There’s something magical about baking Best Christmas Cookies. The aroma, the colors, and the sheer joy of decorating and sharing them make cookies a timeless holiday treat. Whether you’re a fan of classic sugar cookies or looking for new, creative recipes, this guide to the best Christmas cookies has you covered. From buttery shortbread to chewy gingerbread, here’s a roundup of the best cookies to bake this holiday season!
Why Best Christmas Cookies Are a Holiday Tradition
Christmas cookies have a long-standing tradition that brings people together. Baking and sharing cookies is a simple yet heartwarming activity that friends and families look forward to every holiday season. With a mix of holiday spices, colorful decorations, and plenty of sugar, these treats capture the essence of Christmas and make for perfect gifts, party treats, or cozy snacks with hot cocoa.
Top Best Christmas Cookies to Bake This Year
1. Classic Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are a Best Christmas Cookies staple. They’re versatile, easy to bake, and perfect for decorating with royal icing or sprinkles. The secret to a perfect sugar cookie is chilling the dough before rolling it out—this helps the cookies hold their shape.
Pro Tip: Use holiday-themed cookie cutters and colored frosting for a festive touch. Kids love decorating these, so it’s a fun family activity!
2. Gingerbread Men
Nothing says Christmas quite like gingerbread cookies. These spiced treats, shaped like little people or holiday shapes, are as fun to make as they are to eat. Made with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and molasses, gingerbread cookies have a unique flavor that warms you from the inside out.
Pro Tip: Decorate with simple white icing to highlight the classic gingerbread look, or use colorful candy buttons for a playful touch.
3. Peppermint Chocolate Crinkles
Chocolate crinkle cookies are soft and fudgy on the inside with a cracked, powdered-sugar exterior that looks like snow. Adding a hint of peppermint gives them a festive twist. The combination of chocolate and mint makes these cookies irresistible for holiday parties.
Pro Tip: Serve these cookies slightly warm for an extra gooey center that chocolate lovers will adore.
4. Linzer Cookies
Originating from Austria, Linzer cookies are delicate and beautiful sandwich cookies with a layer of raspberry jam peeking through a cut-out in the top cookie. Traditionally, these cookies are made with almond flour, which adds a subtle, nutty flavor.
Pro Tip: Dust the top with powdered sugar for a snowy effect and use a heart, star, or Christmas tree cut-out for an extra festive look.
5. Snickerdoodles
A mix of cinnamon and sugar gives snickerdoodles their signature flavor. Soft, chewy, and slightly tangy from the cream of tartar, these cookies are simple yet satisfying. They’re a nice change from the more decorated cookies but still bring the holiday spirit with their warm, cinnamon flavor.
Pro Tip: Roll each cookie dough ball generously in cinnamon-sugar before baking to create that perfectly crackled, sugary crust.
6. Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies are a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s simple but delicious. These cookies can be decorated with festive colors by dipping them in chocolate or adding sprinkles. With just a few ingredients, shortbread cookies are easy to make and have a rich, buttery flavor.
Pro Tip: Make them more festive by adding a hint of vanilla or almond extract and topping them with chopped pistachios or dried cranberries.
7. Thumbprint Cookies
These delightful thumbprint cookies are small, round cookies with an indent in the center, filled with jam or chocolate. They’re easy to make and look beautiful on any holiday dessert platter. Traditional flavors include raspberry and apricot jam, but you can experiment with other fillings.
Pro Tip: Roll the dough in chopped nuts before baking to add texture and a little extra flavor.
8. Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies
For a cookie that’s part treat, part dessert, chocolate peppermint bark cookies are perfect. Made by topping chocolate cookies with a layer of melted white chocolate and crushed peppermint, they’re as festive as it gets.
Pro Tip: If you want a quicker version, top your favorite chocolate cookie recipe with crushed candy canes for that peppermint bark effect.
9. Italian Ricotta Cookies
Soft, moist, and slightly sweet, Italian ricotta cookies are a hidden gem in holiday baking. Ricotta cheese adds a delicate texture to these cake-like cookies, and they’re often glazed and topped with colorful sprinkles.
Pro Tip: Add a hint of lemon or almond extract for an extra burst of flavor, and use red and green sprinkles for a holiday look.
10. Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut butter blossoms are soft peanut butter cookies topped with a chocolate kiss. These cookies have the perfect balance of sweet and salty, making them a favorite among both kids and adults.
Pro Tip: Roll the cookie dough in granulated sugar before baking for an extra sparkle, and add the chocolate kiss right after they come out of the oven so it melts just a bit.
Fun Decorating Ideas for Christmas Cookies
Even if you’re sticking to classic cookie recipes, there are plenty of ways to decorate them creatively:
- Royal Icing and Sprinkles: A go-to for sugar cookies, royal icing dries hard, making it perfect for intricate designs. Pair it with festive sprinkles or edible glitter for added fun.
- Chocolate Dipping: Dip part of a Best Christmas Cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes, nuts, or shredded coconut.
- Edible Markers: Use food-safe markers to draw designs on dried royal icing. This is especially fun for kids who want to add faces or unique patterns to their cookies.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookies
- Chill the Dough: For cookies like sugar cookies and gingerbread, chilling the dough is essential for keeping their shape while baking.
- Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: These prevent cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
- Don’t Overbake: Most Best Christmas Cookies continue to bake a little after they’re out of the oven. Pull them out when they’re just set around the edges but still soft in the center for the best texture.
- Let Cookies Cool Before Decorating: Decorating warm cookies can lead to melting frosting and slipping decorations. Let them cool completely for the best results.
Christmas Cookie Packaging Ideas for Gifts
If you’re planning to give cookies as gifts, presentation matters! Here are a few ideas:
- Holiday Tins: Classic and reusable, tins keep Best Christmas Cookies fresh and stackable.
- Clear Bags and Ribbons: Place cookies in clear cellophane bags, tie with a ribbon, and add a small holiday tag for a personal touch.
- Mason Jars: Layer cookies in mason jars for a rustic, festive gift. Add a fabric square over the lid and tie it with a ribbon.
Conclusion
From classic sugar cookies to inventive peppermint bark treats, there’s a Best Christmas Cookies for every taste. These cookies not only make your home smell amazing but also bring joy to anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re baking with family or preparing holiday gifts, these recipes and tips will ensure your Best Christmas Cookies are as festive and delicious as the season itself.
FAQs
1. What are the Best Christmas Cookies to decorate with kids?
Sugar cookies and gingerbread cookies are perfect for decorating with kids. They’re easy to roll out, cut into shapes, and top with colorful icing and sprinkles.
2. Can I make Best Christmas Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Most cookie doughs can be made and frozen up to a month in advance. Baked cookies can also be frozen and thawed before serving.
3. How can I store Best Christmas Cookies to keep them fresh?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge or freeze them.
4. What’s the secret to soft and chewy cookies?
Underbaking slightly, using a mix of brown and white sugar, and avoiding over-mixing the dough can all contribute to a softer, chewier cookie.
5. Can I substitute ingredients for dietary needs?
Yes! Many Best Christmas Cookies recipes can be adjusted for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan diets by using appropriate substitutes like almond flour, coconut oil, or egg replacers.
