The best holiday cookies are often the ones that come together easily and still make everyone smile. Between decorating, gatherings, and everyday routines, baking needs to feel doable, not overwhelming. I usually reach for recipes that use pantry staples and bake up consistently every time. With 21 simple cookie ideas ahead, these are the kinds of treats that make holiday baking feel comfortable and familiar.
Classic Gingerbread Men Cookies
Classic Gingerbread Men Cookies are baked until lightly crisp on the edges with soft centers full of spice. I enjoy making these with my family since the dough is easy to roll and cut. They work well for holiday afternoons when decorating becomes part of the fun. Chilling the dough briefly helps keep the shapes neat in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Classic Gingerbread Men Cookies
Mint Christmas Cookies
Mint Christmas Cookies are baked into soft cookies using cake mix and mint baking chips. I make these when I want a holiday flavor without extra steps. The dough mixes quickly and bakes evenly, which helps on busy baking days. Using parchment keeps the bottoms from browning too quickly.
Get the Recipe: Mint Christmas Cookies
Shortbread Christmas Cookies with Sprinkles
Shortbread Christmas Cookies with Sprinkles are baked until lightly golden with a tender crumb. I enjoy making these when I need a calm, reliable cookie for the holidays. The dough uses simple ingredients and requires minimal handling. Sprinkles should be added before baking so they stick evenly.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Christmas Cookies with Sprinkles
Magical Marshmallow Cookies
Magical Marshmallow Cookies are baked until lightly golden with colorful cereal marshmallows folded right into the dough. I like making these when I need something cheerful that comes together quickly without extra steps. They use simple pantry ingredients and bake fast, which helps on busy holiday afternoons. These cookies are best cooled fully so the marshmallows set and hold their shape.
Get the Recipe: Magical Marshmallow Cookies
Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies are baked with cocoa mix blended directly into the dough. I like this recipe when we want a cozy holiday flavor without extra ingredients. The cookies bake soft and hold their shape well. Pressing marshmallows in gently helps them melt evenly.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
Pretzel Christmas Cookies
Pretzel Christmas Cookies are baked into soft cookies with a light crunch from chopped pretzels. I like these when I want texture without extra work. The dough mixes quickly and bakes evenly in one batch. Chopping the pretzels small helps them distribute evenly.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Christmas Cookies
Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies
Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies are baked until soft and finished with simple decorations that resemble reindeer faces. I like this recipe for family baking days because the steps are easy to follow. The peanut butter dough holds its shape well in the oven. Decorating goes faster when all toppings are prepped ahead.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies
Christmas Cookies with Sprinkles
Christmas Cookies with Sprinkles are baked soft using classic sugar cookie dough and frosting. I make these when decorating is part of the fun. The dough is easy to handle and forgiving for beginners. Adding sprinkles before the frosting sets keeps everything tidy.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cookies with Sprinkles
White Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
White Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are baked soft using boxed mix as the base. I often choose this recipe when I want dependable results with minimal effort. The dough comes together quickly and works well with different holiday add-ins. Let the cookies cool fully before storing so they keep their texture.
Get the Recipe: White Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Easy No Bake Christmas Cookies
Easy No Bake Christmas Cookies are made by dipping crackers in melted chocolate and letting them set. I like this recipe when baking time is short but I still want a homemade treat. There is no oven needed, which keeps cleanup simple. Lining the tray with parchment makes setup and storage easier.
Get the Recipe: Easy No Bake Christmas Cookies
Andes Mint Cookies with Brownie Mix
Andes Mint Cookies with Brownie Mix are baked into soft, chewy cookies using a boxed brownie mix for easy prep. I turn to this recipe when I want a reliable holiday cookie without measuring lots of ingredients. The mint flavor feels festive while the shortcut keeps baking stress low. Let the cookies rest a few minutes before moving them so they stay intact.
Get the Recipe: Andes Mint Cookies with Brownie Mix
Reindeer Chocolate Chip Cookies
Reindeer Chocolate Chip Cookies are baked soft with classic chocolate chip dough and simple candy decorations. I often make these when kids want to help since the decorating is easy and forgiving. They fit nicely into holiday schedules because the dough comes together fast. Decorating works best once the cookies have cooled completely.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pistachio Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pistachio Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies are baked thick with a soft center and hidden pistachio filling. I like making these when I want something slightly special without complicated steps. The dough handles easily and bakes evenly. Chilling the filled dough helps keep the centers in place.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies
Marshmallow Christmas Cookies
Marshmallow Christmas Cookies are baked with chocolate dough, mini marshmallows, and candy pieces for a soft center. I like serving these when we want something fun without complicated decorating. The dough comes together easily and bakes in one round. Cooling them completely helps the marshmallows set.
Get the Recipe: Marshmallow Christmas Cookies
Christmas Cookies with Oreos
Christmas Cookies with Oreos are baked soft with crushed cookies mixed into the dough. I like this recipe when I want a familiar cookie with a festive upgrade. The dough holds well and bakes evenly, making it easy to manage. Roughly chopping the Oreos keeps the texture balanced.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cookies with Oreos
Oreo Cookie Balls Christmas
Oreo Cookie Balls Christmas are no-bake treats made by mixing crushed cookies with cream cheese and dipping them in melted chocolate. I rely on these when oven space is limited during the holidays. They set quickly in the refrigerator and travel well for gatherings. Chilling before dipping helps keep them neat and sturdy.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Cookie Balls Christmas
Chewy Gingersnap Cookies
Chewy Gingersnap Cookies are baked until set with soft centers and crisp edges. I enjoy making these early in the season since they store well. The dough uses pantry spices and simple mixing steps. Letting them cool fully helps the texture settle.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Gingersnap Cookies
Slice and Bake Chocolate Cookies
Slice and Bake Chocolate Cookies are baked straight from chilled dough for clean edges and even results. I make these ahead of time so baking day feels calmer. The method saves time and keeps portions consistent. Store the dough in the refrigerator until ready to bake for best texture.
Get the Recipe: Slice and Bake Chocolate Cookies
Strawberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies
Strawberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies are baked tender with a simple jam center. I make these when I want a cookie that looks finished without decorating time. The dough shapes easily and bakes evenly. Filling the centers after shaping keeps the jam from spreading too much.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies
Traditional Christmas Cookies
Traditional Christmas Cookies are baked from classic sugar cookie dough until lightly golden. I turn to this recipe when I want something dependable for decorating days. The dough rolls smoothly and cuts clean shapes. Cooling before decorating helps frosting stay in place.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Christmas Cookies
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies with Peppermint Kisses
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies with Peppermint Kisses are baked into tender chocolate cookies topped with a candy center. I like these for holiday trays because they look festive without complicated decorating. The dough mixes quickly and bakes evenly, making it manageable during busy days. Press the kisses in right after baking so they set smoothly.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies with Peppermint Kisses
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