By Courtney Minor
Published Dec 2, 2023
Christmas Cookies are one of the treats I look forward to most when the holiday season rolls around! Cookies are my go-to for holiday baking because they’re generally very quick and easy to make, and lots of fun to decorate. Find recipes for gingerbread men, Linzer cookies, shortbread, spritz cookies, sugar cookies, peppermint cookies, and lots of other cookie recipes, both traditional and unique!
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Easy Christmas Cookie Ideas for the Holiday Season
I can’t believe Christmas is already on its way! It always seems to sneak up on me, even though I’m planning for it months in advance. There are a lot of great things about this holiday, but if I’m honest, making Christmas cookies might be my favorite part.
It’s so much fun to bake Xmas cookies with the family this time of year, and it’s even more fun to indulge in the delicious holiday cookies once they’re done!
Whether you’re looking for some cookie recipes for a Christmas party, for Christmas gifts, for a holiday cookie exchange, for Santa, or for you and your family to decorate, everyone needs an easy cookie recipe (or two or three).
Linzer Cookies
Traditional Christmas Cookies
There’s something so comforting and nostalgic about these traditional cookie recipes, which makes them a must for Christmas gatherings and cookie exchanges.
- Linzer Cookies : These are one of the most classic Christmas cookies out there. Buttery cookies are sandwiched with sweet jam and dusted with powdered sugar.
- Spritz Cookies : Make a big batch of this old-fashioned cookie recipe for a holiday party, simple Christmas gifts, or just to decorate. They’re perfectly buttery and crunchy!
- Shortbread Cookies : These are rich and buttery, and have a crisp bite while still melting in your mouth. And you only need 4 ingredients!
- Pecan Sandies : These sweet and buttery cookies have a crisp texture, and they’re filled with pecans and coated in powdered sugar.
- Anise Cookies : These crunchy little Italian cookies are so addicting, and they’re sure to be Santa’s favorite cookie too!
- Ginger Cookies : These chewy crinkle cookies are filled with ginger, apple pie spice, and cinnamon for a warm spiced flavor you’re sure to love.
- Rum Balls : These chocolate and coconut balls are a boozy, bite-sized dessert that’s decadent, irresistible, and perfect for holiday celebrations.
Spritz Cookies
Favorite Holiday Cookie Recipes
When the holiday season rolls around, I always turn to these trust-worthy cookie recipes. They’re our family favorites, and I hope they’ll become favorites for yours too.
- Peanut Butter Blossoms : Also known as Hershey’s Kiss cookies, these are always a hit when I bake them.
- Soft Sugar Cookies : This classic bakery-style cookie is something everyone will love, especially the kids. Use red and green frosting and sprinkles to decorate these for Christmas!
- Snickerdoodles : My Mom’s famous snickerdoodle recipe–with the best cinnamon flavor and perfect texture–is a Christmas family tradition!
- Gooey Butter Cookies : Gooey butter cake is a local favorite here in St. Louis, and this cookie version has become a must around the holidays.
- Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars : This is an easy way to make enough tender sugar cookies for a crowd of people in one go, with the perfect frosting to finish.
- Caramel Stuffed Cookies : Pillow-y chocolate chip cookies with a melty caramel center have become a new go-to for Christmas celebrations.
Gingerbread Cookies
Christmas Cookies to Decorate
If you’re looking for some fun cookies you can decorate (with frosting, royal icing , and sprinkles galore) for Christmas festivities, these recipes are for you!
- Gingerbread Man Cookies : These cookies are a Christmas classic, and they’re so much fun to decorate on Christmas Eve or at holiday parties.
- Christmas Sugar Cookies : We always set out a plate of these cut-out sugar cookies for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve!
- Christmas Butter Cookies : Use this simple butter cookie recipe to cut out winter holiday shapes, and decorate them with a quick powdered sugar icing that you can change up with food coloring.
- Splatter Paint Christmas Cookies : Crisp sugar cookies are frosted and decorated with colorful red and green “paint splatters”. They’re so fun to make!
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Chocolate Christmas Cookies
These easy Christmas cookie recipes are for all the chocolate-lovers out there!
- Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies : Make these simple thumbprint cookies filled with salted caramel or white chocolate peppermint–better yet, make both flavors!
- Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies : These cookies are made with a fudgy chocolate cake mix, cream cheese, and just a few other ingredients to make perfectly gooey cookies!
- Chocolate Sugar Cookies : These fluffy sugar cookies have plenty of chocolate flavor, with extra chocolate chunks for good measure.
- Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies : Turn a box of chocolate cake mix into these easy cookies filled with white chocolate chips.
- Chocolate Mint Cookies : Creme de menthe adds a refreshingly cool flavor to these chocolate cookies, which is just perfect for Christmas.
- Chocolate Butter Cookies : These crisp yet tender butter cookies are made with chocolate and a kick of espresso powder.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Blossoms : Here’s another favorite Christmas cookie idea! Delicious peanut butter chocolate cookies are finished with a Hershey’s Kiss.
Milano Slice Cookies
Festive Holiday Cookies
These holiday cookies are perfect when you need something decorative to get you into a festive Christmas spirit.
- Peppermint Milano Slice Cookies : If you usually grab a bag of these at the store when December rolls around, try making them at home for an even fresher and tastier version.
- Nutella Stuffed Snowball Cookies : Add an extra delicious twist to classic powdered sugar snowballs by adding a creamy Nutella filling.
- Pinwheel Cookies : These chocolate and vanilla swirled cookies look great on Christmas cookie trays!
- Chocolate Peppermint Cookies : These crinkle cookies have just the right amount of peppermint flavor to get you in the Christmas spirit.
- Christmas Bark : This super easy bark recipe is filled with Oreos, peppermint chips, M&M’s, pretzels, and more. You’ll feel like a kid in a candy store!
Gingerbread Kiss Cookies
Unique Christmas Cookie Ideas
If you’re preparing a cookie platter for your next Christmas party, surprise people with a few holiday cookie ideas they’ve never tried before!
- Gingerbread Kiss Cookies : Gingerbread cookies are topped with Hershey’s Kisses for a super quick and easy recipe.
- Nutella Stuffed Cookies : These delectable chocolate chip cookies are filled with a chocolate hazelnut spread for a gooey center.
- S’mores Cookies : Use ready-to-bake cookie dough to make this unique cookie recipe for Christmas. Just add mini marshmallows, chocolate, and crushed graham crackers!
- Oreo Balls : These truffle-like desserts make any cookie platter irresistibly gorgeous. This is an annual Christmastime favorite in our house!
- M&M Brownie Cookies : Brownie mix makes deliciously fudgy cookies, and we added M&Ms for a bit of fun. Did I mention you only need 4 ingredients?
- Gingerbread White Chocolate Bark : If you’ve ever been tempted to take a bite out of the gingerbread houses you build, this candy-filled chocolate bark will be extra satisfying!
Pignoli Cookies
Classic Cookie Recipes for Christmas
You can’t beat a classic cookie recipe! Make these for Christmas gifts, work parties, and holiday potlucks, and you can be sure everyone will be happy.
- Pignoli Cookies : These Italian cookies have a chewy center, a simple almond flavor, and a nice crunch thanks to the pine nuts.
- Best Chocolate Chip Cookies : Simple, soft, chewy, and just the right amount of chocolate chips–no one will be able to resist these cookies!
- Molasses Cookies : This classic holiday cookie recipe yields such chewy cookies, with warm spices and a delicious molasses flavor.
- Peanut Butter Cookies : Quick and easy to make, these swoon-worthy cookies are ready to eat in 20 minutes.
- White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies : This simple cookie recipe only takes 20 minutes to make, so it’s perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
Nutella Stuffed Snowball Cookies
I hope you found the perfect holiday cookies to make this year. I’d love to hear which easy Christmas cookie recipe you chose to make and how you liked them. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
More Christmas Recipes
Find more easy recipes for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, holiday parties, and beyond.
30 Festive Christmas Cocktails
Easy Christmas Side Dishes
48 Christmas Breakfast and Brunch Ideas
35 Easy Chocolate Desserts
By Becky Hardin
Published Dec 18, 2019
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies make a great holiday cookie and they’re so easy to make! With this recipe, you get to choose from two flavors: Salted Caramel or White Chocolate Peppermint. Make both so everyone can choose their favorite!
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Make these chocolate thumbprint cookies with peppermint or caramel for the perfect holiday cookie!
I’m always looking for easy cookie recipes to make during the holiday season , because you can just never have enough! I make them for holiday parties, for dessert after the feast, as simple homemade gifts, and just for fun.
There’s just nothing like gathering your family to bake cookies together this time of year! It’s so much fun and it results in something delicious to eat. Yum!
I love these easy chocolate thumbprint cookies, especially since I’ve got two flavors to choose from. The salted caramel filling is delectably sweet and smooth, while the white chocolate peppermint just TASTES like Christmas . (If you want a third flavor, try our chocolate mint thumbprint cookies !)
Of course you don’t actually have to choose between the two. Make both flavors and eat one (or two) of each!
Choose Your Favorite Flavor
When I come up with a recipe, I like to get as much use out of it as possible. So I came up with two amazing filling flavors for these chocolate thumbprint cookies instead of just one. The more the merrier!
Cookies are such an easy thing to change up by adding different toppings, fillings, and flavors. These are especially easy to change, since you’re really just changing the little bit on top. Just bake a big batch of cookies, then fill each one with your preferred flavor.
Salted Caramel Cookies
Chocolate thumbprint cookies with caramel filling is like heaven in your mouth. The mix of the salted caramel with the chocolate is DELICIOUS.
Ingredients:
- Caramel
- Heavy Cream
- Flake Sea Salt
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
White chocolate always makes me think of winter, and peppermint definitely makes me think of Christmas. It’s the perfect flavor for a festive Christmas cookie!
Ingredients:
- White Chocolate Chips
- Crushed Peppermint
How to Make Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
These chocolate cookies are so easy to make, and I just living filling them with the different flavors at the end. Pouring the caramel on top or pressing in the crushed peppermint is so satisfying, and of course they taste amazing!
The full recipe card is below, but here are a few quick tips:
- Start by making the cookie dough and getting them in the oven to bake. Then you can quickly prepare the filling to add after cookies are done.
- Adding that little bit of espresso powder into the dough gives these cookies a deeper, richer flavor. So good!
- Use a greased 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon to make the “thumbprint” indentation in each cookie. Gently press it into the center of each ball of dough before baking.
- If you bake both sheets of cookies at the same time, be sure to switch them about halfway through baking so they cook evenly.
- Let the cookies cool completely before adding the fillings.
- To Store: Keep these cookies in an airtight container and save up to 3 days.
Christmas Cookies
It doesn’t matter how many Christmas cookie recipes I have, I always want more! Sometimes you want the classics, sometimes you want to try something totally new. These thumbprint cookies with peppermint or caramel fit right in with the holiday spirit, so I highly recommend giving them a try.
Here are some of my other favorites to bake this time of year:
- Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
- Christmas Butter Cookies with Powdered Sugar Icing
- Splatter Paint Christmas Cookies
- Chocolate Spritz Cookies
- Chocolate Butter Cookies
- Soft Gingerbread Cookies
- Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Copycat Milano Slice Cookies
- Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
Get to baking with these tasty cookies! Everyone will love these. I’d love to hear which flavor is your favorite. Happy Holidays!
Check the recipe card below for full details on how to make chocolate thumbprint cookies. Enjoy!
Still need more cookie recipes? I’ve got you covered!
- Mom’s Peanut Butter Cookies are a classic.
- These Loaded Chocolate Chip Cookies are…well, LOADED with chocolate chips.
- These Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are always a hit.
- I just LOVE these Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies !
Ingredients1x2x3x
For the Chocolate Thumbprint Cookie Base
- ▢ 1½ cups all-purpose flour 180 grams
- ▢ ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 42 grams
- ▢ ½ teaspoon espresso powder
- ▢ ¼ teaspoon baking powder 1 gram
- ▢ ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ▢ ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ▢ 8 tablespoons unsalted butter 113 grams, room temperature (1 stick)
- ▢ 1 cup granulated sugar 200 grams
- ▢ 1 large egg 50 grams, room temperature
- ▢ 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract 6 grams
- ▢ Turbinado or Demerara sugar for rolling
For the Salted Caramel Thumbprints
- ▢ 15 caramels 124 grams, such as Kraft Baking Caramels
- ▢ 1 tablespoon heavy cream 14 grams
- ▢ 1 teaspoon Flake Sea Salt such as Maldon
For the White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- ▢ ½ cup white chocolate chips 85 grams, melted
- ▢ 10 peppermint candies 50 grams, crushed, such as Brach’s Star Brites
Instructions
For the Cookie Base
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchment, and heat oven to 350°F. Set oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together; set aside. 1½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon espresso powder, ¼ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add egg and vanilla and mix just until incorporated. Add all flour mixture and mix on lowest speed just until no flour shows. 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll the balls into the Turbinado sugar. Set balls 2-inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Turbinado or Demerara sugar
- Using a greased, rounded ½-teaspoon measuring spoon, make an indentation in the center of each ball of dough.
- Bake at 350°F until set about 10-12 minutes, switching and rotating sheets halfway through baking.
For the Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies
- Melt the caramels and cream in the microwave set on high. Stir every 15 seconds until caramels have melted. 15 caramels, 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- When cookies are baked, transfer the baking sheets to a cooling rack. Use the same ½-teaspoon measuring spoon to remake the indentations.
- Let the cookies set for 1 minute. Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to completely cool.
- Fill each indentation with the melted caramel mixture and sprinkle with flake sea salt. Cookies are ready to eat when the caramel is set. 1 teaspoon Flake Sea Salt
For the White Chocolate Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies
- Melt the white chocolate in the microwave set at 50%. Stir every 15 seconds. White chocolate seizes easily, so melt the chocolate slowly and without it getting too hot. ½ cup white chocolate chips
- Place the peppermints in a quart-size, zipper-style plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush to desired size. 10 peppermint candies
- When cookies are baked, transfer the baking sheets to a cooling rack. Use the same ½-teaspoon measuring spoon to remake the indentations and let the cookies set for 1 minute. Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to completely cool.
- Fill each indentation with the melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermints. Lightly press the peppermint into the white chocolate. Let the cookies set until the white chocolate is firm.
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- 2 Baking Sheet
- Stand Mixer
- Rolling Pin
Becky’s Tips
- Start by making the cookie dough and getting them in the oven to bake. Then you can quickly prepare the filling to add after cookies are done.
- Adding that little bit of espresso powder into the dough gives these cookies a deeper, richer flavor. So good!
- Use a greased ½- teaspoon measuring spoon to make the “thumbprint” indentation in each cookie. Gently press it into the center of each ball of dough before baking.
- If you bake both sheets of cookies at the same time, be sure to switch them about halfway through baking so they cook evenly.
- Let the cookies cool completely before adding the fillings.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
