There’s no such thing as too much at Christmas, so we gathered our favorite recipes to stuff you to the gills with tasty holiday treats for gift exchanges, office holiday parties, school celebrations, and family gatherings.
With literally dozens of recipes perfect for the holiday season—from classic cookies to giftable bars to delectable bites—they are sure to satisfy every sweet tooth. They also span a range of skill levels, cooking times, and ingredients, making it a breeze to find just the right treat for you.
The real challenge here is picking just one treat to bake this season, but who says you can only choose one? You’re bound to find a handful to enjoy (and share, if you want), so set up some Christmas movies on Netflix, tie up your apron, and get baking. You’ll probably find that filling your cookie jar is a whole lot easier than checking off your list of Christmas gifts.
Sparkling Gingerbread Stars
Fred Hardy
Who says gingerbread cookies can only be shaped like people? These stunning gingerbread stars are dipped in a glaze and then sprinkled with sparkling sugar, giving them a truly stellar look. Expect notes of cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves in each delightful cookie.
Superthick Chocolate Chip Cookies
Greg DuPree Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
Leave these cookies out for Santa and he’ll undoubtedly be back next year for seconds. You might just find this chocolate chip cookie recipe to be your new go-to. Serve warm with a glass of cold milk for a delicious holiday treat.
Pistachio and White Chocolate Cookie Bark
Fred Hardy
Chocolate bark is a holiday favorite, and this version is no exception. This snow-like treat boasts a pistachio cookie base that’s topped with white chocolate studded with pistachio and freeze-dried raspberry pieces. If those festive toppings don’t sound appealing, experiment with others. Sprinkles, coconut flakes, or chopped dried fruit would also work well here.
Hazelnut Macaroon Thumbprints
Fred Hardy
Part macaroon and part thumbprint cookie, these confections are ideal for Hanukkah, but would also feel quite at home in any cookie spread. Each one sports a Nutella center that’s surrounded by a base that includes finely chopped hazelnuts and coconut. Speaking of coconut, go ahead and use it as a topping to tie the whole dessert together.
Brown Butter Jam Tarts
Fred Hardy
Tired of holiday cookies? Try these holiday tarts instead. These individual desserts feature a brown butter cookie shell that contrasts beautifully with the juicy and sweet strawberry jam in the center. When baking, use muffin liners. That way, each tart will be easy to remove from the muffin pan when ready.
Cranberry Citrus Bars
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Emily Hall
Packed with bold cranberry flavor and just a hint of citrus zest, these bars make for the perfect balance of sweet and tart. A shortcut sugar cookie crust saves time in the kitchen while adding a caramelized depth to the dessert. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars are as delicious as they are beautiful.
Chai-Flavored Snowball Cookies
Fred Hardy
Since these masala chai-inspired cookies are loaded with warm spices, they’re the perfect winter indulgence. Each colorful cookie is spiced with cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. The vibrant exterior is courtesy of gel food coloring and plenty of powdered sugar for a snowy look.
Mint Chocolate Cookie Bars
Fred Hardy
If you love the combination of mint and chocolate, these flavorful cookie bars are for you. In this recipe, a chocolatey and fudgy cookie sandwiches peppermint candy-flecked buttercream, and the whole thing is topped with a luscious chocolate ganache. We’re making these ASAP!
Chocolate Peppermint Shortbreads
Johnny Miller
Double chocolate plus peppermint? That’s a recipe for holiday cookie success! This one spikes cocoa-infused shortbread dough with just a hint of peppermint extract. Serve with hot cocoa or eggnog for a festive pairing.
Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Emily Hall
Transform classic red velvet cake mix into rich, soft cookies with this simple recipe, complete with an irresistible white chocolate cream cheese filling. Whether you’re whipping these up for your holiday cookie platter or just a fun baking project, these sandwich cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Chocolate-Peppermint Cookies
Romulo Yanes
Don’t feel like baking but still want to serve something homemade? These no-bake cookies are just the thing. Even better, you can make them a day ahead.
Gingerbread Men and Women
Romulo Yanes
A holiday cookie platter just isn’t the same without a few cheerful gingerbread people. While almost too cute too eat, their ginger, cinnamon, and molasses flavors make it hard to stop nibbling.
Pine Nut Drops
Jennifer Causey
Not lucky enough to have an Italian grandmother? These classic Italian cookies—which are easy, fun to make, and don’t require a lot of ingredients—will make any nonna’s holiday table proud.
The Best Sugar Cookie
Caitlin Bensel
This classic recipe will satisfy all your holiday-cookie-decorating wants and needs. These not-too-sweet treats hold up to decorative icing, but are incredibly satisfying all on their own.
Chocolate Linzer Cookies
Caitlin Bensel
These sandwich cookies not only look bakery-worthy, they’re totally delicious. Make them your go-to gifting cookie for the holiday season and you’re sure to win rave reviews.
Mini S’mores Cookie Cups
Grace Elkus
A campfire favorite meets Christmas in these these tiny treats. We stacked a Hershey’s kiss atop a warm, gooey marshmallow set on a graham cracker cookie crust to create this ultimate one-bite s’more.
Cardamom Bun Cookies
Caitlin Bensel
Descendants of Swedish cardamom buns, these pinwheel cookies are reminiscent of a cinnamon roll but have a cardamom kick. A sweet cream-cheese glaze takes these bites over the top in appearance and flavor.
Peppermint Checkerboard Cookies
What starts with a simple sugar-cookie dough ends up as a treat for your eyes and sweet tooth. Easier to make than you think, they’ll wow everyone at the cookie swap and at home.
Jam Sandwich Cookies
Raymond Hom
A dusting of powdered sugar atop these buttery, jam-filled cookies creates a beautiful wintry effect.
Apple Rugelach
Victor Protasio
These make-ahead rugelach, which originated among Jewish communities in Poland, are equally festive at a Hanukkah spread or Christmas buffet. For variety, swap the apple filling with other jams like apricot, peach, or raspberry.
Break and Bake Kitchen Sink Cookies
This is essentially an oatmeal cookie on steroids, but what we love about it is you can mix up the mix-ins to suit the occasion (or your pantry). Since it’s the holidays, we suggest dried cranberries, chopped peppermint candies, or pecans (with chocolate, of course!).
Chocolate Banana Bites
Getty Images
This four-ingredient, no-bake, no-guilt treat features just chocolate, banana, almond butter, and a little salt. The hardest part about making them is waiting for them to harden in the freezer.
Salty Coffee Toffee Bars
Gift these gorgeous toffee bars in glass jars, clear candy bags, or include them in a cookie box. They’re sure to bring joy.
Chickpea “Cookie Dough” Bites
Victor Protasio
Rolled oats and canned chickpeas form the basis of these spicy no-bake bites. Mix in pecans, cinnamon, and molasses for a whole-grain treat you can feel good about.
Marshmallow and Chocolate Shortbread Slices
Caitlin Bensel
A cross between a cookie and a candy bar, these fancy-looking sweets are surprisingly easy to make. Their secret ingredient: apricot preserves.
No-Bake Almond Butter Thumbprints
Jen Causey
The “no-bake” makes these easy, the strawberry jam makes them Christmas-y, and their secret ingredient (crushed pretzels!) makes them irresistible.
Chocolate Chip Pecan Blondies
Greg DuPree
These blonde beauties have just the right combination of sugar, chocolate chips, and vanilla for an extra-sweet flavor, as well as pecans (or walnuts) for texture. They’re destined to please a crowd, unless you prefer to keep them for yourself.
Dark Chocolate Coconut Tartlets
Jennifer Causey
Pull out the mini-muffin pan to make these delightful treats. They’re shredded-coconut crusts filled with a nut-butter-and-chocolate mixture topped with flakey salt. Delish!
Lemony Almond Macaroons
Ellen Silverman
We dressed up our chewy coconut macaroons for the holidays with grated lemon zest, and then added sliced almonds for a nice crunch.
Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Men
Hector Sanchez
Get your cookie cutters and piping bags out, because it’s time to bake these Christmas classics. Don’t forget to make some gingerbread women, too!
Raspberry-Almond Linzer Cookies
Victor Schrager
These little jam-filled sandwich cookies originated in Austria in the 1600s, and are still a popular Christmas treat around the world. They provide a wonderful excuse to use those cute holiday-themed cookie cutters.
Chewy Spice Cookies
Victor Schrager
Ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper ensure there’s plenty of warm, complex flavors in these classic chewy cookies.
Angeletti Cookies
Victor Schrager
These adorable Italian classics have been around a long time, but don’t expect them to last long at your house. They’re part shortbread, part sugar cookie, and totally amazing.
Chocolate Crinkles
Greg DuPree
Chocolate crinkle cookies are a decadently fudge-centric holiday tradition. Sprinkle with powdered sugar to evoke a dusting of Christmas snow.
Churros With Chocolate Sauce
Caitlin Bensel
Think there’s nothing better than a cinnamon-sugar churro? How about a homemade churro dipped in a three-ingredient chocolate ganache? I think we’re done here.
Pumpkin Cream Sandwiches
Beatriz da Costa
If you’re not over pumpkin flavor by Christmastime, whip up a batch of these to go with your pumpkin spice latte.
Tahini S’mores Blondies
Antonis Achilleos
Tahini is the secret ingredient in these bars, which marry two decadent desserts: blondies and s’mores. We love the combination of crisp edges and a soft center, which is studded with graham cracker crumbs, chunks of bittersweet chocolate, and gooey marshmallow
Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies
Antonis Achilleos
Want a little bit of good-for-you in your goodies? These delicious carrot cake cookies feature oats, carrots, and coconut, sandwiched with a rich cream cheese frosting.
Malted Chocolate Brownies
Victor Protasio
Adding the crunch of malted milk balls to chewy, gooey brownies? Pure genius! Watch this disappear from any cookie swap you bring it to.
Sweet Tahini and Date Truffles
Victor Protasio
The secret to these decadent truffles? They’re actually mostly made of fruit and other healthy ingredients. Dates, almond flour, and tahini are blended and rolled into balls, then dipped into chocolate.
Lemon Pistachio Bars
Antonis Achilleos
The classic citrusy delight gets a little extra crunch and flavor from a pistachio crust and a sprinkle of ground pistachios for garnish. If you’re looking for a gluten-free sweet for the holidays, this is the perfect choice.
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Victor Protasio
This festive cheesecake bars feature a more sophisticated strawberry flavor, thanks to roasting strawberries and using freeze-dried as well. The salty pretzel crust keeps the whole thing from getting too sweet.
Marshmallow Popcorn Bars
John Kernick
Fluffy popcorn and marshmallow combine for a tweak on the classic crispy rice treat that’ll make a fast-and-easy holiday treat to share.
Hazelnut Swirl Brownies
Greg DuPree
If you’re looking for a holiday dessert that travels well—and tastes divine—these hazelnut swirl blondies should be top of the list. Simply swirl hazelnut spread into the blondie batter, and sprinkle with flaked sea salt to give it that perfect salty-sweet vibe.
Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Emily Hall
Layered with fudgy brownies, creamy peppermint cheesecake, and a glossy chocolate ganache, these peppermint cheesecake brownies are a holiday dream come true. Perfect for holiday cookie plates or dessert tables, these brownies are sure to be a festive favorite.
Cranberry, Chocolate, and Almond Biscotti
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Emily Hall
Cranberries, almonds, and rich chocolate elevate this biscotti to festive perfection, while using a store-bought white cake mix keeps them wonderfully simple to prepare. They’re ideal for dunking into your favorite hot drinks or even for sharing as a thoughtful holiday gift.
Cinnamon Maple Twists
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Emily Hall
These flaky, bakery-style twists are both stunning and simple. A cinnamon-sugar walnut filling adds rich flavor, while the maple glaze gives them a glossy, irresistible finish. Perfect for brunches, holiday gatherings, or just as a quick snack, these twists will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Cannoli Cookie Cups
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Emily Hall
It’s time to reinvent the cannoli with these chocolate chip cookie cups, baked to a chewy perfection and filled with creamy ricotta. A hint of almond extract and lemon zest brings a nostalgic flavor, while garnishes of pistachios and chocolate chips make them utterly irresistible. With no frying required, these easy-to-make holiday treats are sure to be a hit at your next celebration.
Slice-and-Bake Lemon Shortbread
Victor Schrager
This buttery cookie gets a lift from lemon zest and a final sprinkle of coarse sugar gives them extra shine and texture.
Raspberry S’mores
James Baigrie
This layered treat takes the campfire favorite to a whole new level with fresh raspberries. Just swap the campfire for your oven’s broiler setting or toaster oven.
Caramel Apple Hand Pies
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Emily Hall
Store-bought pie crust makes these hand pies simple and easy to prepare while still delivering bakery-level results. A Christmas tree shape filled with caramel cinnamon apples make for the perfect dessert to share with friends and family during the holidays.
Peanut Butter Cookies
Victor Schrager
You can’t beat the classics when it comes to cookies. And who doesn’t love the traditional peanut butter cookie, with its signature criss-cross pattern? The best part? You can whip up a batch in under half an hour.
Coconut Macaroons
José Picayo
With just five ingredients, you can whip up these chewy flourless cookies in 35 minutes. Perfect for gift-giving!
Simple Sugar Cookies
Levi Brown
Yes, it’s another sugar cookie recipe, but can you ever have too many sugar cookies? Cut out and decorate these basic-but-tasty cookies any way you please.
Cashew Gingersnaps
Levi Brown
This recipe calls for adding cashews and candied ginger to a gingersnap cookie batter, which brings these tasty morsels a nutty crunch and extra-spicy kick.