December baking feels easier when you already know which recipes will turn out right. These are the kinds of cookies families return to because the flavors feel familiar and the process stays simple, even on busy days. I’ve made versions of these year after year because they fit right into real holiday schedules without extra stress. With 21 dependable recipes to choose from, the season feels steadier before the oven even preheats.
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Chocolate Christmas Cookies
Chocolate Christmas Cookies are baked until set with a rich center and coated for a smooth finish. The recipe uses simple steps and predictable results, which makes it a steady choice for holiday baking. Changing the sprinkles keeps them festive while the base stays familiar.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Christmas Cookies
Marshmallow Christmas Cookies
Marshmallow Christmas Cookies are baked until set with soft marshmallows throughout. The dough is easy to scoop and bakes evenly, which helps with consistency. These cookies work well for parties where kids and adults both reach for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Marshmallow Christmas Cookies
Christmas Reindeer Cookies (with Pretzel Stick Antlers)
Christmas Reindeer Cookies are assembled and baked until set with a mix of soft and crunchy textures. The decorating step is simple and works well for involving kids without slowing things down. These are best for family gatherings where fun presentation matters.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Reindeer Cookies (with Pretzel Stick Antlers)
Best Italian Christmas Cookies
Best Italian Christmas Cookies are baked until lightly golden with a tender crumb that holds its shape on holiday trays. This easy dough uses familiar pantry ingredients and comes together quickly, making it a reliable choice during busy baking days. I like to make these early since they store well and stay ready for sharing all season.
Get the Recipe: Best Italian Christmas Cookies
Pistachio Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pistachio Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies are baked until thick and chewy with a soft center. The dough is straightforward to prepare and gives a bakery-style result without extra steps. These work well when you want something familiar with a slightly different filling.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies
Easy Italian Christmas Cookies
Easy Italian Christmas Cookies are baked until tender with a light golden finish. The dough comes together quickly and is easy to shape, which helps when baking in batches. These cookies fit well into traditional holiday cookie trays.
Get the Recipe: Easy Italian Christmas Cookies
Old Fashioned Italian Cookies
Old Fashioned Italian Cookies are baked until delicate and lightly crisp using a cookie press. The dough handles smoothly, which helps keep the process moving during big baking days. These cookies are often made ahead and served throughout the season.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Italian Cookies
Italian Pizzelle Cookies – A Holiday Tradition
Italian Pizzelle Cookies are cooked in a special iron until thin, crisp, and lightly golden. The batter is simple to mix and bakes quickly, which helps when you need a lot of cookies in a short window. These work especially well for make-ahead baking and cookie platters that need variety.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pizzelle Cookies – A Holiday Tradition
Christmas Refrigerator Cookies
Christmas Refrigerator Cookies are sliced and baked until lightly crisp on the outside with a soft center. Chilling the dough ahead makes baking faster and more organized on busy days. These are especially helpful when you want fresh cookies without mixing dough the same day.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Refrigerator Cookies
Christmas Icebox Cookies
Christmas Icebox Cookies are chilled, sliced, and baked until evenly golden. Making the dough ahead keeps baking day calm and organized. I like having these ready in the fridge when unexpected guests stop by.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Icebox Cookies
Mint Christmas Cookies
Mint Christmas Cookies are baked until soft with a smooth, even texture. The dough comes together fast and uses pantry shortcuts that help on busy baking days. These cookies add color and a familiar mint flavor to holiday trays.
Get the Recipe: Mint Christmas Cookies
Oreo Christmas Cookies
Oreo Christmas Cookies come together without baking, using dipped cookies that set quickly at room temperature. The simple assembly keeps prep time short while still delivering a finished cookie that looks polished. I like these when oven space is already full with other baking.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Christmas Cookies
Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies are baked until soft with melted marshmallows on top. The dough mixes quickly and uses familiar ingredients, keeping prep simple. These are a good choice for casual holiday gatherings and school events.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
Christmas Cookies with Peppermint
Christmas Cookies with Peppermint are baked until tender and finished with frosting and crushed candy. Using a cake mix keeps prep quick while still delivering a festive result. These are helpful when time is limited but you still want a holiday look.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cookies with Peppermint
Colorful Christmas Cookies
Colorful Christmas Cookies are baked from a slice-and-bake dough that holds its swirl design in the oven. Preparing the dough ahead saves time when baking multiple batches. These add visual interest without adding extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Christmas Cookies
Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are baked until lightly golden and finished with a jam center that sets as they cool. The dough is simple to work with and easy for shaping, which helps when baking with kids. These cookies add a familiar look and flavor families expect every December.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
White Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
White Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are baked until soft and lightly golden. Starting with a cake mix keeps prep fast and cleanup minimal. I like these when I need a reliable cookie that works for last-minute baking.
Get the Recipe: White Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Gingersnap Cookies Recipe
Gingersnap Cookies are baked until crisp on the edges with a soft, spiced center. The dough is easy to mix and dependable, making it a good option for holiday baking schedules that feel full. I often bake these first since they keep their texture well in storage.
Get the Recipe: Gingersnap Cookies Recipe
Peppermint Blossom Cookies
Peppermint Blossom Cookies are baked until soft and topped with a peppermint kiss that sets as they cool. The dough is easy to roll and bakes evenly, making it beginner-friendly. These are often one of the first cookies to disappear from holiday trays.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Blossom Cookies
Peppermint Christmas Cookies
Peppermint Christmas Cookies are baked until soft and finished with a candy cane kiss pressed into the center. The dough is easy to portion and bakes evenly, which helps with consistent results. These cookies are a familiar favorite for holiday parties and gift boxes.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Christmas Cookies
Candy Cane Sugar Cookies
Candy Cane Sugar Cookies are baked until soft with lightly crisp edges and a festive swirl shape. The dough rolls and twists easily, making this recipe manageable even during busy holiday weeks. These cookies stand out on trays while still using a classic sugar cookie base.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Sugar Cookies
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