10 Festive Cookies to Make for Your Holiday Celebrations

10 Festive Cookies to Make This Holiday Season

As the holiday season rolls around in 2025, it’s time to don your apron and crank up the oven! Nothing spreads joy quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house during this magical time of year. Whether you’re hosting festive gatherings or simply wishing to indulge your sweet tooth, these 10 festive cookies to make will surely bring cheer to your celebrations. Let’s dive into some delightful holiday cookie recipes that will leave your guests coming back for seconds!

1. Classic Gingerbread Cookies

A timeless favorite, gingerbread cookies are a must-have for any holiday cookie tray. This recipe features warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, ginger, and a touch of molasses that give these cookies a rich, flavorful profile. Decorate them with royal icing or let your guests create their own designs!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
• Yields: Approximately 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses

2. Peppermint Bark Cookies

Nothing screams festive quite like peppermint bark. These cookies combine the rich flavor of chocolate with the refreshing taste of peppermint. Topped with crushed candy canes, they’re not just delicious but also beautiful to serve!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
• Yields: About 30 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• Crushed candy canes for topping

3. Snowball Cookies

Soft, buttery, nutty, and coated in powdered sugar, snowball cookies are adorable bite-sized treats that make a perfect addition to any holiday cookie plate. They’re simple to make, and the kids will love getting involved in rolling them in the sugar!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 15 minutes
• Yields: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Extra powdered sugar for coating

4. Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

No holiday gathering is complete without soft, chewy sugar cookies! These cookies can be dressed up with festive sprinkles or enjoyed in their simple, classic form. Their sweet vanilla flavor is loved by kids and adults alike.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 8-10 minutes
• Yields: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

5. Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies

Brighten up your holiday cookie platter with these splendid cranberry orange oatmeal cookies! The tartness of the cranberries combined with the zesty orange flavor makes these cookies a festive sensation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
• Yields: 36 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• Zest of one orange
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

6. Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are beloved year-round, but adding a peppermint twist makes them a staple for the holiday season. With melted chocolate chips and a dash of peppermint, these cookies are absolutely delicious!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 12-14 minutes
• Yields: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 cups chocolate chips

7. Pecan Sandies

These simple, crumbly pecan cookies are an excellent treat to complement warm drinks during the holidays. Their buttery flavor pairs perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. Plus, they make for a wonderful gift when placed in decorative tins!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 15 minutes
• Yields: 30 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

8. Cherry Almond Biscotti

Add a sophisticated touch to your cookie tray with some cherry almond biscotti. These crunchy, twice-baked cookies are perfect for dunking into coffee or tea. The combination of cherries and almonds provides a delightful flavor that will impress your guests.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 30 minutes
• Yields: 24 pieces

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped dried cherries
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

9. Red Velvet Cookies

Rich, colorful, and utterly delicious, red velvet cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional cake flavor. These cookies can be made festive with cream cheese frosting or served plain for those who prefer a lighter treat.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
• Yields: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

10. White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

Last but not least, a luxury option! The combination of creamy white chocolate and crunchy macadamial nuts in these cookies gives a wonderfully rich taste that’s perfect for the holidays. Treat yourself or gift these to someone special!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
• Yields: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 egg
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts

As you can see, these holiday baking ideas offer a delightful variety of flavors and textures. Whichever cookies you choose to make, your festive season will surely be filled with sweetness and joy. Enjoy baking your holiday treats!