Christmas Cookie Ideas

5 from 5 votes
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During the holiday season, we love nothing more than good homemade Christmas cookies. From quick-and-easy to make to indulgent, these Christmas cookie recipes will recipe for our new Chocolate Orange Cookies!

A collage of four kinds of Christmas Cookies including gingerbread, sugar, dipped, and molasses cookies
Featured in this post
  1. Gingerbread Cookies
  2. Christmas Sugar Cookies
  3. Peanut Butter Blossoms
  4. Andes Mint Cookies
  5. Snickerdoodles (Cinnamon Sugar Cookies)
  6. Molasses Cookies
  7. Dipped Ritz Christmas Cookies
  8. No Bake Cookies
  9. Whoopie Pies
  10. Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
  11. More Popular Christmas Cookies
  12. Christmas Cookie Questions
  13. BONUS RECIPE – Chocolate Orange Cookies
  14. How To Make Chocolate Orange Cookies
  15. Chocolate Orange Cookies Recipe

One of our favorite family Christmas traditions is baking homemade Christmas cookies and then filling up plates to deliver them to neighbors and friends. Everyone has a different image that comes to mind when they hear “Christmas cookies”. For me, I think of colorful sugar cookies with sprinkles. Others might think of drop cookies with Christmas M&Ms.

What the “perfect Christmas cookie” is for me could be something completely different for you. Or maybe you are searching for a new recipe to make your favorite. Either way, we are sure you will find something here you will love to make… and eat!

Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies on a cooling rack next to an undecorated Gingerbread Man.


Just looking at an image of a gingerbread cookie takes me back to the warm, inviting aroma of a kitchen at Christmas time. You can use cookie cutters to make gingerbread men or even a Mickey Mouse gingerbread man. The cinnamon, ginger and cloves in this recipe make these cookies smell — and taste — amazing!

Gingerbread Cookies on a cooling rack next to an undecorated Gingerbread Man.
Gingerbread Cookies
5 from 44 votes
Rich with ginger flavor, these gingerbread cookies are sure to delight young and old during the holidays!
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Christmas Sugar Cookies

Decorated and undecorated Christmas Sugar Cookies with royal icing and sprinkles.

The BEST Christmas Sugar Cookies ever begin and end with this soft, chewy, simple sugar cookie recipe with a hint of almond to give it that Christmas-y flavor. Decorate cut-out candy canes, bells, stockings, stars, and ornaments with royal icing and you have the perfect gift for neighbors and friends!

Plate of Christmas Sugar Cookies next to bags of royal icing and sprinkles.
The BEST Christmas Cookies EVER (and How to Decorate Them)
4.94 from 125 votes
The BEST Christmas Cookies EVER begin and end with this soft, chewy, simple sugar cookie recipe. Decorate them with royal icing and you have the perfect gift for neighbors and friends!
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Peanut Butter Blossoms

A close up of peanut butter blossoms

Peanut butter blossoms (also known as Hershey’s Kiss Cookies or Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies) are a classic cookie that have been a favorite among many for many years. These cookies are a perfect combination of a soft and chewy peanut butter cookie with a delicious chocolate kiss in the center (or your favorite nut). It’s easy to make these cookies in several batches and use for gifts for friends and neighbors.

Peanut butter blossoms on a plate next to a glass jug of milk
Peanut Butter Blossoms
5 from 1 vote
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and savory with these classic, easy peanut butter blossoms.
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Andes Mint Cookies

An Andes Mint Cookie with a bite taken out of it

Andes Mint Cookies are sure to get you on the nice list if you leave them out for Santa! A spin on thumbprint cookies, these chocolate cookies are topped with melted Andes mints. Rich and delicious with a mild mint flavor. A definite favorite!

A stack of Andes Mint Cookies on a plate
Andes Mint Cookies
5 from 11 votes
Andes Mint Cookies are chewy chocolate cookies, topped by melted Andes mints. Rich and delicious with a mild mint flavor. A definite favorite!
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Snickerdoodles (Cinnamon Sugar Cookies)

A stack of snickerdoodles on a dishcloth

Snickerdoodles are rich, soft sugar cookies rolled in cinnamon sugar. To me, the best Snickerdoodle has crunchy golden edges with an ultra soft and chewy center. What more could you ask for?

A stack of snickerdoodles on a dishcloth
Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
5 from 7 votes
These cinnamon sugar cookies are so soft and chewy. The rich sugar cookie is sprinkled with just the right amount of cinnamon and sugar.
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Molasses Cookies

Plate of Molasses Cookies next to a glass of milk.

Molasses Cookies are soft, chewy cookies that will send you right back to your childhood. The molasses is the PERFECT amount, not too overpowering. Try melting some white chocolate chips and drizzling it over the tops of the cookies for a little design.

Hand grabbing a Molasses Cookie from a plate.
Molasses Cookies
5 from 4 votes
Molasses Cookies are soft, chewy cookies that will send you right back to your childhood. Sweet with a hint of molasses, they're like a soft gingersnap. Delicious!
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Dipped Ritz Christmas Cookies

Dipped Ritz cookies in a Christmas tin

The saltiness of the Ritz Crackers and the sweetness of the chocolate is a winning combination in these dipped Ritz Cookies with caramel or peanut butter filling. The peanut butter filled ritz is a no-bake cookie. The caramel filling is made by melting a Rolo candy on the Ritz cracker, so it does require a few minutes in the oven. Both fillings make delicious Christmas treats!

A Christmas tin filled with dipped ritz cookies
Dipped Ritz Cookies
4.95 from 40 votes
The saltiness of the Ritz Crackers and the sweetness of the chocolate is a winning combination in these Dipped Ritz Cookies with Caramel or Peanut Butter!
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No Bake Cookies

Easy No Bake Cookies stacked and propped up. Glass of milk on the side.

No Bake Cookies are such a yummy treat to make when you’re pressed for time during the holidays. They make a great addition to a plate of goodies. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they come together in a snap. These can easily be made gluten-free cookies by using gluten free oats.

Cooled Easy No Bake Cookies on a cookie sheet.
No Bake Cookies
4.99 from 182 votes
Easy No Bake Cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Be sure to follow the recipe exactly to get the best result.
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Whoopie Pies

Four stacked Whoopie Pies on a board.

A Whoopie Pie is like a magical, spongy, miniature cake with a sweet, soft center. It’s made of two halves, like a sandwich, with a yummy, creamy marshmallow frosting filling in the middle. When you take a bite, it’s like a party in your mouth with all the delicious flavors coming together. It is a classic American cookie that originated in New England, most likely by the Amish in Pennsylvania (the exact origination is a hot debate). They are the perfect Christmas treat, especially if you add a little red or green food coloring, and a drop of peppermint extract to the creamy center.

Bite taken out of a Whoopie Pie sandwich on a tray.
Whoopie Pies
5 from 1 vote
Sometimes there's nothing better than homemade whoopie pies. These rich, spongy, cake-y sandwich cookies are always at the top of my kids' list!
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Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies

Close up of a chocolate chip cookie being pulled apart to show chewy texture

Do you know what Santa’s favorite cookie is? Classic chocolate chip cookies! When I say this recipe came from an actual bakery, I mean it. It wasn’t one of those recipes that came from an aunt’s cousin’s in-laws who used to work at a bakery. This recipe came from a bakery that I, myself, worked at. They are the best, most perfect, chocolate chip cookies ever… and that’s if you can actually get to the baking part before the cookie dough disappears.

Chocolate Chip Cookies on a plate next to a glass of milk
Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
4.98 from 37 votes
This is the only chocolate chip cookie recipe you will ever need. They are to this day my favorite cookies ever! Perfectly soft and chewy every time.
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Prepare the cookie platters! These holiday cookies are just what you need for the upcoming holiday parties. Try our elf cookies with festive sprinkles, or our raspberry jam thumbprint cookies for your next cookie exchange. No time for baking? We have a little trick up or sleeve. Gift the cookie ingredients in a jar, and let someone else do the baking! Check out our chewy pecan cookies where the ingredients are layered beautifully in a glass jar – we even have a free printable gift tag.

What are the most popular Christmas cookies?

The most popular Christmas cookies based on sheer traffic volume on Favorite Family Recipes are: Peanut Butter Blossoms, Christmas Sugar Cookies, Gingerbread Cookies, and No Bake Cookies.

What is the most popular cookie for Santa?

The most popular cookie for Santa BY FAR is Chocolate Chip Cookies.

What is the least popular Christmas Cookie?

According to Fox News, the least popular Christmas cookies in America are Speculoos cookies (spiced shortbread cookies).

BONUS RECIPE – Chocolate Orange Cookies

If you want to “WOW” people this year with a new, different Christmas cookie, this Chocolate Orange Cookie recipe is the one for you. I’m not the biggest fan of chocolate oranges. But, I went out on a limb here and created these chocolate orange cookies because for some reason they seemed like they would be a tasty combination. Let’s just say, I might be converted to the chocolate-orange thing after all. These cookies are seriously to die for! The fudgy cookie base with chunks of chocolate orange made these chocolate orange cookies out-of-this-world good. You can use a milk or dark chocolate orange.

How To Make Chocolate Orange Cookies

Chocolate orange cookies with an orange peel and chocolate shavings on the side.

Chocolate Orange Cookies

5 from 5 votes
If you are a chocolate orange kind of person, you are going to go crazy over these Chocolate Orange Cookies. A rich fudge cookie base with delicious chocolate orange in every bite!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Dutch
Servings 24

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter softened
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 chocolate orange chopped (milk or dark)
  • 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1-2 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°. Cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together in a large bowl or mixer. Add egg, egg yolk and vanilla and stir until well mixed. Stir in flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda, and cocoa powder until blended (dough will be soft and creamy).
  • Add chopped chocolate orange, mini chocolate chips, and orange zest. Mix until well combined.
  • Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets 3-inches apart. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool 1 minute on wire rack; remove from baking sheets and cool completely. Makes about 4 dozen.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 202kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 159mgPotassium: 71mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 263IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg

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About the author

Erica Walker

Erica lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband, Jared, an attorney, and her three beautiful girls. Beyond the world of recipes, she loves adventuring with everything from kayaking, to cruising, to snowboarding and taking the family along for the thrill ride.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I am a big chocolate and orange fan! I just love those flavors together and these cookies we excellent! So tasty!

  2. 5 stars
    Chocolate oranges are my favorite thing ever. I love that you made a cookie recipe using them! I know already they’re going to be my new favorite treat.