The holidays are the perfect time to fill your home with the warm aroma of freshly baked cookies. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering, gifting sweet treats to loved ones, or simply indulging in cozy moments by the fire, these cookies will bring extra cheer to your seasonal celebrations.
From classic sugar cookies ready for decorating to rich, chocolatey bites with a hint of peppermint, our free guide covers every taste. Grab your apron, preheat the oven, and let’s dive into the top 10 must-bake holiday cookies!
1. Classic Sugar Cookies
Bite-sized, buttery, and endlessly customizable, classic sugar cookies are a holiday staple.
Flavor Profile
Soft and sweet with a hint of vanilla—perfect for cookie cutters and royal icing decor.
Pro Tips
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to maintain crisp edges. Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues!
2. Gingerbread Men
Nothing says holidays like softly spiced gingerbread men, frosted with cheerful smiles.
Flavor Profile
A warming blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Pro Tips
Roll the dough between parchment paper to prevent sticking, and use a toothpick to fix any icing mishaps.
3. Thumbprint Jam Cookies
These buttery rounds with a jammy center are as delicious as they are adorable.
Flavor Profile
Rich, buttery cookie base with bursts of fruity jam.
Pro Tips
Press your thumb gently to create a neat well. Freeze the dough balls for 10 minutes to keep shape.
4. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Chocolate lovers and mint aficionados unite in these festive sandwich cookies.
Flavor Profile
Decadent chocolate with refreshing peppermint cream.
Pro Tips
Crush candy canes finely and sprinkle on top of frosting for crunch and color.
5. Snickerdoodles
Cinnamon-sugar coated snickerdoodles are soft, tangy, and simply irresistible.
Flavor Profile
Tangy with a crackly cinnamon-sugar crust.
Pro Tips
Use cream of tartar in the dough for that signature snickerdoodle tang.
6. Linzer Cookies
Elegant and eye-catching, Linzer cookies feature a cutout revealing a jammy filling.
Flavor Profile
Almond-infused cookie with raspberry or apricot jam.
Pro Tips
Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a snowy effect.
7. Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut butter cookies crowned with a melting Hershey’s Kiss—classic and crowd-pleasing.
Flavor Profile
Salty-sweet peanut butter and chocolate.
Pro Tips
Press the chocolate kiss into the cookie as soon as it comes out of the oven to avoid cracking.
8. Shortbread Stained Glass Cookies
These beautiful cookies combine buttery shortbread with colorful sugar glass centers.
Flavor Profile
Rich, crumbly shortbread with vibrant candy windows.
Pro Tips
Use multiple colors of crushed hard candy and bake until the centers are just melted.
9. Coconut Snowball Cookies
Also known as Russian tea cakes, these nutty, snowball-like treats are melt-in-your-mouth amazing.
Flavor Profile
Buttery with finely chopped nuts and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Pro Tips
Roll while still warm in powdered sugar, then again when cooled for a true snowfall look.
10. Eggnog Cookies
Capture the essence of eggnog in a soft, spiced cookie topped with boozy glaze.
Flavor Profile
Nutmeg, cinnamon, and a hint of rum or bourbon in every bite.
Pro Tips
Mix rum extract for flavor without extra liquid, and chill dough to firm up before baking.
There you have it—10 irresistible cookies to make your festive season even sweeter! With this free guide in hand, you’re ready to spread holiday cheer one delicious bite at a time. Happy baking and joyful holidays!