‘Tis the season for baking! The air is filled with the sweet aroma of sugar and spices as we prepare for the most wonderful time of the year – Christmas! What’s a holiday gathering without a platter of freshly baked cookies, right? This year, why not try something new and deliciously creative? We’ve gathered 18 unique and festive Christmas cookie recipes to inspire your baking endeavors. From classic flavors like peppermint and gingerbread to innovative combinations like maple bacon and chai spiced butter, there’s something for every taste bud on this list.
From crinkled cookies with a mocha twist to linzer cookies filled with raspberry goodness, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to leave under the tree or a savory snack to munch on while decorating the tree, these recipes are sure to bring joy and cheer to your holiday season.
Peppermint Mocha Crinkle Cookies
A sweet treat that combines the flavors of peppermint and mocha, these crinkly cookies are perfect for a holiday gathering or special occasion. With their crunchy texture and burst of refreshing flavor, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1/4 cup crushed candy canes (optional)
– Mocha flavored instant coffee powder (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add peppermint extract and mix well.
5. Gradually add flour mixture and mix until combined.
6. If using, stir in crushed candy canes and mocha flavored instant coffee powder.
7. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Gingerbread Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Filling
These sweet and tangy cookies combine the spices of gingerbread with the tartness of raspberry filling, creating a unique and delicious treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Raspberry filling (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch space between each.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow cookies to cool completely before filling with raspberry filling.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Eggnog Snickerdoodles with Rum Glaze
These soft and chewy snickerdoodles get a festive boost from the addition of eggnog and a sweet rum glaze. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups white sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup eggnog
– Rum glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in flour mixture, then eggnog.
6. Roll into balls and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
7. Allow to cool before drizzling with rum glaze.
Rum Glaze:
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon dark rum
Whisk together until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Brighten up your holiday baking with these sweet and tangy cookies that combine the flavors of cranberries, orange zest, and shortbread.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in granulated sugar, cranberries, orange zest, and salt.
5. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead until it comes together in a cohesive mass.
6. Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
Yield: About 24 cookies
Spiced Chocolate Cherry Thumbprints
Elevate your holiday baking with these Spiced Chocolate Cherry Thumbprints, a delightful combination of rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and warm spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
5. Stir in chocolate chips and cherries.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are set.
8. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Maple Bacon Walnut Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the richness of maple syrup with the smokiness of bacon and the crunch of walnuts. Perfect for a sweet treat or as a unique gift.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter, sugar, maple syrup, and eggs.
4. Stir in crumbled bacon and chopped walnuts.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Cardamom Rose Sugar Cookies
Experience the unique flavor combination of cardamom and rose in these aromatic sugar cookies, perfect for a sweet treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp ground cardamom
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tbsp rose water (or 1 tsp dried rose petals)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and cardamom.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and rose water (or dried rose petals).
5. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
White Chocolate Matcha Snowflakes
Elevate your holiday season with these delicate white chocolate matcha snowflakes, perfect for a sweet and refreshing treat. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is easy to make and impressive to serve.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/2 teaspoon matcha powder
– 1 tablespoon shortening (such as Crisco or vegetable shortening)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
3. Add matcha powder and shortening to the melted white chocolate; stir until well combined.
4. Drop small amounts of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, allowing them to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
5. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus cooling time)
Pistachio Cranberry Icebox Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the sweetness of white chocolate chips with the tartness of cranberries and the crunch of pistachios, all in a convenient icebox-style preparation.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add flour, mixing until just combined.
4. Fold in white chocolate chips, cranberries, and pistachios.
5. Press dough into a 9×13-inch pan or a silicone mat-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden around edges.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chai Spiced Butter Cookies
Warm up with a comforting cup of Chai and a plate of these deliciously spiced butter cookies!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp loose-leaf black tea (or 1 tsp chai spice blend)
– 1 egg
– Optional: chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Add tea or chai spice blend, mixing well.
5. Beat in egg until smooth.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lavender Honey Lemon Cookies
These delicate cookies combine the brightness of lemon zest with the soothing sweetness of lavender and honey, perfect for a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add honey, lavender buds, lemon zest, and baking powder; mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
7. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or a glass.
8. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Black Forest Cookie Cups
These bite-sized cookie cups are filled with the flavors of Germany’s famous Black Forest region, featuring chocolate cake mix, cherry filling, and whipped cream.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 package chocolate cake mix
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup cherry filling (such as tart cherries or cherry jam)
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cake mix, flour, and baking powder.
3. Add softened butter and granulated sugar; mix until just combined.
4. Divide batter evenly among mini muffin cups.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set. Let cool completely.
6. Spoon cherry filling into each cup.
7. Top with whipped cream (beat heavy whipping cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract, if desired). Dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Brown Butter Sage Cookies
Elevate your cookie game with these aromatic treats that combine the nutty richness of brown butter with the earthy sweetness of sage. Perfect for a cozy evening or as a gift for friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage leaves
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until butter turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and whisk in white granulated sugar and salt until combined. Let cool slightly.
4. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and sage leaves in a separate bowl.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the cooled butter mixture and stir until just combined.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Pomegranate Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Pomegranate Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe
These chewy cookies combine the tartness of pomegranate with the richness of dark chocolate, perfect for a sweet and tangy treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup pomegranate arils (fresh or dried)
– 1 cup dark chocolate chunks (at least 70% cocoa)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in pomegranate arils and dark chocolate chunks.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Cinnamon Roll Stuffed Cookies
These soft-baked cookies are packed with a sweet surprise – a cinnamon roll filling that will satisfy your cravings. Perfect for a snack or dessert, these unique treats are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cinnamon roll filling (homemade or store-bought)
– Colored sprinkles or chopped nuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Spoon cinnamon roll filling along one edge, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. Fold dough over filling and press edges to seal. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Almond Joy Stuffed Cookies
Transform your baking experience with these scrumptious Almond Joy Stuffed Cookies, filled with the classic combination of coconut and chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– 1 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Gradually mix in flour mixture, then coconut, chocolate chips, and almonds.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool on wire rack before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Rosemary Dark Chocolate Shortbread
Rosemary Dark Chocolate Shortbread: A savory-sweet fusion that combines the brightness of rosemary with the richness of dark chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 sticks (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the flour, salt, and rosemary; mix until just combined.
3. Stir in the dark chocolate chips.
4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
5. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Ginger Cookies
These soft and chewy ginger cookies are elevated by a surprise center of creamy peanut butter cups, making them the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup peanut butter cups, chopped
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and ginger.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes or use a cookie cutter.
6. Place a peanut butter cup in the center of each cookie. Fold dough over filling, pressing edges to seal.
7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
9. Cool on wire rack before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (optional).
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your holiday cookie game with these 18 unique and delicious Christmas cookie recipes! From classic flavors like peppermint mocha and gingerbread to creative twists like maple bacon walnut and chai spiced butter, there’s something for every taste. Try making Eggnog Snickerdoodles with Rum Glaze or Pistachio Cranberry Icebox Cookies for a festive touch. Whether you’re looking for sweet treats or savory snacks, these recipes will help you create a delicious and memorable holiday season.
