You're going to love these 25+ Christmas Cookies! The holiday is nearly here, so now is the time to make ALL the treats! In this post I've pulled together 25+ recipes for cookies, bars, brownies, and more so you can finalize your holiday baking plans!
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Each of these 25+ Christmas Cookies can be served alone, or make a variety and serve them up on a tray or pack them in gift boxes for friends and family! I've also included some bar, brownie, and madeleine recipes to give you more variety!
If you're looking for more Christmasy content, check out my posts for Christmas Desserts and Christmas Breakfasts, and Gifts for Bakers!
The History of Christmas Cookies
So why do we make Christmas cookies, anyway? My nerdy nature made me wonder, so I had to investigate (with the aid of History.com)! I found that festivals to celebrate the start of Winter started eons ago, long before Christmas existed. These festivals, of course, included food and desserts.
By the Middle Ages, people were celebrating Christmas, but the old traditions of the Winter solstice festivals remained. During this time, spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper were just starting to be used. People also started using fruits such as citron, apricots, and dates to add sweetness to their gatherings. These items would have been quite expensive, as were sugar, lard, and butter. As such, it made sense that these ingredients would be used for special occasions like Christmas.
Unlike other desserts, cookies can be more easily stored and shared with others, so they became the norm to celebrate Christmas. Though cookies have, of course, changed since this time, they still tend to be spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger as they were in the Middle Ages.
Now that you've had your cookie history lesson (that no one asked for), let's get to the recipes!
Christmas Cookie Recipes
It's just not Christmas without cookies! Each of these cookies would be a beautiful (and, more importantly, delicious) addition to your holiday gatherings!
Bar & Brownie Recipes
While cookies get all the spotlight this time of year, bars and brownies are fantastic holiday treats, too!
Madeleine Recipes
Looking for something a little unique to bake this Christmas? Make some of these madeleines for an easy-but-fancy treat! Part cookie, part cake--but all delicious!
I hope your holiday has LOTS of sweet treats--I know mine will! Happy baking!!
Other Recipes You May Like
Updated 11/29/2024
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