Christmas Cookies
Ohhhh boy, Christmas is nearly here! Now is the time to make ALL. THE. SWEETS!! In this post I’ve pulled together all my recipes for Christmas Cookies (and bars and brownies!) so you can finalize your baking plans! These 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 separated the recipes out into a few categories:
- Cookies & Bars
- Brownies
- Everything else!
I also added notes beneath each recipe that can be made in advance! Make the recipe now, and thaw/finish when you need them! If you’re looking for more Christmasy recipes, check out my posts for Christmas Desserts and Christmas Breakfasts!
Cookies & Bars
Soft Gingerbread Cookies
These Soft Gingerbread Cookies are so soft, chewy, and flavorful! Deeply spiced with the glaze giving the perfect amount of sweetness! I never cared for gingerbread before I made these cookies!
Make these cookies ahead of time! Freeze in an airtight container after baked and cooled, then glaze after you thaw them out!
Mocha Swirl Cookies
These Mocha Swirl Cookies are chocolate and espresso-cocoa nib doughs swirled together for one not-too-sweet treat! Pro tip: for a little extra sweetness, use chopped chocolate-covdered espresso beans instead of nibs!
Make these cookies ahead of time! Freeze in an airtight container after baked and cooled. Keeps for months!
Lemon Sugar Cookies
Simple and delicious, these Lemon Sugar Cookies are a crowd-pleaser! Sweet and brightly flavored, you’ll have happy family and friends when you show up with these!
Make these cookies ahead of time! Freeze in an airtight container after baked and cooled. Will keep for months in the freezer!
Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Bean Buttercream
These Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Bean Buttercream can be dolled up for the holidays any way you like! The cookies are sweet and buttery. Both the cookies and the buttercream have gorgeous (and delicious!) black flecks of vanilla bean throughout. If you’d prefer, you could frost these gems with royal icing instead (see Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing).
Make these cookies ahead of time! Freeze in an airtight container after baked and cooled, then frost after you thaw them out!
Peppermint Mocha Cookies
These Peppermint Mocha Cookies are crisp, chewy, and chocolatey with hints of espresso and peppermint! Your holiday coffee craving in cookie form! <3
Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Shortbread
These Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Shortbread are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth coconut shortbread dipped in dark chocolate and topped with toasted coconut! This unique option for your holiday baking plans will be welcomed by the coconut lovers in your life!
Make these cookies ahead of time! Freeze in an airtight container after baked and cooled, then dip in chocolate after you thaw them out!
Black-Bottom Coconut Macaroons
While we’re on the subject of chocolate and coconut, we can’t forget about these Black-Bottom Coconut Macaroons! These cuties are baked to soft, chewy perfection, then dipped in dark chocolate! Added bonus: they’re gluten free!
Make these cookies ahead of time! Freeze in an airtight container after baked and cooled, then dip in chocolate after you thaw them out!
Chocolate Espresso Shortbread
These Chocolate Espresso Shortbread cookies have the perfect amount of sweetness! These crisp, crumbly, buttery cookies are the perfect addition to any holiday spread!
Make these cookies ahead of time! Freeze in an airtight container after baked and cooled, then dip in chocolate after you thaw them out!
Honey Pecan Bars
These Honey Pecan Bars have the flavor of pecan pie, elevated with the floral flavor of honey! A buttery shortbread crust topped with sweet, sticky honey pecan filling. This easy, delicious recipe is perfect for a holiday gathering!
Make these bars ahead of time! Separate layers of bars in an airtight container with parchment or wax paper to keep them from sticking together, then store in the freezer until you need them! Will keep in the freezer for months!
Date Nut Swirl Cookies
These Date Nut Swirl Cookies are a holiday tradition for my family! Buttery brown sugar dough with a swirl of dates and chopped pecans. These beauties are crisp, chewy, crunchy, and gooey all in the same bite!
Make these cookies ahead of time! Separate layers of cookies in an airtight container with parchment or wax paper to keep them from sticking together, then store in the freezer until you need them! Will keep in the freezer for months!
Chocolate, Cinnamon, & Hazelnut Thumbprints
These Chocolate, Cinnamon, & Hazelnut Thumbprints are a standout favorite when I gift cookies for Christmas! Chewy chocolate-cinnamon-hazelnut cookies filled with bittersweet chocolate ganache, topped with chopped toasted hazelnuts, and *even more* bittersweet chocolate!
Make these cookies ahead of time! Freeze in an airtight container after baked and filling/drizzling with chocolate. Make sure the chocolate is completely set before you pack them away!
Honey Sugar Cookies
I know I’m always making things more complicated than they need to be. These Honey Sugar Cookies are beautiful (and delicious!) in their simplicity! They’re barely crisp and chewy with the floral flavor of honey! For a tasty finishing touch: add a drizzle of honey vanilla bean glaze!
Make these cookies ahead of time! Freeze in an airtight container after baked and cooled. Will keep in the freezer for months!
Chocolate Cherry Cookies
These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a family favorite! Chocolate cookies with dark, delicious maraschino cherries hiding beneath chocolate frosting!
Make these cookies ahead of time! Separate layers of cookies in an airtight container with parchment or wax paper to keep them from sticking together, then store in the freezer until you need them!
Brownies
Oatmeal Brownies
These Oatmeal Brownies are soft and fudgy with a buttery, crisp oatmeal crust. These are seriously easy and seriously delicious!
Make these brownies ahead of time! Freeze in an airtight container after baked and cooled. Will keep in the freezer for months!
Espresso Shortbread Brownies
These Espresso Shortbread Brownies are crisp, not-too-sweet espresso shortbread topped with a rich, fudgy brownie. A welcome addition to the holidays for the mocha lovers in your life!
Make these brownies ahead of time! Freeze in an airtight container after baked and cooled. Will keep in the freezer for months!
Everything else!
Gingerbread Madeleines
Gingerbread Madeleines (with vanilla bean glaze!) are simple, quick, easy, and still manage to be elegant! Impress your family and friends with these beauties!
Make these ahead of time! Separate layers of madeleines in an airtight container with parchment or wax paper to keep them from sticking together, then store in the freezer until you need them! Add the glaze after they thaw.
Salted Caramel & Chocolate Meringues
These Salted Caramel & Chocolate Meringues are soooo tasty! The crunch and familiar pairing of chocolate and homemade salted caramel sauce make these a real crowd-pleaser!
Dark Chocolate Madeleines
These Dark Chocolate Madeleines are nearly black and have deep chocolate flavor thanks to bittersweet chocolate and black cocoa powder! I originally dressed these babies up for Halloween, they would make a beautiful & decadent addition to your holiday!
Make these ahead of time! Separate layers of madeleines in an airtight container with parchment or wax paper to keep them from sticking together, then store in the freezer until you need them! Add the glaze after they thaw.
I hope your holiday has LOTS of Christmas Cookies–I know mine will! Happy baking!! 😀
Other posts you may like:
Christmas Dessert Charcuterie Board
Updated 12/3/2020