Cookie season is in full swing, and we can't wait to get baking! Fill your treat trays with these classics, from crispy gingerbread to melt-in-your-mouth spritz—and stash some away for yourself, too.
39 Classic Christmas Cookies to Spread Holiday Cheer
Buttery 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies
With only a few ingredients, these butter shortbread cookies are so simple to prepare. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire
Also, if you are looking for some quick and easy recipes; check these Christmas cookies for stress free holidays.
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Almond Spritz Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 7 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This almond spritz cookies recipe can be left plain or decorated with colored sugar and frosting. In our house, it just wouldn't be Christmas without some cookie press recipes.—Tanya Hart, Muncie, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 44 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
3/39
Gingerbread Men Cookies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
No holiday treat platter would be complete without a gingerbread men cookie recipe! This is a tried-and-true recipe I’m happy to share with you. —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie (calculated without frosting): 118 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
They’re also one of the most popular Christmas cookies of all time.
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Vanilla-Butter Sugar Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 7 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These butter sugar cookies are one of my favorite cookies to bake for Christmas. The dough recipe is versatile, so you can use it for other holidays, too. Children like to help with the cookie decorating. —Cynthia Ettel, Glencoe, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 80 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
If you’re a fan of snowmen and sugar cookies, these TikTok melted snowman sugar cookies offer the perfect cookie combination.
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Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My group of friends had a weekly "movie night" during winters on Martha's Vineyard, and we'd take turns making a chocolate treat to share. These terrific chocolate thumbprint cookies were an instant success. Once they debuted, I had to make them many more times. —Laura Bryant German, W. Warren, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 117 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 52mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
6/39
Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves shortbread and I love cranberries, so I decided to put the two together to make cranberry shortbread cookies. The star shape is a festive addition to my holiday cookie tray. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 87 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
7/39
Peppermint Biscotti
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Dipped in melted chocolate and rolled in crushed peppermint candy, these flavorful biscotti are a favorite. They are among the many sweets I make for Christmas. —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 121 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 63mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
8/39
Italian Rainbow Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 11 dozen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 35 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
9/39
Peanut Butter Christmas Mice
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
With their black licorice tails, candy noses and peanut ears, these chewy "mice" were always a hit at classroom parties. My children are in their teens now, but they still ask me to make these cookies for the holidays. —Nancy Rowse, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 65 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 43mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
10/39
Christmas Sandwich Cremes
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These melt-in-your-mouth sandwich cookies have a scrumptious filling. I helped my sister make these in high school when she needed a project in her home economics class. My guess is that these were some of the best Christmas cookies in her class. She got an A+! —Janice Poechman, Walkerton, Ontario
11/39
Triple-Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Santa is sure to stop by your house if you leave these minty triple-chocolate peppermint cookies waiting for him. They’re quick and easy for the whole family to make together. —Teresa Ralston, New Albany, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 132 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
12/39
Buttery Spritz Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 7-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This tender spritz cookie recipe is very eye-catching on my Christmas cookie tray. The dough is easy to work with, so it’s fun to make these spritz cookies into a variety of festive shapes. This is hands down the best spritz cookie recipe ever. —Beverly Launius, Sandwich, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 43 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
13/39
Pizzelle Cookies
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These lovely, golden brown anise pizzelle cookies have a crisp texture and delicate anise flavor. I create them using a pizzelle iron. —Barbara Colucci, Rockledge, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 76 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 52mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
14/39
Coconut Clouds
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 5-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Coconut lovers will have extra reason to celebrate when they taste these cakelike drop cookies. The generous frosting and coconut topping make them a hit at holiday cookie swaps. —Donna Scofield, Yakima, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 110 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
15/39
Snickerdoodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The history of these whimsically named treats has been widely disputed, but their popularity is undeniable. Help yourself
to one of our soft cinnamon-sugared cookies and see for yourself. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 82 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
16/39
Peppermint Meltaways
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe for peppermint meltaways is very pretty and festive-looking on a cookie platter. I put these peppermint cookies in bright holiday containers to give to family and friends. And yes, they really do melt in your mouth! —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 126 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
17/39
Eggnog Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
13-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Eggnog stars in both the cookie and frosting in this new-found recipe, imparting a subtle holiday flavor.—Amanda Taylor, Glen Ewen, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 48 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 20mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
18/39
Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Cookie butter and ground ginger add a new layer of flavor. The recipe makes about 2 dozen cookies, and they go fast. You may want to make a double batch. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 210 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 113mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
19/39
Coconut Drops
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Red raspberry preserves add a festive flair to these tender coconut drops. Perfect for potlucks and cookie exchanges, the shaped cookies never last long when I make them for my husband and two sons. —Ellen Marie Byler, Munfordville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 110 calories, 5g fat (4g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 71mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
20/39
Dipped Gingersnaps
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I get tremendous satisfaction making and giving time-tested yuletide treats like these dipped gingersnaps. Dipping them in white chocolate makes much-loved gingersnaps even more special. —Laura Kimball, West Jordan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 105 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
21/39
Pistachio-Cranberry Rugelach
Total Time
55 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Traditional rugelach gets dressed up for the holiday with pistachios, cranberries, and snow-white icing. Rich but not too sweet! — Deborah Hinojosa, Saratoga, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 129 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 114mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
22/39
Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Although these cookies require a little extra effort, they’re worth it.They are a favorite for every family gathering. —Marie Kinyon, Mason, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 89 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 43mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
23/39
Scottish Shortbread
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother, who is of Scottish heritage, passed this shortbread recipe, along with other favorite recipes, on to me. When I entered this treat at our local fair, it won a red ribbon. —Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 123 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
24/39
Holiday Almond Tassies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I make so many of these fancy tassies, I use up a 7-pound container of almond paste every year! They’re one of my family’s holiday favorites. —Donna Westhouse, Dorr, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 tassie: 144 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
25/39
Lemon Snowflakes
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll need just four ingredients to make these delightful lemon snowflake cookies. Confectioners’ sugar highlights the cracked tops to give them their snowflake appearance. —Linda Barry, Dianna, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 51 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 82mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
26/39
Jolly Ginger Reindeer Cookies
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I made gingerbread cookies for years before realizing my gingerbread-man cutter becomes a reindeer when turned upside down. They’re super crispy and fun! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 106 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 58mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
27/39
Pignoli Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Cookies are the crown jewels of Italian confections. I can’t let a holiday go by without baking these traditional almond cookies rolled in mild pine nuts. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 112 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
28/39
Fig Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
About 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Family and friends know I have a fondness for Christmas cookies. Each year after Thanksgiving, they begin asking when the cookies will be ready!
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 259 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
29/39
Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These whipped shortbread cookies melt in your mouth. Mostly I make them for the holidays, but I'll also prepare them year-round for wedding showers and afternoon teas. —Jane Ficiur, Bow Island, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 87 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 46mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
30/39
Ricotta Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
7 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A single batch of these ricotta cheese cookies is never enough. I usually make one to give away and two more to keep at home. The ricotta cheese makes the morsels extra moist. —Doris Marshall, Strasburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 92 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s proof that peanut butter and chocolate just belong together. These peanut butter blossom cookies are an easy family favorite and never fails to make my children smile. —Tammie Merrill, Wake Forest, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 106 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Brandy Snaps
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These cream-filled brandy snaps are the perfect sweet treat. Include them on a holiday cookie platter or serve them at the end of a meal with coffee or tea. —Natalie Bremson, Plantation, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 119 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
33/39
Touch-of-Gold Christmas Trees
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 5-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You can decorate these pretty Christmas trees with other types of sprinkles if you don't have the gold dust. The filling alone makes the cookies special and so delicious! —Linda Sweet, Cornwall, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 90 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 43mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
34/39
Fruitcake Christmas Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
As holiday gifts, these rich fruit-and nut-filled cookies are pretty and practical. These are great make ahead Christmas cookies —the taste actually gets better over time! —Julia Funkhouser, Carson, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 118 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 65mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
35/39
Callahan Christmas Wreaths
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When my family asked for good old Norwegian wreath cookies, I studied several recipes for ideas, then added my own special touches. — Cassidy Callahan, Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 133 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
36/39
Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
“These simple saucepan cookies are a snap to make,” assures Marg Mitro of Grafton, Ontario. “In fact, I can whip them up in 10 minutes for school lunches. The little treats are a big hit with any crowd—young or old,” she adds.
Nutrition Facts:
1 peanut butter ball: 69 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 44mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
37/39
Rum Balls
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these rum balls for special occasions with my wonderful family and friends. The treats are so easy to make and pack a festive punch. — Diane Duschanek, Council Bluffs, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 ball: 125 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 43mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
38/39
Haystacks Recipe
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother used to make this haystacks recipe to give to my cousin Vonnie and me when our parents didn’t want us to have any more sweets. —Christine Schwester, Divide, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 haystack: 160 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
39/39
Shortbread Cookie
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
With only a few ingredients, these butter shortbread cookies are so simple to prepare. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 183 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
