Walking On Sunshine Recipes

menu icon
subscribe
search icon
×
81 Dump Dinner Ideas →

Christmas Cookies

This page features all the best Christmas cookies here on Walking on Sunshine Recipes. Included are sugar cookies, shortbread, thumbprints, and gingerbread, along with make-ahead tips, freezing instructions, and fun decorating ideas.

If you love holiday baking, you're going to enjoy these easy cookie recipes as well as my other dessert recipes and ideas you can create with your family.

Christmas cookies photo collage.

Recipes at a Glance

  • What you’ll find: Classic cookies, drops, slice-and-bake styles, thumbprints, no-bake treats, and more
  • Skill level: Beginner to intermediate; many require minimal effort
  • Best for: Holiday gifts, cookie exchanges, baking with family
  • Don’t miss: freezing tips, packaging ideas, and how to make bake-ahead batches

👉 Love holiday baking? Grab my Christmas Cookie eBook Bundle—packed with festive recipes, tips, and printables to make holiday baking easier and more fun.

christmas cookie ebook bundle.
Promo button I need this.

Whether you're an experienced baker or a beginner, these are easy cookie recipes you can make with your children, grandchildren or just by yourself to enjoy for the holiday season.

So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to create a variety of delicious cookies and Cookie Party Ideas that will bring joy and happiness to those who savor them.

And if you're looking to bake ahead of the holidays, check out my post for Christmas Cookies that can be Frozen for tips and tricks!

Table of Contents

Christmas Cookies

Included in this list are recipes that I grew up baking with my mother and sister! These are easy cookie recipes you can make with your children, grandchildren or just by yourself to enjoy for the holiday season.

Pro Tips

Get the best results with a few simple tricks. Follow these pro tips to keep your cookies perfectly shaped, evenly baked, and festive.

  • Icing or decorations are best added after cookies cool; store in layers with parchment to avoid sticking.
  • Use cookie scoops for uniform size so all cookies bake evenly.
  • Chill dough for slice-and-bake or cut-out cookies—prevents spreading and keeps shapes crisp.

Check out all the recipes and ideas available for you here in the Mason Jar Gift Ideas section on the blog.

All you need to do is simply put the ingredients together in a mason jar to give as gifts or use for hosting a cookie exchange,

holiday mason jar mix bundle promo.
Buy now grocery store cart button.

Thumbprint Cookies Christmas

Thumbprint cookies are a classic Christmas treat that is easy to make and fun to decorate. Easy to bake and decorate, these cookies add a delightful touch to your holiday spread.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Tips

Save time and keep every batch fresh with these simple make-ahead and storage tips. Here’s how are a few tips to follow when baking cookies:

  • Bake now or bake later: many cookies can be made in advance or frozen before baking.
  • Store baked cookies in airtight containers for up to 1 week; freeze extras in single layers.
  • For gifting, wrap in parchment and seal well—cookies stay fresh and festive.

Slice and Bake Cookies

With their make-ahead nature, slice and bake cookies allow you to have freshly baked goodies on hand whenever the craving strikes. The dough is prepared in advance, shaped into logs, and chilled until ready to use.

Italian Christmas Cookies

From the classic anise-flavored cookies to rich almond and vanilla-infused ones, each bite is a heavenly experience:

Limited-Time Offer: 2 Holiday Digital Cookbooks for $7.99!

Make this holiday season extra sweet with twice the baking inspiration! Get TWO digital cookbooks packed with my family's favorite Christmas cookies for the price of ONE. Only $7.99!

Promo button I need this.

Whether you're baking them for a cookie exchange, holiday party, or simply to enjoy at home, drop Christmas cookies are sure to bring smiles and joy to everyone who takes a bite:

Reindeer Cookies

We can't forget about baking cookies for Santa's trusty reindeer! See the full collection of reindeer cookies included with all the Reindeer Desserts that are sure to bring joy to kids and adults alike.

Santa Treats cell phone promo 2024.
Yes, I need this button with checkmark.

Diabetic Christmas Cookies

Bake cookies for family and friends who can't enjoy a full sugar cookie over the holiday season:

No-Bake Christmas Cookies

These treats allow you to enjoy delicious, homemade goodies without the need for traditional baking. With a simple mix of ingredients and easy preparation, these no-bake cookies come together in no time:

Tips on Packaging Cookies

Here are some great ideas for packaging the cookies you baked to give as gifts to family, friends and neighbors.

20-Pack Pie Boxes with Window, 9More InformationHayley Cherie - Gift Rustic Treat Boxes with Ribbons and Thank You Stickers (20 Pack) - 6.5 x 4 x 4 inches - Thick 400gsm Card - for Goodies, Candy, Parties, Christmas, Birthdays, Weddings (Kraft)More InformationOurWarm 12 Pack Christmas Cookie Boxes with Window, Large Holiday Food Bakery Treat Boxes for Gift Giving, Pastry, Candy, Party Favors, Christmas Kraft Gift Boxes with Ribbons and DIY Gift TagsMore Information24 PACK Christmas Bakery Boxes with Window Cookie Boxes for Gift Giving 6x6x3 inch by NPLUX (White)More InformationTOMNK 28 Pieces Christmas Cookie Boxes Baking Box with Window for Pastries, Cupcakes, Candy, Holiday Bakery Treat and Party Favor 8.3 x 5.9 x3.7 InchesMore InformationTOMNK 28 Pack Christmas Treat Boxes 3D Xmas House Cardboard Gable Gift Boxes for Candy, Holiday Party Favor Supplies, Crafting and Cookie Boxes 6 x 3.5 x 3.5 InchesMore Information

 

Recipe FAQ's

To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!

How do I keep cookies from spreading while baking?

To keep cookies from spreading, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking, use cool baking sheets lined with parchment, and avoid over-softened butter.

Can I freeze cookie dough?

Yes! Portion the dough into cookie-sized scoops or shape it into logs, wrap tightly in plastic and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

There are quite a few different gift labels and tags available in the WOS Christmas Shop. I hope you'll click on over and check those out!

A fun way to seal the packaging for your Christmas cookies is to use these stickers. I love the "From the Kitchen" stickers.

From the Kitchen Of Labels, Red and Green Baking Stickers, Mixer Christmas Stickers (40 count, 2 INCHES round)More InformationFrom the kitchen of - Holiday Baking LabelsMore Information36 From the Kitchen Labels, Red Custom Made For You stickers, Red Quatra foil Homemade Kitchen LabelsMore InformationMade With Love Labels, Canning Labels, Red and Green Baking Labels, From the Kitchen Stickers, Christmas Stickers (40 count, 2 INCH ROUND)More Information500Pcs Homemade with Love Stickers Perforated Roll Sticker Labels Home Kitchen Stickers 1.5 Inch 9 DesignsMore Information2More Information600 Baked with Love Stickers 1.5More Information1.5More InformationRAVS Jar Stickers for Homemade Jam,Honey and More,Canning Labels for Mason Jars and More,Homemade with Love Stickers with Lines for Writing.500pcs Per Roll.More Information

 

My Cart
0
Add Coupon Code
Subtotal
Checkout