Nothing says Christmas like a kitchen filled with the scent of a batch of holiday cookies baking in the oven. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing recipe for a cookie swap, the perfect recipe to make for Santa’s cookie plate, or simply a batch to bake up for your family, we’ve got plenty of ideas to share. While some require baking and some don’t, you can’t go wrong with any of Grandma’s favorite Christmas cookie recipes.
Read on for our list of Grandma-approved Christmas cookies.
Brian Woodcock; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell
Prepare the cookie platters and tins, these colorful gems are the perfect addition to the holiday buffet.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
When you’re looking for the perfect way to add a hint of color to the cookie platter, these gems are it. These red velvet cookies are made with a hint of cocoa and get a touch of sweetness from the white chocolate chunks.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
The truth is, these are the cookies that the family expects to see in the cookie tin. Buttery thumbprint cookies are filled with your favorite flavored jam for the ultimate dessert.
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
It’s time to unwrap the Hershey’s kisses. Originally published in the February 1986 issue of Southern Living, this recipe will transport you to Grandma’s house in just one bite.
Zoe Denenberg, Styling: Rachel Mulcahy
Ideal for making with kids, these no-bake cookies make a fun Christmas season activity. They’re shaped into logs and cut into slices to reveal the “stained glass” on the inside.
Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
All the flavors of the traditional fruitcake but without the hours (even days) of work. Serve these cookies with a dose of nostalgia. Grandma will blush with pride.
Katie Strasberg Rousso
Made for chocolate lovers, both the batter and frosting for these drop cookies feature plenty of chocolaty goodness. They’re delicious as is, but you can also make them your own with mix-ins like nuts or mint chocolate chips.
Southern Living
Thumbprints are a classic holiday season cookie. While you could use a different flavor of jam if desired, we like the festive touch that red jam gives them.
Molly Bolton
Browning the butter is an extra step, but trust us (and Grandma) that it’s worth the time it takes. You may never make chocolate chip cookies any other way.
Hannah Zimmerman / Southern Living
With just four ingredients and easy prep work, it’s easy to see why Grandma loves this recipe. In fact, it’s probably our simplest cookie recipe ever.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Instead of grabbing a roll of premade sugar cookie dough, use this easy recipe to make them from scratch just like Grandma does. These cookies will cook quickly, so make sure to keep a close eye on them while they’re in the oven.
Micah A. Leal
Coming together from start to finish in just 30 minutes, this nostalgic cookie gets its fun shape from a cookie press. If you want to add sprinkles after baking, brush cookies with a light layer of corn syrup so they stick.
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood
Making Gingerbread Cookies from scratch is worth the time and effort needed to bake a batch. Just make sure you don’t skip the step of chilling the dough before cutting it into shapes.
Hector Manuel Sanchez
Whether you’ve been making these molasses cookies for years like Grandma or are giving them a go for the first time, these flavorful cookies are hard to mess up.
Emily Laurae
While there are some recipes she always makes completely from scratch, Grandma knows shortcuts come in handy sometimes. These cheery cookies start with a box of cake mix but still deliver maximum decadence thanks to the addition of white chocolate chips.
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
A fun treat to make for both kids and adults, these nostalgic cookies are just as cute as they are delicious. For a fun activity, every member of the family can design their own wreath.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Not only are gingersnap cookies delicious, but they’ll fill your kitchen with the scent of warm spices so it’ll smell just like Grandma’s house. Unlike many cookies, the dough doesn’t require any chilling so they’re ready in just 35 minutes.
Emily Laurae/Southern Living
Straight from Grandma’s recipe box, these nutty cookies add festive cheer to family gatherings. These slice-and-bake cookies are no less pretty than clever cutouts thanks to pecan halves and sanding sugar in holiday colors.
Joy Howard
Similar to a fruitcake, Cherry Winks are filled with fruits and nuts. The outside is then coated in cornflake cereal for a finishing crunch.
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
An old-fashioned favorite that hits all the right notes of sweet, salty, crunchy, and extra chewy.