5 Most Popular Christmas Cookies to Sweeten Your Holidays

Hi there! Liliane here, your go-to chef for all things festive and delicious. Christmas is the season of joy, and what better way to celebrate than with Christmas Cookie recipes ? They’re not just treats; they’re little bundles of love that bring people together.

This post highlights the five most popular Christmas cookies that are sure to make your holiday season extra special. These recipes are timeless, fun to make, and loved by kids and adults alike. Let’s dive in!

Classic Gingerbread Cookies

There’s no Christmas without the warm aroma of gingerbread cookies filling your home. These cookies are a holiday staple, with their spicy kick and soft yet chewy texture. Plus, decorating them is an activity the whole family can enjoy.

Christmas Cookie Recipes

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and spices thoroughly.
  2. In another large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
  3. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
  4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough and cut into shapes.
  6. Bake for 8–10 minutes, let cool, and decorate with icing.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These rich, fudgy cookies are a visual delight, with their powdered sugar coating creating a “cracked” look when baked. Perfect for chocolate lovers, they’re always a hit at holiday gatherings.

Christmas Cookie Recipes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, and oil until well blended Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
  2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
  3. Chill the dough for at least 4 hours.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Shape the dough into balls, roll them in powdered sugar, and arrange them on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 10–12 minutes and let cool.

Thumbprint Cookies with Jam

These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a jam-filled center are a holiday classic. Their sweet-tart flavor and delicate appearance make them a festive favorite.

cookies with jam

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup fruit jam (raspberry, apricot, or your choice)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Beat the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy Add vanilla and salt.
  3. Gradually add flour until the dough comes together.
  4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place on the baking sheet, and press a thumbprint into each.
  5. Fill each indentation with jam.
  6. Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are golden. Cool before serving.

Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes)

These delicate, buttery cookies coated in powdered sugar are the epitome of holiday nostalgia. The delicate crumbly texture and nutty taste make them absolutely irresistible.

Christmas snowball Cookie Recipes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cream butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Gradually add flour, nuts, and salt. Mix until dough forms.
  4. Form the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 10–12 minutes. While warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar. Repeat once they cool.

Peanut Butter Blossoms

These soft peanut butter cookies topped with a chocolate kiss in the center are a must-have on any Christmas cookie platter. Sweet, nutty, and chocolaty—a perfect combination!

peanut butter blossoms

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 30 chocolate kisses, unwrapped

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Beat the butter, peanut butter, and sugars together in a large bowl until smooth and well combined. Add egg and vanilla.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
  4. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, roll them in sugar, and arrange them on the baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 8–10 minutes. As soon as the cookies are out of the oven, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each one. Cool completely.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Christmas Cookie Recipes

Chill the Dough: Many recipes benefit from chilling the dough, as it helps cookies hold their shape.

Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better your butter, vanilla, and spices, the more delicious your cookies will be.

Decorate with Care: Add sprinkles, icing, or powdered sugar for a professional touch.

Baking cookies is more than just a holiday tradition—it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories. From classic gingerbread to indulgent chocolate crinkle cookies, these recipes are guaranteed to bring smiles and cheer to your home.

For more holiday inspiration, check out my Pinterest page filled with festive tips and ideas. And don’t forget to explore my blog for more Christmas recipes that will make your celebrations unforgettable.

Let’s bake some magic this Christmas!

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