10 Christmas Cookies to Make with Family

Christmas and cookies go together like peas and carrots, butter and toast, or chocolate and peanut butter.  Every family has their own list of Christmas cookies to enjoy each year.  Let me broaden your cookie horizons with these 10 Christmas cookie recipes that you can make with your loved ones!

This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate (or other affiliate program) from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products that I use and trust. 

 

Full disclosure, some of these cookies might not technically be cookies or they might not be the most traditional of recipes.  But it’s always nice to try something new.  Who knows, you might just find your new favorite Christmas cookie on this list.

 

Candy Cane Cookies

 

I mean, come on.  This is a classic choice to add to your Christmas cookie list.  The dough is divided into two flavors and colors, white/ vanilla and red/peppermint.  Then roll, twist, and shape.  They are super easy, but look adorable.

And to make this recipe even easier, I made a video that shows you two different ways to roll the candy cane cookies.  My son was super excited about these and can’t wait to have them at Christmas again.

 

 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

 

Here’s a much more basic drop cookie recipe.  These chocolate peanut butter chip cookies have been a hit with my husband for well over a decade.  What’s not to love about a chewy chocolate cookie studded with Reese’s peanut butter chips?

 

Fudgy Chocolate Cookie Bars

 

Here’s the first potentially controversial recipe on this list of Christmas cookies.  They are cookie bars, so I think it counts.  But you tell me in the comments below if this is “cookie” enough for you.

These chocolate cookie bars are crazy easy to make.  Bake a chocolate shortbread base and top with a fudgy chocolate mixture.  This is where you can really go crazy though.  Top with walnuts and chocolate chips or whatever floats your boat.

 

 

Hazelnut Mocha Macarons

 

Maybe not your typical holiday cookie, but the warm flavors of hazelnut, espresso, and chocolate scream cold weather to me.  Now, this recipe isn’t exactly simple, but they are soooo good.

 

Thumbprint Cookies

 

Here’s another classic!  My family’s recipe for thumbprint cookies has a fun variation though.  Roll some of the cookie balls in chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.  My favorite filling is chocolate buttercream, but you can choose anything you want!

 

Related Reading: 8 Cookie Tips & Tricks You Need to Know

 

Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies

 

An absolute classic Christmas cookie.  I have it on good authority that this is Mr. and Mrs. Claus’ favorite cookie to enjoy with a glass of milk.  Feel free to nix the nuts if that works better for your family.  

You can easily make these in advance, freeze, and bake as needed.  And if you’d like to see Ben and I stuff some of these bad boys with Nutella, watch the video I made for these walnut chocolate chip cookies.

 

Chocolate Chipless Cookies

 

Chewy brown sugar cookies topped with flaked sea salt are easy to make and taste incredible!  This recipe is a new addition to our family’s list of Christmas cookies, but I think you’ll see why once you give them a go.

 

 

Five Spice Molasses Cookies

 

This is a small batch recipe perfect for a small Christmas gathering.  I love the Chinese five spice in these cookies because it adds a deeper flavor than I’m used to without being overwhelming.

Since the cookie dough chills over night, you can easily prep these cookies in advance to save you some stress when it comes to Christmas cookie baking.  In fact, you can keep the dough in the fridge for up to 3 days!  Easy, and delicious?  That’s a perfect cookie recipe!

 

Mint Chocolate Brownies

 

Fudgy brownie, creamy mint cheesecake, and a silky ganache topping.  I don’t know if brownies count as cookies (tell me in the comments below), but you can’t deny this tasty combo.  They are super rich and decadent!

 

 

Strassburger Cookies

 

You will love these Danish butter cookies spiced with a dash of cardamom.  When you pipe this cookie dough, you can make a variety of different shapes to keep your Christmas cookie platter interesting.  Heck, you can even dip or sandwich them with chocolate and sprinkles to be even more festive.

 

Christmas Cookies for Days

 

I know, I know.  If you bake all of these cookies at once, you’ll be swimming in Christmas cookies until Valentine’s Day.  How about we spread the love this year?  Make a ton of cookies, but drop them off with family and friends so we all feel together, even while we keep our distance.

Christmas baking can be super stressful, but you can keep yourself organized by using the Celebration Meal Planner in the Bakes & Blunders Resource Library.  Subscribe to get free, unlimited access to all of the tools in the library, including menu ideas for all major holidays and events.