Christmas Cookies are a delightful way to spread holiday cheer, but not all treats survive the journey intact. Whether sending festive gifts to loved ones or preparing holiday care packages, choosing the right Christmas Cookies is essential. The last thing you want is to open a box of crumbs instead of perfectly shaped treats.
To ensure your baked goods arrive fresh and flawless, we’ve rounded up 17 Christmas Cookies that are not only delicious but also sturdy enough for shipping. These recipes feature the perfect balance of flavor and structure, so they stay intact while traveling. From classic shortbread to chewy ginger molasses cookies, each one is designed to withstand the rigors of mailing without sacrificing taste.
Whether you’re shipping across the country or just a few towns over, these Christmas Cookies will bring festive joy to every recipient. Get ready to bake, pack, and send a little holiday magic—because homemade treats are the sweetest gifts!
Pizzelle
Pizzelle is one of the oldest Christmas cookies originating from Italy and is known for its crisp, waffle-like texture. These delicate, golden treats are made using a special iron that imprints intricate designs, making them as beautiful as they are delicious. Traditionally flavored with anise, vanilla, or citrus zest, Pizzelle offers a light, buttery bite that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. Their crisp nature ensures they hold up well during shipping, making them a fantastic choice for holiday gifting.
Unlike softer cookies that may crumble in transit, Pizzelle stacks neatly in airtight tins, preserving their shape and flavor. Place parchment paper between layers and store them in a sturdy container to keep them fresh. You can also dip them in chocolate or dust them with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch. Whether you enjoy them plain or decorated, these Christmas Cookies bring a taste of tradition to every holiday package.
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s both easy to make and travel-friendly, Pizzelle is a top contender. Their simple ingredients and elegant appearance make them a standout in any cookie box. Plus, they stay crisp for weeks, ensuring your loved ones receive a treat that tastes just as fresh as when they were baked.
Best Brownies
A classic holiday favorite, Best Brownies are a rich and chewy delight that makes a perfect addition to any Christmas Cookies package. Their dense, fudgy texture keeps them intact during shipping, ensuring they arrive in perfect condition. Whether you prefer them plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, these brownies bring deep chocolate flavor to every bite.
To make your Best Brownies even more special, consider adding walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chunks for extra texture. They hold up well when wrapped individually in wax paper or parchment, and then placed in a secure container. This method keeps them from sticking together while maintaining their freshness. Brownies also improve in flavor over time, making them an excellent choice for mailing ahead of the holidays.
If you’re sending a cookie box with a mix of treats, Best Brownies provides a chewy contrast to crisp cookies like biscotti or shortbread. Their irresistible chocolatey goodness ensures they’ll be a hit with every recipient. Pack them tightly, and you’ll have a foolproof treat that travels beautifully.
Coconut Macaroons
If you’re looking for a chewy, naturally gluten-free treat, Coconut Macaroons are a fantastic option for holiday mailing. These bite-sized delights are made with shredded coconut, egg whites, and sugar, resulting in a sweet, chewy texture that stays fresh for days. Their sturdy shape makes them ideal for shipping, as they don’t crumble easily like traditional soft-baked cookies.
To enhance their flavor, try dipping Coconut Macaroons in dark chocolate or drizzling them with white chocolate for a decorative touch. They pack well in airtight containers, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Their naturally long shelf life ensures they stay delicious even after a long journey.
Whether you’re sending them as part of a mixed cookie box or as a standalone gift, Coconut Macaroons bring a tropical twist to your holiday baking. Their chewy texture and rich coconut flavor make them a unique addition to any collection of Christmas Cookies.
Pignoli Cookies
Pignoli Cookies are a classic Italian treat that brings a delightful nutty flavor to your holiday table. Made with almond paste, sugar, and egg whites, these cookies have a chewy texture on the inside and a slightly crisp exterior. The defining feature is the pine nuts, or pignoli, which create a buttery crunch in every bite. Their golden-brown finish adds an elegant touch, making them perfect for festive cookie platters and gifting during the holiday season.
One of the best things about Pignoli Cookies is their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, they come together quickly yet deliver an authentic taste that rivals even the most elaborate Christmas Cookies. Their naturally gluten-free composition makes them a great choice for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring that everyone at your holiday gathering can enjoy a homemade treat. The combination of almond paste and pine nuts provides a rich depth of flavor, making these cookies stand out among other holiday favorites.
For the best results, bake these cookies at a moderate temperature to avoid over-browning while ensuring a perfectly chewy texture. Let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. If you want to add a twist, a light dusting of powdered sugar enhances their festive appeal. Whether enjoyed with a cup of espresso or as part of a holiday dessert spread, Pignoli Cookies capture the essence of traditional Christmas baking.
Peanut Butter Bars
Peanut Butter Bars are a must-have for peanut butter lovers during the holiday season. These no-fuss bars combine the rich, nutty taste of peanut butter with a perfectly sweet, buttery base. With their soft yet slightly crumbly texture, they strike the right balance between chewiness and crispness. A thick layer of chocolate on top adds an indulgent contrast, making these bars an irresistible treat for any festive occasion.
One of the reasons Peanut Butter Bars are so popular among Christmas Cookies is their ease of preparation. Unlike traditional cookies that require shaping or rolling, these bars can be baked in a single pan and then sliced into squares. This makes them ideal for large-batch baking, especially when preparing holiday gift boxes or cookie exchanges. A mix of brown sugar and vanilla in the dough deepens the flavor, while crushed peanuts or sea salt sprinkled on top add a satisfying crunch.
To keep these bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For a firmer texture, refrigerate them and let them sit at room temperature before serving. If you want to elevate the flavor, try adding a drizzle of caramel or a handful of mini chocolate chips into the peanut butter mixture. These bars are not only easy to make but also deliver a nostalgic, homemade taste that brings comfort and joy during the holiday season.
Brown Sugar Cookies
Brown Sugar Cookies are a holiday essential, offering a warm, caramel-like sweetness with every bite. Unlike traditional sugar cookies, these are made with a higher ratio of brown sugar, which gives them a deep molasses flavor and a soft, chewy texture. The rich, buttery dough spreads beautifully in the oven, resulting in perfectly golden edges with a melt-in-your-mouth center. These cookies are incredibly versatile, allowing you to decorate them with festive sprinkles, dip them in chocolate, or enjoy them plain with a warm cup of tea.
What makes Brown Sugar Cookies stand out in the world of Christmas Cookies is their ability to stay soft for days. The brown sugar helps retain moisture, ensuring that these cookies remain tender long after baking. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances their holiday appeal, while vanilla extract rounds out the flavor profile. Whether served at a holiday party or included in a cookie swap, these cookies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
For the best texture, chill the dough before baking. This step prevents excessive spreading and helps the flavors develop further. If you’re looking to add a decorative touch, rolling the dough in coarse sugar before baking gives the cookies a slight crunch on the outside while keeping them soft inside. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or Santa himself, Brown Sugar Cookies are a timeless addition to any Christmas cookie collection.
Gingerbread Biscotti
When it comes to Christmas Cookies, nothing embodies the holiday spirit quite like Gingerbread Biscotti. These twice-baked delights combine the warm, spiced flavors of traditional gingerbread with the crisp crunch of Italian biscotti, making them perfect for dipping in coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The deep molasses undertone paired with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile, bringing nostalgia with every bite. Their firm texture ensures they stay fresh for weeks, making them ideal for mailing as holiday gifts.
Gingerbread Biscotti is also incredibly versatile. You can drizzle them with white chocolate for a festive touch or dip one end into dark chocolate for a more indulgent variation. Adding crushed nuts like almonds or pecans can introduce extra crunch, while dried fruit such as cranberries or raisins enhances the holiday flavors. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with a warm beverage, these cookies provide a comforting treat that embodies the season.
One of the best aspects of Gingerbread Biscotti is its durability. Since biscotti are naturally dry and sturdy, they travel well, making them an excellent choice for holiday gift boxes. Whether you’re sending them across the country or bringing them to a family gathering, you can trust that these cookies will arrive fresh and delicious, spreading Christmas joy with every bite.
Citrus Shortbread Cookies
For those who love a burst of bright, zesty flavor in their Christmas Cookies, Citrus Shortbread Cookies are an unbeatable choice. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats feature a refreshing citrus twist, usually from orange, lemon, or lime zest. The addition of fresh zest not only enhances the taste but also adds a fragrant aroma that fills the kitchen while baking, making them a joy to prepare during the holiday season.
The simplicity of Citrus Shortbread Cookies allows the ingredients to shine. Made with just butter, sugar, flour, and citrus zest, these cookies rely on high-quality components for their flavor. You can also elevate them with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and citrus juice, giving them an extra pop of sweetness. The balance of rich butteriness and tangy citrus makes these cookies both refreshing and satisfying.
Perfect for holiday cookie platters, Citrus Shortbread Cookies have a delicate texture that crumbles beautifully with each bite. They also store well in an airtight container, maintaining their freshness for days. Whether given as gifts, served at holiday parties, or enjoyed with a cup of tea, these cookies bring a touch of sunshine to winter celebrations.
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
A stunning addition to any Christmas Cookies selection, Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti combines tart cranberries with crunchy pistachios for a flavor-packed treat. These festive biscotti boast a beautiful red and green contrast, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious. The slightly sweet, nutty crunch of pistachios pairs wonderfully with the chewy tartness of dried cranberries, offering a delightful contrast in textures.
The process of making Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti is simple, yet yields gourmet-level results. The dough is shaped into logs, baked, sliced, and baked again to achieve the perfect crispness. Some variations include adding orange zest to complement the cranberries or dipping the biscotti in white chocolate for an extra special holiday touch. These cookies are perfect for dunking in coffee or tea, making them a favorite for cozy winter mornings.
What makes Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti a great choice for holiday baking is its longevity. Because they are dry and firm, they stay fresh for weeks when stored properly. This makes them ideal for gifting or shipping holiday cookie tins, ensuring that friends and family can enjoy a homemade holiday treat no matter how far they are.
Best Snowball Cookies
A true classic among Christmas Cookies, Best Snowball Cookies are buttery, crumbly, and coated in a generous dusting of powdered sugar. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are also known as Mexican wedding cookies or Russian tea cakes, and they have been a staple of holiday baking for generations. Their delicate, nutty flavor—often derived from finely ground pecans or walnuts—pairs beautifully with the rich, buttery base.
The magic of Best Snowball Cookies lies in their texture. The dough is rolled into small, round balls and baked until just set, creating a soft, tender center. Once cooled, they are coated in powdered sugar, which not only enhances their sweetness but also gives them their signature snow-like appearance. They are a favorite for holiday gatherings and make a charming addition to Christmas dessert spreads.
One of the reasons Best Snowball Cookies are so popular is their simplicity. They require minimal ingredients and effort yet deliver a delightful, nostalgic treat. These cookies store well in airtight containers and maintain their flavor for days, making them an excellent choice for making ahead of time. Whether enjoyed with a warm drink or shared with loved ones, these cookies bring a cozy, festive feeling to the holiday season.
Mrs. Sigg’s Snickerdoodles
Mrs. Sigg’s Snickerdoodles are a beloved classic during the holiday season, offering the perfect balance of soft, chewy texture with a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating. These Christmas Cookies have been a favorite for generations, with their slightly crisp edges and tender centers creating an irresistible treat for cookie lovers. The secret to their signature flavor lies in the use of cream of tartar, which adds a subtle tanginess that complements the sweetness. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party or packaging them as a thoughtful gift, these cookies are always a hit.
To ensure the best results, it’s important to chill the dough before rolling it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This step prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and helps maintain their pillowy softness. Additionally, using high-quality butter and fresh ground cinnamon enhances the overall flavor profile, making each bite truly unforgettable. These Christmas Cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of hot chocolate or spiced cider, making them the ultimate cozy treat for cold winter nights.
If you’re planning to mail Mrs. Sigg’s Snickerdoodles as part of your holiday gift, be sure to pack them with parchment paper between layers to keep them fresh. These cookies hold up well in transit, especially when placed in airtight containers. Their nostalgic flavor and comforting aroma make them a must-have in any holiday cookie box, ensuring that your loved ones can experience the joy of homemade baking no matter where they are.
Big Soft Ginger Cookies
Big Soft Ginger Cookies are the ultimate treat for gingerbread lovers, offering a rich molasses flavor with a delightfully chewy texture. These Christmas Cookies are packed with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, making them an ideal choice for the holiday season. The deep caramelized sweetness of brown sugar and molasses gives these cookies a complex depth of flavor that sets them apart from traditional gingersnaps. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of spice and sweetness, making them a favorite for those who enjoy bold holiday flavors.
To achieve the signature soft texture, it’s essential to use a combination of butter and vegetable oil in the dough. This helps retain moisture and prevents the cookies from becoming too hard. Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking adds a slight crunch to the exterior, enhancing the overall mouthfeel. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or dipped into a glass of milk, these Christmas Cookies bring warmth and joy to any festive gathering.
If you’re looking for a holiday cookie that ships well, Big Soft Ginger Cookies are a fantastic option. Their chewy consistency makes them resistant to crumbling during transit, ensuring they arrive fresh and intact. Consider wrapping them in wax paper and securing them in a sturdy tin for the best results. These cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends and spreading holiday cheer with every delicious bite.
Excellent Oatmeal Cookies
Excellent Oatmeal Cookies are a wholesome and satisfying addition to any holiday cookie tray, offering a delightful combination of chewy texture and nutty flavor. These Christmas Cookies are packed with hearty oats, giving them a rustic, homemade feel that makes them even more enjoyable. The addition of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhances their flavor, while brown sugar adds a deep caramel-like sweetness. Whether you prefer them plain or loaded with raisins and nuts, these cookies are a comforting treat for the holiday season.
One of the key elements of making Excellent Oatmeal Cookies truly outstanding is choosing the right type of oats. Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best chewy texture, while quick oats create a softer consistency. Using a mix of both can help strike the perfect balance. Adding chopped walnuts or pecans can introduce a pleasant crunch, elevating the overall experience. These Christmas Cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or a spiced holiday tea, making them a delightful indulgence on chilly evenings.
If you’re planning to send Excellent Oatmeal Cookies as gifts, consider individually wrapping them to maintain their freshness. Since they contain moisture-rich ingredients like brown sugar and butter, storing them in airtight containers is essential to prevent them from becoming stale. Their hearty texture and rich flavor make them a crowd-pleaser, ensuring that your holiday cookie package is met with joy and appreciation.
Ashley’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
Nothing beats the warm, nostalgic feeling of biting into freshly baked Ashley’s Chocolate Chip Cookies during the holiday season. These cookies are perfectly golden on the outside and irresistibly chewy on the inside, making them an instant family favorite. The secret lies in the balance of butter and brown sugar, which creates a rich, caramel-like flavor while keeping the texture soft. Adding high-quality chocolate chips ensures that every bite is packed with decadent sweetness, making these cookies a must-have on any Christmas cookie platter.
Another key to achieving the best Ashley’s Chocolate Chip Cookies is chilling the dough before baking. This crucial step helps develop a deeper flavor while preventing excessive spreading in the oven, leading to a thicker and chewier texture. A touch of sea salt sprinkled on top enhances the chocolate’s richness, creating a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more. These cookies store well in an airtight container, making them perfect for gifting or mailing to loved ones who crave a taste of Christmas joy.
When baking Ashley’s Chocolate Chip Cookies, using the right flour ratio and ensuring the butter is at room temperature are essential steps to perfecting the texture. Overmixing the dough can lead to toughness, so gently folding in the ingredients ensures the cookies remain tender. Whether paired with a warm cup of cocoa or enjoyed on their own, these classic treats bring warmth and happiness to every holiday gathering.
Butter Rich Spritz Butter Cookies
Delicate, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, Butter Rich Spritz Butter Cookies are a timeless Christmas treat that showcases the rich flavor of real butter. These cookies are known for their smooth, soft crumb, which results from a carefully balanced dough that contains just the right amount of flour, sugar, and butter. Using a cookie press gives them their classic festive shapes, making them visually appealing for Christmas cookie trays and gift boxes.
A key factor in achieving the perfect Butter Rich Spritz Butter Cookies is using high-quality unsalted butter, which allows the natural sweetness to shine. The dough is soft enough to pipe through a cookie press, yet firm enough to hold its shape during baking. A hint of almond or vanilla extract adds an extra layer of flavor, complementing the buttery richness. Sprinkling colored sugar or adding a drizzle of chocolate takes these cookies to the next level, making them a beautiful and delicious addition to holiday dessert spreads.
Since Butter Rich Spritz Butter Cookies have a delicate texture, storing them properly ensures they remain fresh and crisp. Keeping them in an airtight container at room temperature preserves their flavor and crunch for up to two weeks. They are excellent for mailing to friends and family as they hold their shape well and maintain their delightful taste, making them one of the best Christmas Cookies for spreading holiday cheer.
The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies
The magic of The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies lies in their versatility and classic flavor. These cookies are ideal for holiday baking because they hold their shape beautifully when cut into festive designs. Their delicate balance of sweetness and buttery richness makes them a delightful treat, whether enjoyed plain or decorated with royal icing. The dough is easy to work with, ensuring smooth rolling and precise cutting, making it a fun activity for families during the holiday season.
To create The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies, it’s crucial to use a well-chilled dough. Refrigerating for at least an hour prevents excessive spreading, allowing the cookies to maintain their crisp edges and defined shapes. Rolling the dough to an even thickness ensures uniform baking, preventing over-browning on the edges while keeping the centers soft. A hint of vanilla and almond extract enhances the flavor, giving these cookies a warm, festive aroma that fills the kitchen with holiday spirit.
Decorating The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies is where creativity shines. Whether using classic royal icing, buttercream frosting, or festive sprinkles, these cookies provide a blank canvas for holiday artistry. Storing them in layers with parchment paper between them keeps the decorations intact and prevents them from sticking together. These cookies make an excellent addition to Christmas cookie exchanges and gift boxes, offering both visual appeal and a delicious taste that embodies the holiday season.
Cranberry-Orange Shortbread Cookies
Bright, zesty, and delightfully crumbly, Cranberry-Orange Shortbread Cookies are a unique twist on traditional Christmas shortbread. The combination of tart cranberries and citrusy orange zest creates a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery base, making them a standout treat for the holiday season. These cookies are easy to prepare, requiring just a handful of ingredients, yet they deliver a sophisticated flavor that impresses every time.
A critical technique in making perfect Cranberry-Orange Shortbread Cookies is ensuring the butter is at the right consistency—soft but not melted. This helps achieve the delicate, crumbly texture characteristic of shortbread. Using fresh orange zest and dried cranberries adds a natural sweetness and tang, enhancing the overall flavor profile. For an extra festive touch, a light glaze made from orange juice and powdered sugar can be drizzled over the cookies, adding a touch of sweetness and elegance.
These Cranberry-Orange Shortbread Cookies are ideal for holiday gifting as they have a long shelf life and maintain their flavor and texture for weeks when stored in an airtight container. Their bright flavors and buttery richness make them a delightful complement to a warm cup of tea or coffee, bringing warmth and joy to chilly winter days. Whether enjoyed by the fireplace or packed into Christmas cookie tins, these cookies are a must-try for the season.
Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
For peanut butter lovers, nothing beats the rich, nutty taste of Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies during the holiday season. These cookies strike the perfect balance between chewy and crispy, with a deep peanut butter flavor complemented by melty chocolate chips. They are easy to make and require minimal ingredients, making them a go-to recipe for busy holiday bakers who want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Achieving the signature chewiness of Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies involves using a mix of brown and white sugar. The brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, while the white sugar provides the necessary structure and slight crispness around the edges. A small amount of cornstarch can be added to enhance the soft texture, ensuring these cookies remain fresh and chewy for days. Choosing a high-quality peanut butter ensures a rich, nutty flavor, while the addition of semi-sweet chocolate chips creates an indulgent taste that makes these cookies hard to resist.
These Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, and gift baskets. Their rich, comforting flavor makes them a favorite among both kids and adults. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking enhances the flavors, creating a delightful contrast between sweet and salty. Whether enjoyed with a cold glass of milk or packed as part of a festive Christmas Cookies assortment, these cookies bring warmth and happiness to any holiday gathering.
