Christmas cookies are a holiday tradition that’s as much about connection as it is about flavor. Each year, families gather to bake the same timeless classics, creating memories alongside the treats. From spiced gingerbread to buttery shortbread, these cookies have become staples on holiday trays thanks to their simplicity, flavor, and history. Whether it’s the nostalgia they carry or the joy of decorating them, these recipes bring something special to the season. Here’s a look at the cookies that have been loved across generations and continue to make the holidays sweeter.
Sugar Cookies
A holiday classic known for its soft texture and versatility. Sugar cookies are often rolled out and cut into festive shapes, then decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles. This cookie has been a staple of Christmas baking for decades, with roots tracing back to European holiday traditions.
Gingerbread Cookies
Spiced and fragrant, gingerbread cookies are synonymous with Christmas. Whether baked as men, stars, or elaborate houses, these cookies date back to medieval Europe and have become a holiday tradition thanks to their warm spices and fun decorating potential.
Peanut Butter Blossoms
A relatively modern addition from the 1950s, these cookies feature a chewy peanut butter base topped with a chocolate kiss. They’ve become a holiday favorite for their simple prep and crowd-pleasing flavor combination of peanut butter and chocolate.
Snickerdoodles
These cinnamon-sugar coated cookies are soft and buttery with a slightly tangy flavor thanks to cream of tartar. Their simple yet comforting flavor has made them a Christmas favorite in the U.S., with origins believed to stem from German or Dutch settlers.
Shortbread Cookies
Buttery and crumbly, shortbread cookies have been a holiday staple for centuries, originating in Scotland. Often decorated with festive patterns or dipped in chocolate, their rich, simple flavor makes them perfect for Christmas tea or cookie exchanges.
Thumbprint Cookies
These cookies feature a soft, buttery base with a center filled with jam, chocolate, or caramel. They’re said to have originated in Sweden and are a favorite across generations for their festive appearance and sweet, customizable filling.
Spritz Cookies
These delicate, buttery cookies are piped into festive shapes like trees and stars using a cookie press. A tradition rooted in Scandinavian holiday baking, spritz cookies are loved for their light texture and ability to be flavored with almond or vanilla.
Molasses Cookies
A softer and chewier cousin of gingerbread, molasses cookies are spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. These cookies have a deep, rich flavor and a history tied to early American baking, making them a nostalgic favorite during the holidays.
Linzer Cookies
Originating from Austria, Linzer cookies are sandwich-style treats filled with jam and dusted with powdered sugar. Their lattice-like cutouts and rich almond base make them a festive addition to any cookie tray and a beloved choice for Christmas gatherings.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Recognizable by their cracked, powdered sugar-coated tops, these fudgy cookies are a holiday favorite. Their rich chocolate flavor and eye-catching appearance have made them a mainstay in Christmas cookie swaps since they gained popularity in mid-20th century America.
15 Festive Christmas Breakfast Ideas To Start The Day Right
Christmas morning is about unwrapping gifts, staying in pajamas way too long, and, of course, eating something that feels a little extra special. No one wants to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is tearing through presents, so breakfast needs to be festive, easy, and worth remembering. Whether you’re into sweet casseroles, spiced waffles, or hearty savory dishes, these recipes have it all. They’re simple enough to keep the stress out of your morning but still packed with flavor to make the day feel special.
Read it Here: 15 Festive Christmas Breakfast Ideas To Start The Day Right
31 Desserts That Double As Gifts For The Hard-To-Shop-For Crowd
Finding a gift for someone who’s hard to shop for can feel impossible, but homemade desserts are a simple solution that always feels personal. Whether it’s cookies, fudge, or bread, these treats show care and effort while being something people actually enjoy. They’re also practical—you can make them in batches and have thoughtful gifts ready to go for friends, family, or coworkers.
Read it Here: 31 Desserts That Double As Gifts For The Hard-To-Shop-For Crowd
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
