Classic Christmas Cookie Recipes – Easy, Festive & Delicious Holiday Treats to Sweeten Your Christmas!
If you’ve been searching for the best Christmas cookie recipes that are easy, delicious, and absolutely festive — this post is for you! From buttery sugar cookies to chewy gingerbread and chocolate crinkles, these classics are always a hit at every cookie exchange or family get-together.
🍪 Why You’ll Love These Classic Christmas Cookies
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry.
- Perfect Texture: Crisp on the edges, soft and chewy in the middle.
- Customizable: Add sprinkles, icing, or drizzle some melted chocolate — you can’t go wrong!
- Freezer-Friendly: Bake now, enjoy later.
- Family Favorites: These recipes are tried, tested, and holiday-approved.
🧈 Ingredients You’ll Need (for a Batch of 24 Cookies)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- Holiday sprinkles
- Chocolate chips
- Crushed candy canes
- Red and green M&Ms
🎅 Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar together until creamy and fluffy. This step is key — it traps air and gives your cookies that perfect texture.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. You’ll notice your batter turning smooth and slightly glossy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly fold this into your wet mixture until combined. Be careful not to overmix — just enough to form a soft dough.
Step 4: Add the Festive Touches
Now’s the fun part! Add your favorite mix-ins — red and green sprinkles, M&Ms, or even crushed candy canes for that peppermint crunch.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Place the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the cookies hold their shape and develop a deeper flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, scoop dough balls (about 1 tablespoon each), and bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating with icing, powdered sugar, or melted chocolate. Add festive sprinkles for that Christmas sparkle!
🎨 Decoration Ideas for Christmas Cookies
Want your cookies to look as good as they taste? Try these:
- Snowflake Icing: Pipe white royal icing in delicate snowflake shapes.
- Festive Sugar Dust: Sprinkle powdered sugar over cooled cookies for a snowy look.
- Chocolate Dip: Dip half of each cookie in melted white or dark chocolate.
- Edible Glitter: A little sparkle makes everything merry and bright!
🎁 Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookies
- Chill your dough. It prevents cookies from spreading too much.
- Use room temperature butter. Not melted, not cold — just soft enough to cream easily.
- Measure flour correctly. Spoon and level it; don’t pack it in.
- Rotate baking sheets. For even baking and consistent golden edges.
- Don’t overbake. Cookies continue to cook as they cool — remove them while still slightly soft.
💡 Variations You Can Try
- Classic Sugar Cookies: Keep it simple and cut them into Christmas tree or star shapes.
- Gingerbread Cookies: Add 1 tbsp molasses + 2 tsp ground ginger.
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Mix in ½ cup cocoa powder and roll in powdered sugar before baking.
- Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies: Add dried cranberries and white chocolate chips for a festive twist.
🧑🍳 Storing and Freezing Tips
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Store baked cookies or dough balls in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Pop a cookie in the microwave for 10 seconds for that fresh-baked softness.
❤️ My Christmas Cookie Tradition
Every year, my friends and I have a small cookie exchange night. Everyone brings their favorite cookies, and we end up laughing, tasting, and sharing recipes until midnight. My classic sugar cookies with vanilla icing are always the first to disappear — and honestly, that’s the best compliment a baker can get.
So, if you want to bring a little extra sweetness and nostalgia to your holiday season, these Classic Christmas Cookie Recipes will never fail to impress.
