10+ Christmas Cookies Easy Recipes for a Merry Holiday Season

Christmas cookies bring joy and warmth during the holiday season. You can create delicious treats that everyone will love with easy recipes. Baking cookies is a fun activity that can involve the whole family. The sweet smells will fill your home with festive cheer.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced baker, there are simple recipes to suit your skill level. From classic flavors to creative twists, making Christmas cookies is a great way to celebrate the holidays and share delicious goodies with friends and family.

1) Classic Sugar Cookies

Classic sugar cookies are a favorite during the holidays. They are simple to make and perfect for decorating. You can enjoy them plain or with fun icing.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need white sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour. These basic items create a delicious cookie base.

Ingredients

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 ½ cups butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 cups all-purpose flour

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream together the sugar and butter.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
4. Gradually stir in the flour until combined.
5. Roll the dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Enjoy your cookies!

2) Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are a classic treat during the holidays. Their soft, chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor make them a favorite for both kids and adults.

To make these cookies, you only need a few simple ingredients. This recipe is easy and quick, perfect for holiday baking.

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
9. Let them cool before enjoying!

3) Italian Almond Cookies

Italian almond cookies are a delicious treat for the holidays. These cookies, often known as amaretti, are easy to make and have a lovely chewy texture.

You will need simple ingredients like almond flour and egg whites. Their almond flavor is both sweet and nutty, making them a favorite during Christmas.

You can enjoy these cookies as is or try different flavor variations. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea and make for a lovely dessert on your holiday table.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups almond flour
• 2 egg whites
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
3. Gradually add sugar and almond extract, mixing well.
4. Gently fold in the almond flour until combined.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Enjoy!

4) No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

No-bake peanut butter balls are a simple and delicious treat you can make in no time. With just a few ingredients, these bite-sized snacks are a hit during the holidays.

You will need peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and chocolate for coating. Mix everything together and form the mixture into small balls.

Once shaped, dip them in melted chocolate for a tasty finish. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set. Enjoy these sweet bites as gifts or a special treat!

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate (for coating)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
2. Roll the mixture into small balls.
3. Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.
4. Dip each ball into the melted chocolate.
5. Place them on a baking sheet and chill for 30 minutes.

5) Buttery Shortbread Cookies

Buttery shortbread cookies are a classic treat perfect for Christmas. They are simple to make and incredibly delicious. With their rich, buttery flavor, these cookies practically melt in your mouth.

You will need just a few basic ingredients. The best part is that you likely already have these in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100 g) powdered sugar
• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth.
3. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until combined.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
6. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork.
7. Bake for about 15-18 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Enjoy!

6) Pretzel Turtles

Pretzel turtles are a delightful treat that combines sweet and salty flavors. They are incredibly simple to make and perfect for any holiday gathering.

To create these tasty bites, you will need just three main ingredients. Start by laying pretzels on a baking sheet. Then, place a Rolo candy on each pretzel.

Next, pop the tray in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 4 minutes. Once they are warm and soft, take them out and press a pecan on top of each Rolo.

Let the pretzel turtles cool for at least an hour before serving. Enjoy these crunchy and chewy treats!

Ingredients

• Pretzels
• Rolo candies
• Pecan halves

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange pretzels on a baking sheet.
3. Place a Rolo candy on each pretzel.
4. Bake for 4 minutes.
5. Remove from oven and press a pecan into each Rolo.
6. Allow to cool for 1 hour before serving.

7) Saltine Toffee Bark

Saltine Toffee Bark is a delicious and simple treat to make during the holidays. It combines salty crackers with sweet toffee and chocolate. This dessert is also known as Christmas Crack, and it’s loved for its crunchy texture and rich flavors.

To start, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange your saltine crackers in a single layer.

In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together. Once the mixture bubbles, pour it over the crackers. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes until bubbly.

After baking, sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Allow the chocolate to melt, then spread it evenly over the toffee. You can also add chopped nuts for extra crunch. Let it cool and break into pieces to serve.

Ingredients

• 48 saltine crackers
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Optional: chopped nuts

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Arrange saltine crackers in a single layer.
4. Melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan until bubbly.
5. Pour the mixture over crackers and bake for 5 minutes.
6. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top and let them melt.
7. Spread melted chocolate evenly and add nuts if desired.
8. Cool completely and break into pieces.

8) Melted Snowman Cookies

Melted Snowman Cookies are a fun and easy treat perfect for the holiday season. They look adorable and taste fantastic. You’ll enjoy making these with family and friends.

To start, you’ll need sugar cookies as the base. Top them with royal icing and marshmallows to create the snowman effect. Add some candy for eyes and a cute nose.

You can use items like M&Ms or orange sprinkles to decorate. These cookies are sure to delight kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 12 sugar cookies
• 2 cups royal icing
• 6 marshmallows, cut in half
• Long orange sprinkles
• M&Ms
• Black gel food color

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Bake the sugar cookies according to the package instructions.
3. Once cooled, spread royal icing on top of each cookie.
4. Place half a marshmallow on each cookie.
5. Decorate with orange sprinkles for noses and M&Ms for eyes.
6. Use black gel food color to draw the mouths.
7. Serve and enjoy your melted snowman cookies!

9) Festive Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Festive chocolate crinkle cookies are a delightful treat for your holiday celebrations. They have a rich, fudgy texture and a beautiful cracked surface, making them visually appealing.

To start, you’ll need a mix of simple ingredients. Cocoa powder adds the chocolate flavor, while powdered sugar gives them that classic crinkle look after baking.

Baking these cookies is easy. Simply combine your ingredients, chill the dough, and roll the cookies in powdered sugar before baking. They come out soft and chewy, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (100g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for rolling

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cocoa powder, sugar, and vegetable oil.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
4. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
5. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes.
6. Roll dough into balls and coat in powdered sugar.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes on a lined baking sheet.
8. Let them cool before serving. Enjoy!

10) Easy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

You’ll love making these easy red velvet crinkle cookies. They are vibrant, soft, and have a delightful crackled top. With simple ingredients, you can whip them up in no time!

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (about 175°C). In one bowl, mix together your ingredients. Then, chill the dough in the fridge for a bit before you bake them.

Roll the dough in powdered sugar for that lovely snowy effect. Bake until they are soft and just set. These cookies make a festive addition to your holiday spread!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Red food coloring
• Powdered sugar for rolling

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients.
6. Add red food coloring until you reach your desired shade.
7. Chill dough for 30 minutes in the fridge.
8. Roll into balls and then into powdered sugar.
9. Place on a baking sheet.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes.