There’s nothing quite like a kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies—especially during the holiday season. Whether you’re prepping for a cookie exchange, holiday party, or simply treating your loved ones (or yourself), this curated list of 18 cookie recipes has something for everyone. From rich chocolate indulgence to citrusy freshness and warm spices, these treats are sure to impress. Dive into buttery shortbreads, chewy oatmeal blends, nostalgic thumbprints, and over-the-top creations like Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies. Let’s get baking!
Toffee Pecan Cookies
These cookies are the perfect balance of crunch and chew. Buttery dough is studded with crunchy pecans and sweet toffee bits for a rich and nutty bite.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup toffee bits
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
- Fold in pecans and toffee bits.
- Scoop onto baking sheets and bake 10–12 minutes.
Get the full recipe and printable version here.
Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies
A buttery shortbread base meets gooey homemade caramel with a touch of sea salt—an elegant cookie with a gourmet twist.
Ingredients:
Cookie Dough:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
Caramel Filling:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
Sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add flour and salt, mix until dough forms.
- Roll dough into balls, place on baking sheet, and press thumb in center.
- Bake 12–14 minutes.
- In a saucepan, melt sugar until golden, add butter and cream, stir until smooth.
- Spoon caramel into cookie centers and sprinkle with sea salt.
Get the full recipe and printable version here.
Lemon Glazed Shortbread Cookies
Bright and buttery, these lemon shortbread cookies are topped with a zesty glaze for a refreshing and elegant finish.
Ingredients:
Cookie Dough:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and powdered sugar.
- Add flour and salt, mix into dough.
- Roll out, cut shapes, place on baking sheet.
- Bake 10–12 minutes.
- Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled cookies.
Get the full recipe and printable version here.
Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Cookies
Rich peanut butter cookies get an upgrade when half-dipped in semisweet chocolate—a favorite for both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (for dipping)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat butter, peanut butter, and sugars until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time.
- Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheets and flatten slightly.
- Bake 10–12 minutes. Cool and dip half in melted chocolate.
Get the full recipe and printable version here.
Cranberry Orange Cookies
A soft, chewy cookie with bright orange zest and tart cranberries—perfect with a cup of tea or for gifting.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup dried cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar, add egg and vanilla.
- Stir in orange zest.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix into wet ingredients.
- Fold in cranberries.
- Scoop onto baking sheet and bake 10–12 minutes.
Get the full recipe and printable version here.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
A comforting classic—chewy oats, sweet raisins, and a hint of cinnamon make these cookies a timeless favorite.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup raisins
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat butter and sugars until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla.
- Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to wet ingredients.
- Stir in oats and raisins.
- Drop by spoonfuls and bake 10–12 minutes.
Get the full recipe and printable version here.
Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Cookies
Classic buttery shortbread cookies are dipped in dark chocolate for a simple yet sophisticated treat.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup dark chocolate chips (for dipping)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add flour and salt; mix to form a dough.
- Roll out dough, cut into desired shapes, and place on baking sheet.
- Bake 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Cool completely, then dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate.
Get the full recipe and printable version here.
Almond Snowball Cookies
These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are packed with almonds and coated in powdered sugar—snowy perfection.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
Additional powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Add almond extract, then mix in flour and almonds.
- Shape dough into small balls.
- Bake 10–12 minutes. Cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar.
Get the full recipe and printable version here.
Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
A holiday classic, these cookies are buttery and crumbly with a sweet raspberry center.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup raspberry jam
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar until light.
- Mix in egg yolk and vanilla.
- Add flour and salt; form dough.
- Roll into balls, press thumb in center.
- Fill with jam and bake 12–14 minutes.
Get the full recipe and printable version here.
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
Decadent and chewy, this cookie pairs creamy white chocolate with buttery macadamia nuts.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugars.
- Add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold in white chocolate and macadamia nuts.
- Scoop onto baking sheets and bake 10–12 minutes.
Get the full recipe and printable version here.
Gingerbread Cookies
Spiced and festive, these gingerbread cookies are perfect for cutting into holiday shapes and decorating.
Ingredients:
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 large egg
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Cream butter and sugar, add molasses and egg.
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl and add to wet.
- Chill dough for 1 hour.
- Roll out and cut into shapes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Get the full recipe and printable version here.
Classic Sugar Cookies
Soft, sweet, and ideal for decorating—these sugar cookies are a must-have for any cookie platter.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Roll out, cut shapes, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Get the full recipe and printable version here.
Spiced Molasses Cookies
Chewy and warmly spiced, these cookies offer rich molasses flavor with a sugary coating.
Ingredients:
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 large egg
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions:
- Cream butter and brown sugar.
- Add molasses and egg.
- Mix dry ingredients, stir into wet.
- Chill dough, roll into balls and coat in sugar.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Get the full recipe and printable version here.
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Festive and refreshing, these cookies combine chocolate chips and crushed candy canes with a hint of peppermint extract.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions:
- Cream butter and sugars.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and peppermint.
- Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Get the full recipe and printable version here.
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Packed with everything but the kitchen sink, these cookies are a colorful, flavor-packed holiday explosion.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed pretzels
1/2 cup toffee bits
1/2 cup red and green M&Ms
Instructions:
- Cream butter and sugars.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold in all the add-ins.
- Drop onto baking sheets and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Get the full recipe and printable version here.
Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies
These cookies are pure chocolate decadence—soft, fudgy centers and crisp edges.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Melt butter and 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips together.
- Beat in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Add flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold in extra chips if using.
- Drop spoonfuls onto baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Get the full recipe and printable version here.
Snickerdoodle Cookies
Soft, chewy, and rolled in cinnamon sugar—these nostalgic cookies never go out of style.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp granulated sugar (for rolling)
1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for rolling)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add eggs, then mix in dry ingredients.
- Combine cinnamon and sugar for coating.
- Roll dough into balls, coat in cinnamon sugar, bake 8–10 minutes.
Get the full recipe and printable version here.
White Chocolate Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
A festive mix of textures and flavors—chewy oats, tart cranberries, and sweet white chocolate.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugars, beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Stir in oats, cranberries, and white chocolate.
- Drop spoonfuls onto baking sheets and bake 10–12 minutes.
Get the full recipe and printable version here.
Final Thoughts
With this diverse and delicious lineup of 18 holiday cookie recipes, you’re fully equipped to satisfy every sweet craving this season. Whether you’re drawn to the classic charm of sugar cookies, the richness of brownie-inspired treats, or the festive flair of peppermint and gingerbread, there’s a cookie here for every occasion and every palate. These recipes are perfect for gifting, sharing at parties, or simply indulging at home with a cozy cup of cocoa. Bake a few, bake them all—either way, your kitchen is about to become the heart of holiday cheer. Happy baking!