Category | Cookie Recipe Name |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Lovers | Chocolate Crinkle Cookies |
| Peppermint & Spice | Peppermint Meltaways |
| Classic Holiday Cookies | Peanut Butter Blossoms |
| No-Bake & Easy | Oreo Truffles |
| Fruit & Jam Cookies | Raspberry Almond Thumbprints |
Holiday cookies are more than baked goods—they’re tradition, comfort, and celebration wrapped in one. From sugar cookies with your kids to heritage recipes passed down through generations, cookies bring joy and connection during the festive season.
🍪 The Best Christmas Cookie Categories
Let’s organize this mega list so you can quickly find what suits your cravings, cookie exchanges, or gifting goals.
🍫 1. Chocolate Lovers’ Favorites
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookies
- Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread
- Fudge Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies
- Chocolate Thumbprints with Ganache
- Triple Chocolate Mint Cookies
- Chocolate Espresso Snowballs
- Chocolate-Dipped Ginger Cookies
- Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
🍬 2. Peppermint & Holiday-Spiced Cookies
- Peppermint Meltaways
- Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
- White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies
- Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodles
- Molasses Cookies
- Soft Gingerbread Cookies
- Gingerbread Latte Cookies
- Eggnog Sugar Cookies
- Cardamom Orange Shortbread
- Spiced Chai Cookies
🍯 3. Classic and Traditional Christmas Cookies
- Sugar Cut-Out Cookies
- Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Linzer Cookies
- Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes)
- Spritz Cookies
- Thumbprint Jam Cookies
- Italian Ricotta Cookies
- Danish Butter Cookies
- Cherry Almond Bars
- Classic Shortbread Cookies
🥥 4. No-Bake & Easy Cookies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bakes
- Cornflake Wreaths
- Coconut Haystacks
- Nutella Oatmeal Balls
- Rice Krispie Treat Cookies
- Oreo Truffles
- Chocolate Pretzel Rounds
- Peppermint Bark Bites
- Marshmallow Snowmen
- Saltine Cracker Toffee Cookies
🧈 5. Buttery Delicate Cookies
- Pecan Sandies
- Almond Crescents
- Butter Spritz Trees
- Viennese Whirls
- Brown Sugar Shortbread
- Maple Pecan Butter Cookies
- Buttery Lemon Melts
- Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
- Vanilla Bean Shortbread Stars
- Honey Butter Stamped Cookies
🍓 6. Fruit-Filled & Jam Cookies
- Raspberry Almond Thumbprints
- Apricot Linzers
- Cranberry Orange Cookies
- Strawberry Jam Bars
- Lemon Raspberry Sandwich Cookies
- Cherry Pistachio Biscotti
- Apple Cinnamon Thumbprints
- Glazed Fig Cookies
- Orange Marmalade Stars
- Blackberry Oatmeal Cookies
🥜 7. Nutty & Filled Cookies
- Peanut Butter Fudge Puddles
- Nutella-Stuffed Cookies
- Pistachio Cranberry Shortbread
- Walnut Snowballs
- Almond Toffee Bark Cookies
- Chocolate Walnut Rugelach
- Baklava-Inspired Bars
- Cashew Caramel Rounds
- Pecan Pie Cookies
- Hazelnut Sandwich Cookies
🌾 8. Gluten-Free & Allergy-Friendly Cookies
- Flourless Chocolate Cookies
- Almond Flour Sugar Cookies
- Coconut Macaroons
- Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Paleo Shortbread Cookies
- Dairy-Free Molasses Cookies
- Vegan Gingerbread Men
- Oatmeal Banana Cookies
- Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies
🎁 Free Printable Gift Tags & Labels
Cookies make heartfelt gifts—and presentation matters! Download your free printable cookie gift tags and labels to dress up your holiday treat boxes. These tags are:
- Sized for mason jars, boxes, or bags
- Designed in holiday colors
- Include “From the Kitchen of…” and allergen info
You can print them on sticker paper or cardstock, punch a hole, and tie them with ribbon for an elegant finishing touch.
[👉 Click here to download your Free Cookie Tag Printable (PDF)]
(Let me know if you’d like a custom printable version or editable design!)
🧁 Advanced Christmas Cookie Baking Tips
Whether you’re new to baking or looking to refine your technique, these tips will ensure success:
🔸 1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Butter and eggs blend better when not cold, ensuring an even, smooth dough.
🔸 2. Chill the Dough
Many holiday cookies benefit from chilling to prevent spreading and improve texture.
🔸 3. Bake One Sheet at a Time
For the most consistent browning, bake cookies on the center rack one tray at a time.
🔸 4. Line Pans with Parchment
Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. Skip greasing the sheet!
🔸 5. Let Cookies Cool Before Frosting
Frosting warm cookies will cause it to melt or slide off.
🧊 Storage Tips for Holiday Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store most cookies in airtight containers for up to 5–7 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cookies and dough separately—baked cookies for 3 months, dough for 1 month.
- Layer with Parchment: Prevent sticking and protect decorated tops.
- Revive Dry Cookies: Add a slice of bread to the container to maintain softness.
🎄 Edible Gifting & Presentation Ideas
Cookies are one of the easiest and most appreciated homemade gifts during the holidays. Try these creative packaging ideas:
- Holiday Tins or Boxes: Add parchment and ribbon for a polished finish.
- Mason Jars: Stack smaller cookies and tie with a gift tag.
- Cellophane Bags: Tie with twine and a sprig of rosemary or candy cane.
- Stacked Towers: Wrap stacks of cookies in clear wrap and finish with a bow.
- Mix & Match Assortments: Include a selection from each category above for variety.
📦 Best Cookies for Shipping
Looking to mail cookies to loved ones? Choose firm, sturdy options that don’t crumble easily:
- Shortbread
- Biscotti
- Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Snickerdoodles
- Linzer Cookies
- Rugelach
Avoid frosted or cream-filled cookies if shipping across long distances.
Table of Contents
❓FAQs About Christmas Cookies
How far ahead can I start baking for Christmas?
You can start baking 4–6 weeks in advance if you freeze your cookies. Many types freeze beautifully and taste just as fresh once thawed.
Can I freeze decorated cookies?
Yes, but take care: frostings and sprinkles may discolor. Flash freeze on trays, then layer between parchment in containers.
What’s the best way to prevent cookies from going stale?
Use airtight containers, don’t refrigerate unless necessary, and store each variety separately to preserve texture and flavor.
Can I substitute margarine for butter?
Technically yes, but butter offers superior flavor and texture. If substituting, choose stick margarine with a similar fat content.
What’s the secret to soft cookies?
Avoid overbaking. Pull cookies when edges are set but centers look slightly underdone—they’ll finish cooking on the sheet.
Can I make one cookie dough and create several flavors?
Yes! Start with a basic sugar cookie or shortbread base, then divide and add mix-ins like peppermint, chocolate chips, nuts, or spices to create variety.
🎉 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, or just yourself, this collection of 75+ Christmas cookie recipes is sure to spread joy. With buttery classics, spiced favorites, allergy-friendly options, and no-bake treats, you’ll never run out of ideas for your holiday baking.
Pair your cookies with our free printable tags, wrap them in love, and share the sweetest part of the season—one bite at a time.