The Ultimate Holiday Cookie Recipes to Save for Later (2024)

Holiday cheer is the only thing I have on my mind this season and what better way to spread it than with some delicious holiday cookies?

I’ve gathered the ultimate list of holiday cookie recipes guaranteed to bring joy to anyone who tries them. I’m here to bring holiday cheer to anyone with a sweet tooth, and these recipes will do the job.

So grab your mixing bowls and preheat the oven because it’s time to start baking these delightful holiday cookies. And trust me, similar to theholiday cake round-up post,you’ll want to save these recipes for later, bloomer.

*Some affiliate links are used, which means, if you purchased something, I may earn a commission.*

1. Double chocolate chip candy cane cookie

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Food Blogger:The hungry hutch

Why we chose it: When thinking of the holiday season, sweet treats like this delicious double chocolate chip candy cane cookie come to mind. The combination of chocolate and peppermint is a match made in heaven and will have everyone wondering where you got the recipe for their new favorite cookies.

Crave-worthy ingredient: The double chocolate, of course. One of my favorite things to do during the holiday is to buy a large container of candy canes and crush them into my cookies. It’s a simple cookie elevated with a holiday twist.

2. Brown Butter Chai Cookies

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Food Blogger:Britney Breaks Bread

Why we chose it: During this time of year, adding new recipes to my collection would never be complete without a seasonal touch like chai or brown butter. Browning the butter adds a depth of flavor to these delightful chai spice cookies.

And adding in that delicious chai spice does something to me. I can picture myself enjoying these with my plant-based chai tea drink in complete bliss.

Crave-worthy ingredient: Adding chai spices to these cookies adds a unique twist to traditional holiday flavors while keeping you in the holiday spirit.

3. Peanut butter blossom cookies

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Food Blogger: A Classic Twist

Why we chose it: Giving Hershey kisses a run for their money, these chewy peanut butter cookies will be the star at any holiday cookie exchange. The combination of chocolate and creamy peanut butter is unbeatable.

Crave-worthy ingredient: Peanut butter. It’s like a holiday version of peanut butter cup cookies but better. One of the top tips food blogger, A Classic Twist recommends is to take the cookies out when the top starts to crack.

4. Sugar cookie

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Food Blogger: Lennox Bakery

Why we chose it: This puts classic sugar cookies to shame. These Christmas sugar cookies are simple but satisfying because the recipe uses vanilla extract in the dough, giving these cookies a unique twist and making them extra tasty.

These cookies add a classic eye-catching touch when thinking of the number of pictures you would take with your treats on a holiday cookie tray. From the festive sprinkles to the shape, these sugar cookies will have everyone wanting more.

Crave-worthy ingredient: Sugar. Give me the sugar cookies that are soft and chewy with the right amount of sweetness. And the best part is that you can have some fun using cookie cutters to create the perfect holiday cookie for you and your family to enjoy.

5. Fudge chocolate peppermint frosted cookie

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Food Blogger: Mike Bakes NYC

Why we chose it: A twist to fudge brownie crinkle cookies, these chocolate cookies pack all the holiday flavors in one. The chocolate peppermint frosting on top adds a cool, refreshing touch with every bite. If you’re someone that loves brownies, these will quickly become your new favorite Christmas cookies.

Crave-worthy ingredient: Peppermint extract and espresso powder are two knock-out ingredients that elevate this cookie to a holiday must-have. Mike Bakes NYC recommends using a small teaspoon of the powder for these cookies so they can have an intense flavor to these chocolate crinkle cookies.

6. Maple brown sugar cookies

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Blogger: Kb in Bloom

Why we chose it: One of the best holiday cookie recipes I love to make that are featured on the blog, these maple brown sugar cookies are soft, chewy, and have just the right amount of sweetness.

The addition of maple extract adds a unique flavor unmatched by traditional holiday cookies. Plus, who can resist those beautiful cracked tops?

Crave-worthy ingredient: Maple extract. The maple extract is what sets my tastebuds over the edge with these cookies. You’ll find the more you make these, the quicker they’ll become your holiday favorites to bake.

If this is your first time making these, order your maple extract from Amazon because it’s difficult to find in stores.

7. Chocolate chip Christmas tree cookie

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Food Blogger: Britney Breaks Bread

Why we chose it: Bring out the cookie cutters because you’ll need them to create these festive chocolate chip cookies. With a chocolate chip cookie recipe as the base, these cookies are firm yet delicious due to requiring the use of a molder.

Pearl sprinkles and icing give these cookies the perfect holiday touch, making them a standout on any cookie platter.

Crave-worthy ingredient: Chocolate chips. These delicious desserts happen to be one of my favorite Christmas cookie recipes. Who doesn’t love chocolate chip cookies?

The added holiday touch with the cookie cutters and festive sprinkles make these the complete package for holiday cookie lovers. Bake cookies for 25-30 minutes, and once cooled, your guests will tell you that these are some of the best holiday cookies they’ve ever had.

8. Vegan gingerbread cookies

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Food Blogger: Sweet Potato Soul

Why we chose it: One of the most popular Christmas cookies on the block, gingerbread cookies are a holiday favorite. Whether you identify as vegan or not, these gingerbread cookies will be an instant hit. The combination of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg gives these cookies the perfect holiday flavors. But, of course, no one will even notice they’re vegan.

Crave-worthy ingredient: Molasses. Molasses is what gives these cookies the classic gingerbread flavor we all love during the holidays. Be sure to use blackstrap molasses for the best taste in these vegan gingerbread cookies.

9. Ginger molasses cookies

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Food Blogger: Butter Be Ready

Why we chose it: The creator of Butter Be Ready, Quin, mentioned that these cookies were ones she would make for holiday potlucks so they could easily stand out among the rest.

And trust us, they do. The combination of ginger and molasses in these cookies adds a warm touch to your holiday cookie platter. Paired with a tall glass of milk or hot cocoa, these cookies are perfect for cozy winter nights.

Crave-worthy ingredient: The robust flavor of molasses pairs perfectly with the ginger in these cookies. Make sure to use high-quality molasses for the best taste experience. The pairing of the two makes these the perfect holiday treat during Christmas.

10. Eggnog iced butter cookies

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Food Blogger: Grandbaby Cakes

Why we chose it: These soft buttery eggnog cookies are topped with creamy eggnog icing, making them the ultimate holiday cookie. The sugar cookie base pairs perfectly with the sweet eggnog icing for a tasty Christmas treat.

Make sure to let these cookies cool before topping them with the icing for an even spread of deliciousness.

Crave-worthy ingredient: The eggnog. Grandbaby Cakes food blogger promises that these will be your favorite holiday cookie recipes you’ll make every year.

The eggnog adds the right holiday cheer to these cookies, making them a must-have for Christmas cookie platters.

Best holiday cookies

I told you I wasn’t holding back with this list of holiday cookie recipes that have gotten your taste buds tingling and your oven preheating. May these cookies bring holiday cheer to all who eat them, and may bring a sense of warmth and comfort during the chilly winter.

Enjoy each bite and savor the flavors of the season. Happy holidays!

The Ultimate Holiday Cookie Recipes to Save for Later (2024)

FAQs

What Christmas cookies stay fresh the longest? ›

Twice-baked cookies like biscotti and mandelbrot have a longer shelf life than most other homemade cookies.

How to make cookies ahead of time for Christmas? ›

Freeze cookie dough: This is my favorite make-ahead method because it allows you to have freshly baked cookies in a short period of time. Freeze cookie dough balls and bring them to cool room temp before baking (or thaw in the fridge overnight).

What is the number 1 Christmas cookie? ›

Based on this data from General Mills, Peanut Butter Blossoms are the most popular Christmas cookie in the country; it's the most-visited cookie recipe in seven states, which means it's the most common favorite cookie in the U.S. That's a pretty high honor!

How to keep Christmas cookies fresh for 2 weeks? ›

The USDA website says that generally, cookies can be stored at room temperature for two to three weeks or refrigerated for two months. If you find yourself with more cookies than you can eat in that time frame, consider putting the baked cookies in a sealed container in the freezer.

What is the least favorite Christmas cookie? ›

On the naughty list of cookies, Americans gave the lowest win records to anise cookies, which only won 29% of its matchups.

Is it better to freeze or refrigerate Christmas cookies? ›

While cookies can last in the fridge for two weeks, eating them sooner is better. (We recommend storing a few in the refrigerator for eating in a few days and freezing the rest if eating more than four days after baking.)

What Christmas cookies can you freeze? ›

Slice-and-bake, cut outs, drop, bar, and some shaped cookies (thumbprints) freeze well. Avoid delicate cookies like tuiles, Florentines, meringues, and any sort of wafer cookie. Pre-baked cookies can be frozen for up to six months.

How do you keep Christmas cookies from getting hard? ›

Keep Them Sealed

The key to keeping cookies fresh and soft is to seal them in an airtight container, like a resealable freezer bag. And here's a nifty little trick: add a piece of bread to the bag.

How long can you store homemade Christmas cookies? ›

Bakery or homemade cookies can be stored at room temperature two to three weeks or two months in the refrigerator. Cookies retain their quality when stored in the freezer for eight to 12 months.

What is America's favorite holiday cookie? ›

Among those who can make a single choice, frosted sugar cookies lead the list (32%), with gingerbread (12%) and chocolate chip (11%) rounding out the top three. Snickerdoodles (6%) come in fourth place, followed by butter (4%), peanut butter (4%), and chocolate (4%) tying for fifth.

What is the most eaten cookie in the world? ›

1. Chocolate chip cookies. What is the most popular type of cookie? It might just be this one.

What is the number one selling cookie in the world? ›

Oreo is the best-selling cookie in the world. It is now sold in over 100 countries. Oreo was first produced in 1912 by the National Biscuit Company, now known as Na-Bis-Co.

Which Christmas cookies last the longest? ›

Shortbread cookies and spritz cookies are real holiday troopers, lasting a bit longer than the rest. These buttery and crumbly cookies are a great option for a holiday cookie. Shortbread is known for its rich flavor, while spritz cookies are often made with a cookie press.

What is the best container to store Christmas cookies in? ›

In general, it's OK to store crisp cookies in a container with a looser-fitting cover. But to keep cookies soft and chewy, store them in a container that has a tight-fitting lid.

How far ahead can you make Christmas cookies? ›

As for the cookies—made for cookie swaps, church potlucks, household snacking, and Santa's plate—there is one little cheat: make now, freeze for later. You'll find that most of your favorite Christmas cookie recipes can be made anywhere from a month to six months before the 25th of December.

What makes cookies stay fresh longer? ›

To keep your cookies fresh, you need to keep air out. For that reason, we suggest storing cookies in an airtight container—here are our picks for the best cookie storage containers. Make sure nothing gets in the way of the container and its lid, and double-check that the seal is tight.

How long do decorated Christmas cookies last? ›

How long do decorate sugar cookies last? On the counter in an airtight container, I'd say up to 3-4 weeks. Personally, I prefer to eat them within 1 week or freeze them. Frozen properly, they can easily lats 3-6 months (or more!).

How do you store cookies for maximum freshness? ›

Baked cookies will stay fresh for three days in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If you decide to freeze baked cookies, plan to defrost and serve them within three months.

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