In this collection of traditional Christmas cookie recipes, we’re sticking with beloved favorites and even classics with a twist we guarantee all your guests and family will truly enjoy. Pick any of these time-honored cookies to make and give over the holiday season—they’re perfect for sharing, and a wonderful way to bring cheer to the ones we love. Happy baking!
Sugar Cookie Cutouts
Nothing says “Christmas” quite like a versatile basic sugar cookie dough. This tried-and-true recipe can be rolled and cut out into any shape and decorated with colorful frosting.
Noel Nut Balls
Joseph De Leo
For our Noel Nut Balls, we use Martha’s family recipe which calls for pecans and contains a touch of bourbon or fresh orange juice. Whatever you use, we guarantee these diminutive treats will look like sweet snowballs every time.
Honey-Spice Gingerbread Cookies
Sang An
Cutout gingerbread cookies made with honey-spice dough are spectacular when dusted with sanding sugar on top of freshly piped icing. It gives the impression of new-fallen snow. We added some dark chocolate cutout cookies here too for their contrasting shade—and because chocolate works so well with ginger.
Peppermint Spritz Cookies
Louise Hagger
For some, it’s just not Christmas without spritz cookies. If you’re in that camp, we’ve got you covered with these peppermint-glazed cookies made using your trusty cookie press.
Anise Pizzelle
Mike Krautter
These thin, waffle-like cookies hail from the Italian region of Abruzzo. They get their intricate shape from a special pizzelle iron. Originally the plates of these irons had family crests embossed on them, but nowadays you’ll find them with geometric, floral, or even snowflake patterns.
Chocolate-Espresso Snowcaps
Chewy mocha cookies that look like little snow-covered mountains are a Christmas classic.
Fruitcake Shortbread
Simple embellishments—in this case, boozy dried fruit—send a classic cookie over the top. Stick with a classic shortbread recipe and mix in dried figs, pineapple, strawberries, and kiwi to create a visually enticing treat.
Meyer-Lemon Shortbread Wreath Cookies
Mikkel Vang
They tick all the necessary traditional boxes but the flavors have of these pretty wreath cookies been updated. Meyer lemons add their sweet, citrus perfume and rosemary brings a woodsy note.
Finnish Star Cookies
Mike Krautter
These favorite Finnish cookies, joulutorttu, are made with a rich, pliable dough that uses cream cheese. It’s folded to make a simple star shape. Use your favorite jam in the center, bright colors are best.
Thumbprint Cookies
Joseph De Leo
A dollop of apricot, red currant, or red raspberry jam fills the center of these traditional almond-flavored Christmas cookies.
Chewy Molasses-Spice Cookies
The holidays wouldn’t be the same without a comforting, chewy molasses cookie with just the right amount of spice and warmth.
Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
While these aren’t the same as the German cookies Zimsterne (which are light and almond-dough-based), ours pay homage to that distinctive cinnamon flavor. This version also works for cut-out and decorated cookies.
Pfeffernussen
Mike Krautter
The snowy sugar surface of these pfeffernussen contrasts with the peppery flavor that defines this traditional German cookie.
Martha’s Speculaas Cookies
Mike Krautter
You’ll need specially designed springerle molds to shape the fragrant spiced dough for these traditional Dutch cookies.
Rum Balls
Break a batch of brownies into bits, mix with dark rum, and roll into balls, then coat them with sparkling sugar to make this delicious holiday treat.
Cranberry-Pistachio Cornmeal Biscotti
Italian delicatessen Biscotti makes an excellent gift—along with a pound of your favorite coffee for dunking. But this specific combo—cranberry and pistachio—is as colorful and festive as it is delicious.
Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies
Joseph De Leo
A combination of fresh and ground ginger, molasses, and chunks of semisweet chocolate makes these egg-free cookies just irresistible. They’re sophisticated enough for adults yet still chocolaty enough for children.
Linzer Flower Cookies
Mike Krautter
Based on the famous Linzer torte, these classic cookies combine the classic nutty and fruity elements but in a smaller package.