Whether you’re hosting a large party or planning an intimate New Year’s Eve gathering, these New Year cookie ideas are perfect for celebrating in style.
This collection includes festive cookies for parties and cookie trays, from chocolate-covered Oreo clocks and bubbly champagne cookies to classic shortbread dressed up with New Year sprinkles.
Looking for more ideas? Explore our easy cookie recipes for even more festive options

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This post was originally published in 2023 and has been updated with fresh ideas and helpful new details.
At-a-Glance: Cookie Recipes for New Year's Celebrations
What You’ll Find: A festive collection of cookie recipes perfect for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, including decorated sugar cookies, chocolate treats, shortbread, and party-ready favorites.
Why You’ll Love It: The recipes are easy to prepare, visually festive, and ideal for serving a crowd or building a beautiful cookie tray. Many options can be made ahead, keeping things low-stress during busy celebrations.
Perfect For: New Year’s Eve parties, cookie trays, small gatherings, family celebrations, and sharing sweet treats as you ring in the new year.
Pro Tip: Choose a mix of decorated cookies and simple slice-and-bake or no-fuss recipes so you get a festive look without spending all day in the kitchen.
Looking for more Holiday Party Recipes? Try my collections of Finger Food Appetizers, Snack Recipes for New Year Eve or New Year's Party Appetizer Ideas.
Table of Contents
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Party Cookies
Planning ahead for a New Year’s Eve party? Use the tips below to store, freeze, and thaw cookies with confidence. Many cookie recipes allow you to prepare the dough or baked cookies ahead of time, saving time on the day of your celebration.
Cookie Storage Tips
- Let cookies cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for the best texture. I love these stackable cookie containers from Amazon.
- Separate soft and crisp cookies so they don’t affect each other.
Cookie Freezing Tips
- Freeze cookie dough balls or baked cookies in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- Frozen cookies and dough can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Bake dough directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time if needed.
Cookie Thawing Tips
- Let frozen baked cookies thaw at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before serving.
- Keep cookies loosely covered while thawing to prevent condensation from forming.
- Thaw decorated or frosted cookies in a single layer to help protect their designs and texture.

More Holiday Cookie Inspiration
Quick Tip: If you’re planning more holiday baking beyond New Year’s Eve, my Christmas Cookie Digital Cookbook Bundle includes a wide variety of festive cookie recipes you can make throughout the season. It’s a great option for building cookie trays, gifting, or planning ahead for future celebrations.

New Year Cookie Ideas FAQ
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!
Store cookies in an air-tight container at room temperature for 1-2 weeks. The refrigerator can dry cookies out, so if you need a longer storage time, freeze for 3 months.
Plan on 2–3 cookies per guest for a New Year’s Eve party, especially if cookies are part of a dessert spread with other treats. If cookies are the main dessert or you’re serving a cookie tray for a longer gathering, aim for 3–5 cookies per person to be safe.
Keep cookies fresh by setting them out shortly before guests arrive and avoiding warm or humid areas. If the party lasts several hours, consider refreshing the tray by swapping in a second batch from an airtight container as needed.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Plastic Mixing Bowls with Lids




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