Christmas Cookies always come to the front of my mind when the holiday season starts rolling in. Few things can put me in the holiday spirit, like a tray of classic sugar cookies cut into shapes of Christmas trees, candy canes, and Santa’s reindeer.

It’s that magical time of year again when our kitchens smell like buttery cookies and warm spices. I’ve been a cookie lover for as long as I can remember, and nothing brings me more holiday cheer than sharing my favorite Christmas cookie recipes with all of you. 

The Best Christmas Cookies

As a whole, these are my favorite cookies to make! I’m thrilled to be able to share our best Christmas cookie recipes with you because, number one, These are all holiday favorites, and number two, Isn’t that what the holiday season is all about? Read on and I can pretty much guarantee that you will find the perfect Christmas cookie in our collection of easy cookie recipes.

Our family has a blast baking and decorating each year, and this year will be even more special. From our grandmother’s classic gingerbread cookies to chewy peanut butter cookies, each cookie on our list brings something festive to the table.

stack of peppermint sugar cookies

Favorite Christmas Cookies

For first-timers or those who love easy cookies, our easy Christmas cookies section is packed with gems to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Classic Christmas cookie recipes like peanut butter candy cane cookies and Amish soft sugar cookies. Those come from my beloved late aunt Marian. These Christmas sugar cookies are hands-down my personal favorite because they were the ones she used to make when I was a little boy.

And for those who fancy chewy cookies, our white chocolate-dipped ginger cookies are some of the best Christmas cookies you will ever find. Our kids grew up believing these to be Santa’s favorite, making them the perfect holiday cookie!

Our striped peppermint sugar cookies, decorated with royal icing, are amazing cookies to put in this year’s holiday cookie tin.

Our chocolate crinkle cookies are one of the best Christmas cookies and a personal favorite. Their crisp edges and soft, chewy center make them a cookie platter essential. And who can forget the snowball cookies? They’re like a sweet, nutty flavor explosion in every bite! And for those who prefer a bit more zest, these homemade spice cookies, with their festive sprinkles and rich, buttery flavor, are not to be missed.

Every cookie exchange needs classic chocolate chip cookies, but have you tried adding green sprinkles? It’s the best way to bring holiday vibes to a classic. And for a fancier touch, our Swiss linzer cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, with their peek-a-boo window revealing sweet, tangy jam.

Don’t worry about keeping these cookies fresh; an airtight container keeps them soft and delectable. Many of these festive cookies can be made ahead, frozen, and then thawed for holiday parties.

16 Things for Making the Best Christmas Cookies

  1. Quality Flour: Opt for unbleached all-purpose flour as it provides a consistent and tasty base for your cookies.
  2. Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content, offering a creamy, delightful taste to the cookies.
  3. Fresh Eggs: Fresh eggs are imperative for binding, delivering consistent flavor and the ideal texture.
  4. Pure Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds a rich, deep flavor; always choose it over imitation varieties.
  5. Baking Powder/Soda: Essential for making cookies rise, these ingredients result in a light and fluffy texture.
  6. Granulated Sugar: Besides sweetness, sugar also aids in achieving the right browning and adds moisture to your cookies.
  7. Parchment Paper: This is a lifesaver for easy clean-up and ensures your cookies won’t stick to the baking sheets.
  8. Cookie Cutters: Invest in durable cookie cutters for festive, perfectly shaped cookies with clean, crisp edges.
  9. Rolling Pin: A quality rolling pin helps you roll out dough evenly, crucial for uniform baking and thickness.
  10. Cooling Rack: A cooling rack allows air to circulate around the cookies, helping them to cool evenly and quickly.
  11. Salt: A small pinch can enhance and balance the sweetness, highlighting the overall flavors of your cookies.
  12. Decorating Supplies: Have fun with colored sugars, sprinkles, and icing to add a festive touch and extra sweetness.
  13. Mixer: A hand or stand mixer, while not mandatory, can significantly simplify the process of mixing your ingredients.
  14. Baking Sheets: Quality baking sheets are vital for even baking, helping prevent the cookies from burning at the bottom.
  15. Rubber Spatula: A spatula ensures you incorporate all ingredients well by scraping the sides of your mixing bowl.
  16. Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy is key in baking, so having a set of measuring cups and spoons is non-negotiable for success.

With these 16 essentials in hand, you’re all geared up to bake wonderful Christmas cookies. Enjoy your baking!

So, as you prepare for holiday baking, remember, whether it’s soft molasses cookies, meringue cookies, or the many other treats from our favorite Christmas cookies list, Platter Talk is here with the best traditional recipes that make your Christmas season bright and tasty.

Atable full of Chrstmas cookies.

Finally, out our ultimate round-up of the best Christmas cookies for 2023! New to baking?  Learn how to make cookies from our in-house professional chef, CIA-trained Chef Kat.

Check. back frequently as we make these Christmas and holiday desserts all year round!

Let’s bake cookies, share, and spread the joy. Here’s to a season filled with sweet delights and the best Christmas cookies from the Platter Talk family to yours!

Happy Baking! 🍪🎄

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All Best Christmas Cookies