Three Holiday Cookie Recipes You Should Try

The holidays are almost here, and I’m sure you’re just as excited as I am!

You’ve probably noticed that many homes are already getting ready for Christmas. Maybe your place is looking festive too! Let me guess—you’ve helped put up the Christmas decorations, right? 

During this time, you’ll see garlands draped along walls, big Christmas trees decked out in ornaments, and twinkling lights shining everywhere. And let’s not forget the wreaths on the doors and stockings hanging by the fireplace or staircase!

But have you thought about starting another Christmas tradition at home? Now is the perfect time to bake Christmas cookies!

I know what you’re thinking—baking cookies from scratch sounds difficult, right? But trust me, these recipes are simple and fun when baking with family or friends.

Why not give it a try? You can gift them, share them at parties, or enjoy them yourself with a warm cup of chocolate!

Curious? Then read on, and I’ll share holiday cookie recipes you definitely need to try this season!

Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

Making Christmas sugar cookies is a fun way to celebrate the holidays! You and your friends or family can follow this simple recipe.

For the Cookies

• 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (make sure it’s soft)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar 
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but it adds flavor)

For the Icing

• 3 cups powdered sugar 
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or use water if you want white icing)
• 2 teaspoons light corn syrup 
• About 4 to 5 tablespoons water (make sure it’s room temperature)
• A tiny pinch of salt
• Optional: Food coloring and sprinkles for decorating

Equipment and Tools You Need

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (you can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin (for rolling out the dough)
• Cookie cutters (to cut out fun shapes)
• Baking sheets (where you put the cookies to bake)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats (to keep cookies from sticking)
• Spatula (to move the cookies around)
• Cooling rack (to let the cookies cool down)

Instructions

1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Mix the butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the soft butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and flavoring: Crack the egg into the butter mixture, then add the vanilla and almond extract (if you’re using it). Mix everything until it’s fully mixed.
4. Combine everything: Slowly add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is well mixed. If the dough seems too soft, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, roll out your dough on a surface dusted with flour until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Then, use cookie cutters to create different shapes like Christmas trees, reindeer, Santa hats, or candy canes—whatever you like! Finally, place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake: Bake your cookies in the oven for about 8–10 minutes or until the edges are golden. After they’re done, let them cool on a wire rack.
7. Make the icing: In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, vanilla, corn syrup, water, and salt until smooth. If it’s too thick, just add a bit more water. 
8. Decorate your cookies: Once they are completely cool, you can decorate them with icing any way you want! You can add food coloring for different colors and sprinkle decorations on top.

Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Now, this is one of the most popular holiday cookies, and it’s easy to see why! You’ll find them everywhere during the season. Here’s how to make your gingerbread cookies.

For the Cookies

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (this gives it a nice spice)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (make sure it’s softened)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar 
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses (this makes the cookies sweet)

For Decorating

• Royal icing or store-bought icing
• Sprinkles, candies, or any decorations you like

Equipment and Tools You Need

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (you can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin (for rolling out the dough)
• Cookie cutters (to cut out fun shapes)
• Baking sheets (where you put the cookies to bake)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats (to keep cookies from sticking)
• Cooling rack (to let the cookies cool down)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important so your cookies bake evenly!
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Then, set this bowl aside for now.
3. Mix the butter and sugar: In another large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to mix the softened butter and brown sugar until they are soft and fluffy,. This will last for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add the egg and molasses: Crack the egg into the butter mixture, then pour in the molasses. Stir everything together until it’s mixed well.
5. Combine both mixtures: Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Stir until you get a smooth dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a bit more flour.
6. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out.
7. Roll out the dough: On a surface dusted with flour, roll your chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes like gingerbread men.
8. Bake: Put your cut-out cookies on baking sheets covered with parchment paper. Bake them in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are firm but not too dark.
9. Let it cool: Once they finish baking, remove them from the oven and cool them on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, move them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
10. Decorate (Optional): After your cookies are fully cool, decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or any other toppings you like!

Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Our holiday cookie recipe list won’t be complete with classic chocolate chip cookies! It’s a classic cookie that everyone loves! Here’s a simple recipe you can follow to make that chewy chocolate chip cookies.

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (make sure it’s softened)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar 
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (this adds flavor)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (this helps the cookies rise)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• 2 cups chocolate chips (you can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate)

Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (you can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets (where you put the cookies to bake)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats (to keep cookies from sticking)
• Cookie scoop or spoon (for portioning dough)
• Cooling rack (to let the cookies cool down)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Before you start, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps your cookies bake evenly!
2. Mix the butter and sugar: In a big mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to mix the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This will take about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla: Crack the eggs into the bowl one by one, stirring well after each. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is blended.
4. Mix the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Combine everything: Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Then, stir until just combined—don’t mix too much! Then, gently add the chocolate chips using a spatula or spoon.
6. Scoop the dough: Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to put rounded tablespoons of dough on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.
7. Bake: Bake in the oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look soft.
8. Let it cool: After baking, take them out of the oven and cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. After that, move them to a cooling rack to cool down completely.

And there you have it! Now you have these holiday cookies you can bake and share with family and friends!

What’s your favorite holiday cookie? Do you have a special cookie recipe you can share? Comment down below!