We are sharing more than 20 of our favorite recipes for holiday cookies with you! Be sure to save this post so you can come back to it year after year! 

Have you noticed people are putting up holiday decorations earlier this year? I sure have. Homes are already twinkling with lights and reindeer are gracing front yards. I guess people are craving more joy and brightness in their lives and a little more normalcy.

To me, this means something more…’Tis the season for baking holiday cookies! Something to smile about for sure.


While we may not be going to holiday cookie exchanges this year, we need to share love wherever we can. It has been a tough year for all of us and spreading cheer is greatly needed. There are so many people we could make smile with a simple batch of homemade cookies – being Covid safe, of course.

Besides dropping off a batch for neighbors and friends, think about your local hospital staff and all the service people in your life. I plan on remembering the delivery people this year, along with the landscapers, trash collectors, local businesses who are struggling to stay open, and even the firehouse to name a few.

The biggest issue I will have is deciding which cookies to bake. Do you have a favorite holiday cookie recipe? If you’re like me, it is so hard to pick just one! So, I rounded up some of my favorite recipes for holiday cookies, like these Chocolate Drop Eggnog Cookies.

recipes for holiday cookies

Some of these are old favorites some are traditional holiday cookies and some are twists on the classics you may not have thought of! Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, there’s always time to bake a sweet treat this time of the year!

I just love these for so many reasons, plus I gathered a few fun facts I’d love to share.

Did you know that the most popular holiday cookie is the peanut butter blossom? That would never have been my guess. The Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms are a fun twist on this recipe, so be sure to check them out. 

Another highlight in this round-up is the Biscotti. Do you know why biscotti is so hard? It is because it is sort of baked twice. First in the loaf and then sliced and baked again. This makes them not only delicious, but also perfect for dipping.

I am not into using mixes, but I do keep a couple of boxes of organic cake mix around to use when time constrained. Shhhh, don’t tell my family! But truth be told, they can also make amazing cookies, like these Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.

Macarons or macaroons? Have you ever wondered what the difference is? There is really only one big difference. Macarons are made with almond meal and macaroons of shredded coconut. This explains why the No Bake Macaroons are so delicious.

best recipes for the holidays like no bake macaroons

The issue with gifting and sending cookies is always the packaging. Whether dropping off local or shipping, here are some simple tips.

  • Add layering between cookies for easier pick up and padding for shipping.
  • Use an airtight container so the cookies stay fresher and it makes for sturdier sides and bottom.
  • Use parchment paper under and on top to add a layer of protection. You can also crinkle up parchment paper to fill space.

What to have on hand to make these recipes for holiday cookies. 

Here is a list of items you need to have on hand to make your holiday cookies. Other ingredients will be recipe specific.

  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowl 
  • Hand or Stand Mixer 
  • Spatula 
  • Parchment Paper 
  • Holiday Sprinkles 
  • Basic ingredients such as flour, sugar, powdered sugar, baking soda, eggs, vanilla extract, butter, milk, unsweetened chocolate, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

20+ Recipes for Holiday Cookies

We are sharing more than 20 of our favorite recipes for holiday cookies with you! Be sure to save this post so you can come back to it year after year!Â