25 Christmas Cookies You Can’t Stop Sneaking From The Tray

Christmas cookies have a way of vanishing faster than you can say “Santa’s here.” They’re sweet, festive, and somehow irresistible straight from the tray. Baking them fills the kitchen with cozy scents that make everyone linger. Each bite sparks nostalgia and a little mischief as you sneak one (or three). Once you start, it’s impossible to stop sharing—or hiding—a few for yourself.

Mint Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies

These shortbread cookies are crumbly and buttery, with a refreshing hint of mint and sweet chocolate chips. They bake evenly and hold their shape well. Perfect for afternoon snacks or dessert plates, they also store nicely for several days. Families often reach for seconds once they cool.
Get the Recipe: Mint Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies

Hershey’s Kiss Cookies

These cookies feature a soft, chewy base topped with a classic chocolate kiss. The texture balances lightly crisp edges with a tender center. They are simple to assemble and work well for gift boxes or cookie trays. Kids and adults alike enjoy popping them straight from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Hershey’s Kiss Cookies

Gluten-free Bourbon Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies combine nutty bourbon flavor with brown butter and chocolate chips for a rich taste. The edges bake crisp while the centers stay soft. Gluten-free ingredients ensure they can be enjoyed by more people without losing flavor. They are great for cozy nights with a warm drink.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-free Bourbon Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sugar Sprinkle Cookies

These sugar cookies are topped with colorful sprinkles for a fun look that matches their mild vanilla flavor. The dough rolls out easily, making it simple to cut shapes for any occasion. They bake evenly and stay soft in the center. Kids often enjoy helping to add the finishing touches.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Sprinkle Cookies

Peppermint Drizzle Cookies

These cookies are festive and bright, with a peppermint drizzle that adds a cooling touch. The texture stays soft while the topping hardens slightly for a pleasant bite. They are ideal for sharing during the holiday season. Anyone looking for easy Christmas cookies will find these simple and fun to make.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Drizzle Cookies

Gingerbread Men

These gingerbread men cookies are soft yet firm enough to hold fun shapes. They bake quickly and carry a classic ginger spice flavor. Decorating is simple with icing and small candies. They make a welcome addition to any cookie platter.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Men

Sugar Cookies with Easy Icing

These sugar cookies are crisp on the outside and soft inside, topped with a smooth, easy-to-make icing. They hold their shape well, which makes them perfect for cutting into holiday shapes. Decorating with friends or family adds extra fun. They are a simple choice for seasonal cookie trays.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Cookies with Easy Icing

Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

These Christmas cookies combine sugar cookie dough with cream cheese for a tender bite. The sprinkles add festive color and texture, making them visually appealing. They bake evenly and store well for gifting or sharing. Kids enjoy helping with decoration and frosting.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Sprinkle Cookies

Marbled Christmas Sugar Cookies

These cut-out sugar cookies feature marbled royal icing for a visually striking finish. The dough stays soft, and the icing sets smoothly for easy handling. They are ideal for cookie swaps or decorating with friends. Anyone seeking easy Christmas cookies will appreciate this approach.
Get the Recipe: Marbled Christmas Sugar Cookies

Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

These gingerbread cookies are soft, flavorful, and completely vegan. The dough rolls and cuts easily, while the spice balance stays mild but distinct. They bake into tender cookies that hold shapes well. These are perfect for anyone looking to add vegan Christmas cookies to the tray.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Butterball Cookies

These bite-sized cookies melt in the mouth with each bite. They use simple ingredients but produce a rich, buttery flavor. Perfect for stacking or gift boxes, they store well without losing texture. Small and sweet, they are easy to enjoy anytime.
Get the Recipe: Butterball Cookies

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

These pinwheel cookies show off festive red, green, and white swirls with a soft texture. They bake evenly and slice cleanly. Perfect for cookie exchanges or gift trays, they bring color and flavor to any holiday spread. They are classic examples of fun Christmas cookies.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Butter Shortbread Cookies

These shortbread cookies stay tender with a slight crisp on the edges. The buttery flavor shines without overpowering the palate. They hold their shape well for gifting or storing. Simple and reliable, they are a go-to for cookie trays.
Get the Recipe: Butter Shortbread Cookies

Easy Sugar Cookie

This sugar cookie recipe produces crisp edges and soft interiors. The dough rolls out smoothly and maintains shape while baking. They can be decorated with icing or left plain for simple enjoyment. They work well for holiday baking or everyday treats.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sugar Cookie

Chai Spice Sugar Cookies

These cookies are soft with mild chai spices, pairing perfectly with tea or coffee. The texture is slightly chewy but holds well. They bake consistently and are easy to make in batches. They make a cozy addition to seasonal treats.
Get the Recipe: Chai Spice Sugar Cookies

Lofthouse Cookies

These fluffy sugar cookies are topped with a smooth buttercream frosting. The soft texture contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the icing. They hold up well for parties or gift trays. These cookies are a fun choice for celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Lofthouse Cookies

Small Batch Sugar Cookies

This small-batch recipe produces just enough dough for a limited number of cookies. The dough rolls and bakes evenly, holding its shape. Perfect for testing new designs or for small gatherings. They are simple but reliable.
Get the Recipe: Small Batch Sugar Cookies

Christmas Cookies

These Christmas cookies are colorful, fun, and easy to decorate for the holidays. The dough holds shapes well, and they bake evenly. They make a great addition to cookie exchanges or festive trays. This is a perfect recipe for anyone looking to try unique Christmas cookies.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cookies

Secret Kiss Cookies

These cookies are soft and slightly cake-like, with a hidden candy kiss inside. Baking in mini muffin pans helps them hold their round shape. They are quick to assemble and satisfy chocolate lovers. They store well and travel easily.
Get the Recipe: Secret Kiss Cookies

Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

These cookies use cake mix for a soft and chewy texture, with festive M&Ms for color. They come together quickly with minimal ingredients. Perfect for last-minute holiday baking. These are easy Christmas cookies that still feel special.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

Gluten-Free Almond Flour Sugar Cookies

These almond flour cookies are light and crisp, with just enough sweetness. They hold their shape well for cutting into festive designs. Icing or sprinkles can be added for a holiday touch. They work well for gluten-free Christmas cookie trays.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Almond Flour Sugar Cookies

Classic Spritz Cookies

These spritz cookies bake evenly and keep their shapes well. The dough is buttery and soft, and you can customize shapes and colors. They are simple to make and fun to assemble. Sprinkles add a light festive touch.
Get the Recipe: Classic Spritz Cookies

Gingersnap Cookies

These gingersnap cookies balance warm spices with a chewy center and slightly crisp edges. White chocolate and sprinkles add a playful element without overwhelming the spice. They bake evenly and cool quickly. They are perfect for holiday trays or casual snacking.
Get the Recipe: Gingersnap Cookies

Snowflake Cookies

These snowflake-shaped cookies are buttery with a hint of almond flavor. The royal icing sets smoothly for decorating. They hold up well on cookie trays or in gift boxes. They are excellent for sharing at holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Snowflake Cookies

Pistachio Cut Out Cookies

Pistachios add subtle nutty flavor and a bit of crunch to these cut-out sugar cookies. They bake into tender cookies that keep their shape. Icing or sprinkles enhance their festive appearance. They are a fun addition to Christmas cookie assortments.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Cut Out Cookies