25 Most Classic Cookie Recipes To Make For The Holidays

The holiday season is a time for gathering, celebration, and, of course, baking delicious treats. Classic cookies play a special role in holiday traditions, with recipes passed down through generations and new favorites making their way onto the dessert table each year. From rich, spiced gingerbread to delicate, buttery shortbread, holiday cookies capture the essence of the season in every bite. These beloved recipes bring warmth, nostalgia, and a festive touch to holiday gatherings. Here’s a collection of 25 classic holiday cookie recipes that are sure to spread joy and sweetness throughout the season.

Gingerbread cookies are a holiday favorite with their warm, spiced flavor and fun, customizable shapes. Made with molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, they bring the cozy taste of winter into every bite. They’re perfect for decorating, whether with simple icing outlines or elaborate designs, making them a hit at holiday gatherings. The rich flavor and adorable shapes make gingerbread cookies a beloved part of holiday traditions worldwide.

Classic sugar cookies are the perfect blank canvas for holiday decorating, holding their shape well in the oven. Their buttery, lightly sweet flavor makes them a favorite for kids and adults alike. With a bit of icing, sprinkles, and holiday-themed cookie cutters, these cookies become delightful works of art. Whether plain or decorated, sugar cookies are always a festive and versatile treat for the holiday season.

Snickerdoodles are known for their soft, pillowy texture and unique tangy flavor, thanks to a hint of cream of tartar. Each cookie is rolled in cinnamon sugar before baking, giving them a sweet and slightly spiced coating. The contrast of the chewy center and crisp edges makes them irresistible. Their warm, spiced flavor makes them a comforting choice for chilly holiday nights.

Peanut Butter Blossoms combine the creamy richness of peanut butter with a chocolatey surprise in the form of a Hershey’s Kiss. These cookies are soft, sweet, and a little crumbly, making each bite a delight. Rolling the dough in sugar before baking adds a festive sparkle. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate makes them a staple of holiday cookie trays.

Classic shortbread cookies are rich, crumbly, and melt in your mouth with each bite. Their simple ingredients—just butter, sugar, and flour—create a wonderfully buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with tea or coffee. They can be shaped into festive designs or pressed with a fork for a traditional look. Shortbread’s delicate flavor and satisfying texture make it a holiday favorite that never goes out of style.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are known for their rich, brownie-like center and beautiful powdered sugar coating that cracks as they bake. Their deep chocolate flavor, enhanced with a hint of espresso powder, makes them a favorite for chocolate lovers. The crinkled, snowy appearance is festive and adds visual appeal to holiday cookie plates. Soft and fudgy inside, these cookies are a chocolatey delight for winter celebrations.

Linzer Cookies are delicate sandwich cookies filled with sweet jam, often raspberry, and dusted with powdered sugar. The almond-flavored dough and fruity filling make them a lovely combination of flavors. Traditionally, the top cookie has a small cutout, revealing a peek of the vibrant jam within. They’re elegant, festive, and perfect for holiday gatherings or as gifts.

Thumbprint cookies are soft, buttery cookies with a sweet surprise in the center, typically filled with jam or chocolate. The dough, often flavored with almond or vanilla extract, adds a rich background to the filling. They can be rolled in nuts for added texture and flavor, making them a versatile choice. These cookies are colorful, festive, and add a touch of charm to holiday cookie plates.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with the wholesome flavor of oats and raisins. A hint of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth, making them a comforting holiday choice. The texture is perfect, with chewy centers and just enough crisp around the edges. These cookies are a hearty, delicious option for those looking for something a bit more substantial.

Chocolate Chip Cookies are a timeless classic, beloved for their chewy centers and gooey chocolate chunks. Adding a touch of sea salt enhances the flavor, balancing the sweetness with a hint of savory. Freshly baked, these cookies are warm and comforting, making them perfect for cozy winter nights. Whether enjoyed with milk or on their own, chocolate chip cookies remain a holiday favorite.

Russian Tea Cakes, or Snowball Cookies, are buttery, nutty treats rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy effect. They’re tender and crumbly, with finely chopped walnuts or pecans adding texture and flavor. These cookies melt in your mouth, with a hint of sweetness that’s not overpowering. Their simple elegance makes them a popular choice for holiday gatherings and gifting.

Molasses Cookies are soft and chewy with a deep, rich flavor from molasses and spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. The molasses gives these cookies a dark color and slightly caramelized taste, perfect for winter. Rolling them in sugar before baking adds a festive sparkle. These cookies are ideal for those who love the warm, comforting flavors of gingerbread.

Pfeffernüsse are small, spiced German cookies coated in powdered sugar, making them look like snowy bites. They have a unique flavor from a mix of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, with a hint of black pepper. This spice combination gives them a slightly spicy, warming taste perfect for winter. These traditional cookies are a festive favorite in German households during the holidays.

Italian Anise Cookies are soft and subtly flavored with anise, giving them a mild licorice taste that’s both unique and festive. Often topped with a simple glaze and colorful sprinkles, these cookies are as decorative as they are delicious. Their distinctive flavor sets them apart on any holiday cookie tray. Traditionally made for Italian celebrations, they bring a bit of Old World charm to holiday gatherings.

Biscotti are Italian twice-baked cookies known for their crisp texture and versatility. Flavored with almond, chocolate, or anise, they’re ideal for dipping in coffee or hot chocolate. Adding nuts, dried fruits, or a drizzle of chocolate makes them festive and customizable. With their long shelf life, biscotti are perfect for holiday gifting and make a sophisticated addition to any cookie plate.

Spritz Cookies are delicate, buttery, and shaped using a cookie press, creating fun, festive designs like stars and trees. They’re crisp yet tender, with a light, sweet flavor that’s enhanced by almond or vanilla extract. Spritz cookies are easy to decorate with sprinkles, adding a pop of color to holiday cookie trays. Their simplicity and elegance make them a beloved part of many family holiday traditions.

Rugelach are flaky, crescent-shaped cookies with a delicious filling of jam, nuts, or chocolate. The cream cheese in the dough gives them a tender texture and rich flavor. These cookies are slightly sweet and incredibly versatile, making them a hit at holiday gatherings. Their beautiful shape and layers of flavor make them a festive addition to any dessert spread.

Macarons are delicate French meringue-based cookies with a crisp shell and chewy interior, filled with ganache, buttercream, or jam. These colorful treats are available in various holiday flavors like peppermint, gingerbread, and chocolate. Making macarons requires precision, but the result is a visually stunning and delicious cookie. Their refined appearance and unique texture make them a sophisticated choice for holiday celebrations.

Amaretti Cookies are Italian almond cookies with a crisp exterior and chewy center, offering an intense almond flavor. Often dusted with powdered sugar, they look festive on any holiday cookie tray. Their flavor is rich, nutty, and perfect for almond lovers, pairing beautifully with coffee or dessert wine. Amaretti Cookies add an elegant touch to holiday gatherings and are a wonderful gift for friends and family.

Peppermint Bark Cookies are a festive blend of chocolate and peppermint, often topped with crushed candy canes. A chocolate or sugar cookie base makes the perfect canvas for melted chocolate and peppermint toppings. These cookies offer a refreshing, minty twist that’s ideal for the holiday season. Their red and white candy cane pieces add color, making them a fun and festive choice for holiday treats.

Lebkuchen are traditional German gingerbread cookies made with honey, nuts, and a blend of warm spices. They’re soft, slightly chewy, and often coated with a sugar glaze or chocolate. These cookies are a holiday favorite in Germany, particularly during the Advent season. Their aromatic spices and sweet glaze make them a perfect treat for cozy holiday celebrations.

Meringue Cookies are light and airy, made from whipped egg whites and sugar, often with flavors like vanilla, peppermint, or chocolate. Their crisp, delicate texture makes them melt in your mouth with each bite. Meringues are versatile and can be piped into festive shapes for the holidays, adding a touch of elegance to any cookie spread. Their simplicity and beauty make them a sophisticated holiday treat.

Pinwheel Cookies are known for their visually striking swirl pattern, often made with vanilla and chocolate dough. The dough is rolled into layers to create the pinwheel effect, making them both fun to make and eat. Festive colors can be added for a holiday look, making these cookies a decorative and tasty choice. Their buttery texture and playful design make them a standout on any holiday tray.

Spitzbuben are Austrian jam-filled sandwich cookies with a powdered sugar dusting for a snowy look. The buttery, tender dough and sweet jam filling make them a delightful combination. These cookies often have a small cutout on the top cookie, showing a peek of the jam within. They’re a festive, elegant addition to any holiday cookie platter, enjoyed across Europe and beyond.

Pumpkin Spice Cookies are soft, moist, and filled with the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. A dollop of cream cheese frosting adds a sweet, tangy contrast to these autumn-inspired treats. Their pumpkin flavor and spice blend make them perfect for transitioning from fall into the holiday season. Cozy and comforting, these cookies are a must-have for pumpkin lovers during the holidays.

Baking holiday cookies is a beloved tradition that brings family and friends together, filling the kitchen with warmth, laughter, and sweet aromas. Each of these classic recipes offers a unique taste of the season, from nostalgic favorites to festive new treats. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering, gifting them to loved ones, or simply enjoying them with a cup of cocoa, holiday cookies capture the spirit of joy and togetherness. Trying different recipes each year keeps the holiday baking tradition fresh and fun. May these recipes add a little extra sweetness to your holiday celebrations and create memories to cherish.