Christmas Cookies are a holiday tradition that brings warmth and joy to every kitchen. If you only bake once a year, don’t worry—you don’t need to be an expert to whip up delicious treats. These simple cookie recipes are perfect for occasional bakers, requiring minimal effort while delivering festive flavors.
These recipes use basic ingredients and straightforward steps, from classic sugar cookies to chewy gingerbread delights. Whether baking for a holiday gathering, gifting loved ones, or satisfying a sweet craving, you’ll find a recipe that suits your style.
No fancy techniques, no complicated decorations—just easy-to-make Christmas Cookies that look and taste amazing. Plus, with a few time-saving hacks, you can enjoy fresh, homemade cookies without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ready to bake without the stress? Let’s dive into these simple Christmas cookie recipes and make this holiday season extra sweet!
Pretzel Turtles
Combining the salty crunch of pretzels with the rich sweetness of caramel and chocolate, Pretzel Turtles are a delightful treat among Christmas cookies. These confections are incredibly simple to prepare, making them ideal for occasional bakers seeking a quick yet impressive addition to their holiday dessert table.
To create these treats, arrange mini pretzels on a baking sheet and top each with a caramel candy. Warm them in the oven until the caramel softens, then press a pecan half onto each, gently spreading the caramel. Once cooled, drizzle with melted chocolate to add a decadent touch. The combination of textures and flavors in these Christmas cookies is sure to please any crowd.
Not only are Pretzel Turtles delicious, but they also store well, making them perfect for gifting. Place them in festive tins or bags to share the holiday spirit with friends and family. Their appealing appearance and delectable taste make them a standout choice among Christmas cookies.
Reindeer Cookies
Add a playful touch to your holiday baking with Reindeer Cookies. These charming treats are a hit with both children and adults, bringing a whimsical element to your assortment of Christmas cookies. Using simple ingredients and decorations, you can create cookies that resemble adorable reindeer faces.
Start with a basic peanut butter or sugar cookie dough, shaping it into oval forms to mimic a reindeer’s head. After baking, while the cookies are still warm, press pretzel twists at the top for antlers. Use chocolate chips or candies for the eyes and red candy for the nose, capturing the iconic look of Rudolph.
These Reindeer Cookies not only taste delightful but also serve as a fun activity for families during the holiday season. Involving children in the decorating process can create lasting memories and traditions. Their endearing appearance ensures they will be a cherished addition to any collection of Christmas cookies.
Cinnamon Palmiers
Add a touch of sophistication to your Christmas cookies with Cinnamon Palmiers—delicate, flaky pastries with a warm, spiced sweetness. These cookies are incredibly simple to make, using just puff pastry, sugar, and cinnamon. Their crispy layers and caramelized exterior make them a crowd-pleaser at holiday gatherings.
To prepare, roll out a sheet of puff pastry and sprinkle it generously with cinnamon sugar. Fold the edges toward the center, repeating until the dough forms a tight roll. Slice into thin pieces and bake until golden brown. The heat transforms the sugar into a crispy caramelized coating, giving the cookies their signature crunch.
Cinnamon Palmiers pair perfectly with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee, making them an excellent choice for holiday mornings or cozy evenings. Their light texture and rich cinnamon flavor set them apart from heavier holiday treats, making them an ideal addition to any festive cookie platter.
Christmas Wreaths
Nothing says festive like Christmas Wreaths—colorful, no-bake treats that bring a cheerful touch to holiday cookie trays. Made with cornflakes and marshmallows, these cookies are easy to assemble and require no oven time, making them a great option for busy bakers. Their bright green color and red candy accents mimic the look of traditional holiday wreaths, adding a decorative flair to your collection of Christmas cookies.
To make these, melt butter and marshmallows together until smooth, then stir in green food coloring and cornflakes. Shape the mixture into small wreaths, pressing them together slightly so they hold their form. Finish with red candy “berries” or sprinkles for a festive touch. Let them set before serving.
These Christmas Wreaths are not just tasty but also a fun holiday activity. Kids will love shaping and decorating them, making it a perfect recipe for family bonding. Their light crunch and marshmallow sweetness make them a delightful alternative to traditional baked cookies.
Peanut Blossoms II
A classic favorite during the holidays, Peanut Blossoms II combines the rich flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate, creating a harmonious blend that delights the palate. These Christmas cookies are characterized by their signature appearance: a soft peanut butter cookie base topped with a chocolate kiss candy.
Begin by preparing a peanut butter cookie dough, rolling it into small balls, and coating each with granulated sugar. Bake until the edges are lightly golden. Immediately upon removing from the oven, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth of the cookie causes the chocolate to soften slightly, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
These Peanut Blossoms II are not only delicious but also visually appealing, with the contrast between the golden cookie and the dark chocolate kiss. Their timeless flavor combination and festive look make them a must-have in any assortment of Christmas cookies.
Melted Snowman Cookies
For a fun and creative addition to your holiday baking, try Melted Snowman Cookies. These adorable treats capture the playful side of the season, featuring a melted marshmallow “snowman” atop a sugar cookie base. They’re both visually appealing and delicious, making them a favorite among kids and adults alike.
Start with a batch of round sugar cookies as the base. Once baked and cooled, spread white icing over the top to resemble melting snow. Press a slightly melted marshmallow onto each cookie, then use black icing to draw faces and arms. Add an orange candy sprinkle for the nose and mini chocolate chips for buttons to complete the snowman look.
These Melted Snowman Cookies bring joy and laughter to any holiday table. They’re perfect for Christmas parties or a fun weekend baking project with kids. Their unique design makes them stand out among traditional Christmas cookies, ensuring they’ll be a conversation starter at any gathering.
No Bake Cookies III
If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy homemade Christmas cookies, No Bake Cookies III is a perfect solution. These chocolatey, oat-filled treats require no oven and can be made in just minutes, making them ideal for last-minute holiday preparations. Their rich flavor and chewy texture make them a satisfying alternative to traditional baked cookies.
To make these, heat butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder in a saucepan until smooth. Stir in oats and peanut butter, then drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Let them cool and harden, and they’re ready to enjoy! The combination of chocolate and oats creates a fudgy, chewy cookie with deep flavors.
No Bake Cookies III are great for gifting, as they hold their shape well and don’t require refrigeration. Their ease of preparation and delicious taste make them a go-to recipe for anyone who wants quick yet homemade holiday treats.
Saltine Toffee Cookies
For a sweet-and-salty treat that’s impossible to resist, Saltine Toffee Cookies are a holiday must-have. Also known as “Christmas Crack,” these cookies combine buttery toffee, crisp crackers, and rich chocolate, creating a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The best part? They require minimal ingredients and come together in under 30 minutes, making them an excellent choice for occasional bakers who want impressive Christmas cookies without the hassle.
To make these, line a baking sheet with saltine crackers and pour a warm mixture of butter and brown sugar over the top. Bake until bubbly, then sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot toffee layer. As the chocolate melts, spread it evenly and top with crushed nuts or festive sprinkles. Once cooled, break the sheet into irregular, crunchy pieces, creating a snackable toffee treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
These Saltine Toffee Cookies are not only delicious but also store exceptionally well. Their crisp texture holds up for weeks, making them perfect for homemade gifts or cookie exchanges. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon treat with coffee or a late-night snack, their addictive sweet-and-salty contrast ensures they’ll be a crowd favorite at any holiday event.
Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Nothing beats the classic taste of Best Chocolate Chip Cookies, especially during the holiday season. These warm, chewy cookies with gooey chocolate in every bite are a comforting tradition in many households. Unlike store-bought versions, homemade chocolate chip cookies allow you to customize the texture and sweetness to your liking, making them the perfect addition to your Christmas cookie lineup.
A great chocolate chip cookie starts with the right ingredients. Using a mix of brown sugar and granulated sugar ensures a balance of crisp edges and soft centers, while butter adds a rich, caramel-like depth. The key to achieving melty chocolate pockets is using a combination of chocolate chips and chopped chocolate chunks. A pinch of sea salt sprinkled on top enhances the flavors, giving each bite the perfect sweet-salty contrast.
Serve these Best Chocolate Chip Cookies warm with a glass of milk or package them in festive tins for holiday gifts. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or a few days later, their soft and chewy texture remains a delightful indulgence. No Christmas cookie platter is complete without this timeless favorite, making it a go-to treat for all ages.
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
If you’re looking for an effortless yet incredibly delicious holiday treat, 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are the answer. With no flour, butter, or fancy equipment needed, these cookies come together in minutes while delivering an irresistibly rich peanut butter flavor. They’re naturally gluten-free and have a soft, chewy texture that makes them one of the easiest Christmas cookies to prepare.
To make them, mix equal parts of peanut butter and sugar with a single egg until a smooth dough forms. Roll the dough into small balls and press them down with a fork to create the signature crisscross pattern. Bake for about 10 minutes, and you’ll have warm, melt-in-your-mouth cookies ready to enjoy. The simplicity of this recipe makes it perfect for quick holiday baking, even for beginners.
These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are a fantastic option for those who want homemade treats without spending hours in the kitchen. They can be easily customized by adding chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra flavor boost. Whether you’re making a quick batch for unexpected guests or adding them to a festive cookie platter, their simplicity and deliciousness make them a holiday staple.
