Holiday Cookie Recipes to Try

Name: Holiday Cookie Recipes to Try
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Discover delightful holiday cookie recipes that will bring joy to your festive celebrations. Perfect for sharing with family and friends!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-19T16:50:54.591Z

These holiday cookie recipes are a family tradition that brings everyone together during the festive season. Each cookie is crafted with love and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Variety of flavors to satisfy any palate
Perfect for gifting or holiday parties
Easy to make and fun to decorate

      

A Festive Tradition

Baking cookies during the holiday season is a cherished tradition for many families. The aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the home with warmth and joy, creating an inviting atmosphere for gatherings. These cookie recipes not only bring people together but also pave the way for wonderful memories. Whether you’re decorating cookies with your kids or sharing them with friends, the experience is as delightful as the treats themselves.

These holiday cookie recipes are perfect for creating a festive spirit in your home. From classic sugar cookies to rich chocolate chip delights, each recipe offers a unique flavor that resonates with the season. As you bake, you can experiment with various decorations, colors, and sprinkles, making each batch as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Sharing the Joy

Cookies are not just treats; they're tokens of love and appreciation. Gifting homemade cookies during the holiday season is a heartfelt gesture that shows you care. Whether packed in a beautiful tin or arranged on a festive platter, these cookies make wonderful gifts for neighbors, teachers, or anyone who deserves a sweet surprise. The personal touch of homemade treats elevates the gift, making it more meaningful.

Consider hosting a cookie exchange this holiday season! Invite friends and family to bring their favorite cookie recipes, allowing everyone to share their creations. This fun gathering fosters community spirit and gives everyone the chance to try an array of delicious flavors. Plus, you'll walk away with a variety of cookies to enjoy throughout the festivities.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

Ingredients

Classic Sugar Cookies

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and stir in vanilla and almond extract. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.

Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden.

Let the cookies cool on wire racks before serving.

Classic Sugar Cookies

Classic sugar cookies are a staple during the holiday season, loved for their sweet, buttery flavor and soft texture. These cookies are incredibly versatile, allowing you to cut them into festive shapes and decorate them with icing and sprinkles. The dough can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use, making them a convenient choice for holiday baking.

To enhance the flavor of your sugar cookies, consider adding a touch of citrus zest. Lemon or orange zest can brighten the taste, giving a refreshing twist to the traditional recipe. These cookies can also be customized with different extracts, such as coconut or peppermint, to create unique variations that suit your holiday theme.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are a timeless favorite that never goes out of style. Known for their gooey chocolate centers and crispy edges, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially during the holidays. The combination of granulated and brown sugar in the recipe adds depth to the flavor and ensures a chewy texture that is hard to resist.

For an extra indulgent treat, try adding nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch, while a touch of sea salt enhances the sweetness of the chocolate. These small additions can elevate your chocolate chip cookies from ordinary to extraordinary, making them a standout treat at any holiday gathering.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough or the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for butter?

You can use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute.

→ How do I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.