10 Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes to Bake for Holidays

The holiday season is the perfect time to bake up some magic in the kitchen, and what better way to celebrate than with easy Christmas cookie recipes? From classic sugar cookies to festive peppermint treats, these recipes are simple, quick, and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Each cookie is packed with holiday flavors, perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with family by the fireplace.

Classic Sugar Cookies

These classic sugar cookies are a must for any holiday baking session and only need basic ingredients you might already have on hand. Mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt in one bowl. In another bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 egg until creamy, then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour mixture until the dough forms, then roll it out and cut into festive shapes. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes and let them cool before decorating with colorful frosting or sprinkles for that Christmas magic.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

For a rich and chocolatey holiday treat, these chocolate crinkle cookies are a crowd-pleaser and simple to make. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of cocoa powder, 2 cups of sugar, and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, then add 4 eggs one at a time, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Gradually mix in 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt until a sticky dough forms. Chill the dough for at least 3 hours, roll into balls, and coat each ball in powdered sugar. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until they form a cracked surface and enjoy these gooey, chocolatey bites of holiday joy.

Gingerbread Men Cookies

Gingerbread men cookies add that warm, spiced flavor everyone loves during Christmas. Start by whisking together 3 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and spices (1 tablespoon ginger, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon cloves). In a separate bowl, beat 3/4 cup butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 2/3 cup molasses until smooth. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the flour mixture until the dough forms. Roll the dough out, cut into gingerbread men shapes, and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Cool and decorate with icing and candy buttons to bring these festive cookies to life.

Peppermint Bark Cookies

These peppermint bark cookies combine the rich taste of chocolate with a refreshing hint of peppermint, making them ideal for holiday gatherings. Start by mixing 1 cup of butter with 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy, then add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Slowly mix in 2 cups of flour and a pinch of salt until the dough is smooth. Roll out the dough, cut it into shapes, and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. After cooling, melt white chocolate and dark chocolate, drizzle it over the cookies, and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive finish.

Cinnamon Snickerdoodles

These cinnamon snickerdoodles are a holiday classic with a delightful twist of spice. Cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until smooth, then beat in 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. In another bowl, combine 2 3/4 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, then roll the dough into balls, and coat each in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, and enjoy these soft, spiced cookies that are perfect for sharing.

Thumbprint Jam Cookies

These thumbprint jam cookies are as easy to make as they are festive, bringing a bright pop of color to your holiday spread. Start by creaming 1 cup of butter with 1/2 cup of sugar until light and fluffy, then add 2 cups of flour and a pinch of salt until a dough forms. Roll the dough into small balls, press a thumb into the center of each, and fill with your favorite jam. Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until golden, and enjoy the sweet, fruity centers that make these cookies a holiday favorite.

Oatmeal Raisin Christmas Cookies

These oatmeal raisin cookies are chewy, hearty, and packed with warm spices perfect for the holiday season. Cream together 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of brown sugar, then add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, then add it to the butter mixture. Stir in 2 cups of oats and 1 cup of raisins, then drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until golden, and enjoy these comforting cookies with a glass of milk.

Spiced Molasses Cookies

These spiced molasses cookies bring all the rich flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and clove for a cozy holiday treat. Cream together 3/4 cup of butter and 1 cup of sugar, then add 1/4 cup of molasses and 1 egg, mixing well. In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and spices (1 teaspoon ginger, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon clove). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, then chill the dough for an hour. Roll into balls, coat in sugar, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes for a soft, spiced cookie that’s perfect with hot cocoa.

Red Velvet Christmas Cookies

These red velvet cookies are a colorful addition to your holiday cookie platter, with a hint of chocolate in every bite. Start by creaming 1/2 cup of butter with 3/4 cup of sugar until light and fluffy, then add 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a few drops of red food coloring. In another bowl, mix 1 1/4 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, then gradually add to the butter mixture. Form dough balls, roll in powdered sugar, and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. These cookies are perfect for festive gift boxes or holiday gatherings.

Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies, or Russian tea cakes, are bite-sized treats that melt in your mouth with a nutty sweetness. Combine 1 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until creamy. Mix in 2 cups of flour and 1 cup of finely chopped pecans until a dough forms. Roll into small balls and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, then roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar to create a snowy effect. Perfect for holiday cookie swaps, these cookies are a festive favorite.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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