11 December Cookies That Feel Like the Start of the Holiday Season

So many folks turn to 11 December cookie recipes when the holidays begin to feel close and family plans are coming together. Baking is an easy way to settle in after a long day and enjoy a seasonal treat. Everyone appreciates a plate of cookies at gatherings or quiet evenings. Keeping things low-key lets you feel the holiday vibe without much fuss.

Close-up of several stacks of thumbprint cookies filled with red jam, with one cookie in the foreground showing a bite taken out.
Thumb Print Cookie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

A hand holding a chocolate chip cookie on a cooling rack.
Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A fresh batch of homemade cookies tends to disappear faster than any other sweet at a holiday cookie exchange. Friends gather around these Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, each looking for that gooey bite straight from the middle. Simple treats like these never lose their magic. The familiar smell alone means December has truly arrived.
Get the Recipe: Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

A close-up image shows a stack of four chocolate crinkle cookies covered in powdered sugar, revealing their cracked texture.
Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crackly tops dusted in sugar always get plenty of attention at Christmas gatherings. Passing around these Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies brings grins and plenty of requests for seconds. The soft, fudgy center stands out from the rest. Fun-shaped cookies like these remind everyone why baking is better in winter.
Get the Recipe: Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

A stack of chocolate cookies with a bottle of milk in the background on a white surface.
Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Chocolate lovers light up every time a double chocolate cookie finds its way to the cookie tray. With these Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies, there’s always talk about just how chocolaty a cookie can get. One bite leaves no doubt these are a December must-have. Double the chocolate always means double the fun, especially during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies

Twisted red and white candy cane cookies dusted with powdered sugar, surrounded by decorative snowflake and tree-shaped sprinkles.
Candy Cane Cookies. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Swirled cookies shaped into twists capture the cheerful energy of the winter season. Folks can’t help but admire these Candy Cane Cookies before snagging one for themselves. The playful design makes them stand out on a crowded dessert table. Festive shapes keep the holiday spirit bright and merry.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies

Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

A close-up of several oatmeal cookies stacked and scattered on parchment paper, with one cookie broken in half to show the inside texture.
Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

The combination of oats and pumpkin sets a cozy tone for cookie swaps in December. I’ve noticed these Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies quickly wins fans once people try something a little different. Their soft centers and warm flavor suit chilly evenings perfectly. Pumpkin treats truly make the holidays more memorable.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies

A close-up of a chocolate cookie with chocolate chips and small white marshmallows on top.
Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Nothing feels quite as comforting as a cookie inspired by your favorite holiday drink. People always ask about these Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies, pointing out how every bite feels like a mug of cocoa. The chocolatey flavor and hint of warmth pair best with snowy nights. Winter cookies should taste as comforting as hot chocolate.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies

Warm Spiced Apple Cookies

Close-up of three stacked cookies topped with a chunky fruit filling and a sprinkle of crumbs, placed near an apple.
Warm Spiced Apple Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Apples with a dusting of spice bring warmth to even the coldest December get-togethers. Anyone who samples these Warm Spiced Apple Cookies comes back for another as the aroma fills the kitchen. Each chewy bite sends happy signals of holiday cheer. Spiced treats help every celebration carry a comforting note.
Get the Recipe: Warm Spiced Apple Cookies

Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies

Heart-shaped cookies partially dipped in red icing, decorated with pink, white, and silver sprinkles, including stars and hearts, scattered on a white surface.
Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cute shapes bring smiles and spark sharing around any plate of cookies. As soon as I lay out these Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies, people pause to admire their happy appearance. Each sweet bite is perfect for December parties and silly holiday moments. Fun cookies spread love right along with sugar.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies

Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Close-up of three stacked blondies with chocolate chips, resembling cake mix chocolate chip cookie bars, one of which has a bite taken out of it.
Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

No-fuss bars cut into perfect squares make the holiday dessert table a lot more interesting. The first time you serve these Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, expect many questions about just how simple they really are to bake. Each piece has just the right balance of chewy and sweet. Bar cookies help busy bakers stay merry all season.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Close-up of a classic peanut butter cookie with the iconic crisscross pattern on top, nestled among a delightful batch of similar peanut butter cookies.
Soft Peanut Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Peanut butter brings familiar comfort and a cozy aroma to holiday baking sprees. These Soft Peanut Butter Cookies is always a favorite, especially with its melt-in-your-mouth texture. Everyone at the exchange recognizes them before even tasting. Comforting flavors keep the holidays grounded in tradition.
Get the Recipe: Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Thumb Print Cookie

Close-up of several stacks of thumbprint cookies filled with red jam, with one cookie in the foreground showing a bite taken out.
Thumb Print Cookie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Holiday trays look extra inviting with rows of cookies filled with colorful centers. Guests love digging into this Thumb Print Cookie, picking their favorite filling from the assortment. The playful shape is hard to resist and easy to share. These sweet thumbprints make everyone at the party feel included.
Get the Recipe: Thumb Print Cookie

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