47 Christmas Cookie Ideas for a Warm and Cozy December Afternoon

Some afternoons feel made for staying in and keeping things uncomplicated. During those moments, 47 Christmas cookie ideas offer an easy way to lean into the season. With little pressure to rush, cookies work well for casual sharing or quiet breaks. December afternoons tend to feel cozier when dessert stays simple and familiar.

Two chocolate chip cookies with nuts stacked on top of each other in close-up view. — Cowboy Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Candy Cane Cookies

Bright colors make this Candy Cane Cookies recipe a cheerful addition to any cookie tray. Their festive shape always sparks conversation as guests wonder how they’re made. Each bite carries a hint of holiday magic, perfect for giving away or keeping close. These cookies bring winter spirit with every nibble.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies

Swirled Marshmallow Cookies

Close-up of a marshmallow swirl cookie with a bite taken out, revealing its gooey interior and white filling. Other cookies are partially visible in the background. — Swirled Marshmallow Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Whimsical and sweet, this Swirled Marshmallow Cookies recipe often has people reaching for seconds. A soft texture paired with swirled sparkles brings joy to December afternoons. There’s something cozy about biting into one while the snow falls. These treats give classic comfort with a little extra fun.
Get the Recipe: Swirled Marshmallow Cookies

Cannoli Cookies

A plate of cookies topped with chopped pistachios, drizzled with chocolate, and dusted with powdered sugar. — Cannoli Cookies. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

A pastry-inspired twist, this Cannoli Cookies recipe is just right for anyone loving a touch of Italian flavor in a cookie. Crisp edges contrast with the creamy center, inviting curiosity before the first taste. People often ask for more at gatherings. These cookies make the season feel special and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Cannoli Cookies

Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

Several gingerbread cookies shaped like people, decorated with white icing and small colorful candies, are perfectly arranged on a piece of parchment paper. — Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Scented with familiar winter spices, this Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies recipe makes kitchens feel extra warm. They tend to disappear quickly when set out during holiday gatherings. Decoration is encouraged but always optional. These cookies bring a gentle nostalgia that fits perfectly with December comfort.
Get the Recipe: Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

S’mores Stuffed Cookies

A close-up of chocolate chip cookies filled with melted marshmallow, with one cookie broken open to show the gooey center. — S’mores Stuffed Cookies. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Unexpected marshmallow and chocolate pockets in this S’mores Stuffed Cookies recipe create buzz at any dessert table. Warm and gooey, they blend favorite winter flavors with cozy holiday moments. Friends tend to linger nearby, hoping for one more bite. Their surprise inside always sparks delight during December.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Stuffed Cookies

Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies

Close-up of Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies with green frosting and chocolate drizzle on top. — Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cool mint meets rich chocolate in this Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies recipe, making every bite feel festive. They’re perfect for snacking as holiday lights twinkle. People enjoy pairing these cookies with hot drinks. Their refreshingly sweet flavor is a welcome break from traditional Christmas treats.
Get the Recipe: Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies

Sweet Salted Honey Cookies

A stack of three round, golden-brown cookies with chocolate flecks and a sprinkle of salt on top, resting on a cooling rack with more cookies around them. — Sweet Salted Honey Cookies. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Balancing sweetness and a hint of salt, this Sweet Salted Honey Cookies recipe stands out among December choices. Soft texture welcomes chilly afternoons spent indoors. The flavor is gentle yet keeps people coming back for more. These cookies bring a feeling of warmth to any holiday gathering or casual evening.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Salted Honey Cookies

Adorable Snowman Cookies

Christmas cookies with cherries and icing on a baking sheet. — Adorable Snowman Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cheerful faces and playful shapes make this Adorable Snowman Cookies recipe impossible to ignore on the dessert tray. Decorating them can be a relaxing afternoon project for all. These cookies often get smiles from kids and adults alike. Their cute appearance adds instant holiday spirit to the kitchen table.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Snowman Cookies

Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies

A close-up of Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies, elegantly coated in white chocolate and adorned with colorful candy lights, red sprinkles, and chocolate pieces on top. — Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A playful spin on classic cookies comes through in this Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies recipe. Colorful decoration means each one is unique and fun to arrange. Guests marvel at how simple and creative these can be. They add instant cheer and spark conversation throughout bustling December afternoons.
Get the Recipe: Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament 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.

Fast prep means this Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars recipe is popular when time is short. People appreciate how the bars combine the best of cookies with easy serving. Rich chocolate chip pieces give the right touch of holiday cheer. Their simplicity often encourages both baking and sharing all season long.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Spiced Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies with white icing, topped with small chocolate gingerbread men and snowman decorations, arranged on parchment paper. — Spiced Vegan Gingerbread Cookies. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

With comforting spices and a soft bite, this Spiced Vegan Gingerbread Cookies recipe suits winter gatherings perfectly. The cookies offer a plant-based option without losing that December flavor. They look pretty on any plate and vanish fast at group events. Guests appreciate having a festive choice for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Butter Pecan Cookies

Close-up of several pecan cookies on a white surface, with pecan halves on top and crumbs scattered around. — Butter Pecan Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cozy and nutty, this Butter Pecan Cookies recipe is a quiet favorite among cookie collections during December. With every bite, buttery richness fills the room with warmth. People love snacking on these while sharing stories. Their inviting flavor creates a relaxed mood, perfect for cold afternoons inside.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies

Soft Vegan Sugar Cookies

Close-up of six sugar-coated cookies on parchment paper. — Soft Vegan Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Softness and sweetness meet in this Soft Vegan Sugar Cookies recipe, appealing to all ages. Decorating colorfully turns baking into a fun group activity. These cookies tend to draw in visitors hoping for a plant-based treat. They hold a special spot on cookie platters through the busy holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Soft Vegan Sugar Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Close-up of spiral cookies with red jam filling on parchment paper, reminiscent of Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies, one partially eaten and surrounded by crumbs. — Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

The comfort of childhood favorites returns in this Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie recipe. People reminisce and reach for these unique cookies first. Layers of flavor capture December happiness with every bite. Setting out these treats invites plenty of curious taste testers to gather near the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

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.

Pure chocolate lovers delight when this Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe appears on a holiday table. Extra chocolate each bite makes it hard to resist. Friends usually search out these whenever cookies are served. As afternoons stretch darker, these cookies promise simple joy and cozy moments together.
Get the Recipe: Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Festive Candy Cane Oreos

Two round cookies, one red and one white, are decorated with white icing drizzles and white sprinkles, placed on a wooden surface. — Festive Candy Cane Oreos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A splash of color brings energy to this Festive Candy Cane Oreos recipe, making it a hit at December events. Cool mint flavor meets classic richness, stirring up excitement. Guests often grab one while chatting beside twinkling tree lights. These treats make each gathering feel just a little bit more magical.
Get the Recipe: Festive Candy Cane Oreos

Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Close up image of lemon blueberry muffin cookies on a wooden board. — Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bright and fresh, this Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies recipe brings a surprising twist to winter snacking. Bites burst with fruit flavor, offering something special to cookie trays. People often ask what makes them so unique. They are welcome on December afternoons that need a little lift in flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies

A close-up of a plate, filled with multiple golden-brown chocolate chip cookies. — Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

For gatherings with varied diets, this Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe makes an easy fit. Chocolate chips and soft texture appeal to both young and old. Anyone looking for a reliable cookie opts for these time after time. They’re especially popular when sharing treats with different groups in December.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft Marry Me Cookies

A stack of four chocolate chip cookies, with the top cookie partly broken, next to a metal container and a ceramic bowl on a light surface. — Soft Marry Me Cookies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Romance and fun enter the kitchen thanks to this Soft Marry Me Cookies recipe. The name alone gets plenty of questions at parties. Softness and warmth invite people to linger just a little longer around the cookie platter. These cookies bring stories and laughter into even the quietest December afternoons.
Get the Recipe: Soft Marry Me 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.

A snowy powdered coating marks this Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies recipe, helping it stand out among darker treats. The crackled look sparks curiosity before the first bite. Each cookie is tender and rich, perfect for cozying up by the fire. Guests commonly reach for these while sharing holiday memories.
Get the Recipe: Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies

Close-up of spiral lemon poppy seed cookies drizzled with white icing and garnished with lemon zest. — Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Inviting scent meets gentle tang in this Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies recipe. Baked with tea lovers in mind, the flavor wraps up December afternoons in comfort. These are often paired with favorite hot drinks during relaxed gatherings. The cookies always add an elegant touch without extra fuss or effort.
Get the Recipe: Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies

Buttery Shortbread Cookies

Close-up view of a pile of Shortbread Cookies with visible small holes on the surface. — Buttery Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Soft crumb and rich flavor define this Buttery Shortbread Cookies recipe. The classic style suits every holiday tray, prompting simple enjoyment from anyone who tries them. Their smooth texture is gentle yet memorable. These cookies often become the quiet stars of the afternoon table during busy December weeks.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Shortbread Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies

A delectable close-up of a Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookie, crowned with a swirl of rich chocolate frosting, resting on a pristine white surface. — Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Deep cocoa richness sets this Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies recipe apart in any tray line-up. The cake-like softness is a cozy surprise during chilly December get-togethers. Chocolate lovers gather close for another taste. Boasting a hint of decadence, these cookies are a favorite for afternoon sharing.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies

Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

Three Santa Claus whoopie pies on a baking sheet. — Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Lively decorations and soft filling give this Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies recipe a playful edge. Kids and adults alike return for seconds, drawn by the cheery design. These treats often lead to mini-photo sessions at the dessert table. They help make the holiday season brighter and full of surprises.
Get the Recipe: Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging

Four Christmas tree-shaped cookies with powdered sugar on a wooden board, decorated with red and white string. — Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

These Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging recipe ideas are as fun to display as they are to eat. Kids love getting creative with decorations, turning snack time into craft time. The cookies often spark holiday conversations. Hang a few on the tree for a unique touch during cold December afternoons.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging

Ginger Bread House

Craft and snack merge with this Ginger Bread House recipe, bringing out creativity on any afternoon. Assembly gets everyone involved, filling time with laughter and little stories. These houses become charming centerpieces that smell as good as they look. Each bite carries a taste of tradition and togetherness.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Bread House

Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies

The striking appearance of this Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies recipe commands attention on any dessert plate. Red velvet flavor is a classic holiday favorite for people wanting something rich and unique. Guests always want to know the secret behind their bold color. These cookies sing with December cheer.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies

Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos

Colorful ladybug-themed cookies with red tops and chocolate bases, decorated with googly eyes, sit on a bed of rainbow paper shreds. — Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Playful decoration sets this Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos recipe apart from classic Christmas offerings. Kids gravitate toward these, making dessert tables far more exciting. The fun shapes create instant stories at gatherings. They’re the cookies people remember long after the holiday afternoon ends.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos

Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Swirls and a hint of comforting spice make this Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies recipe ideal for chilly afternoons. Guests often reach for more, tempted by the inviting aroma near the cookie tray. Each cookie brings a cozy peace to busy December days. Their gentle warmth complements every casual snack time perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

This Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe blends old-fashioned comfort with a crowd-pleasing twist. The familiar texture invites group snacking as the afternoon wind sweeps by. Friends often look for these among the spread. They’re the kind of cookies that make sharing stories and laughter easier.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

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.

Lovingly arranged, this Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies recipe creates instant smiles and warmth at the dessert table. Their cheerful shapes make them perfect for gifting or sharing with friends. Children enjoy helping decorate, adding a personal touch. Every bite brings a little extra love to December gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Heart Shaped 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.

This Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies recipe delivers the comfort of a winter mug in every bite. The cookies fit right beside steaming drinks as snow flurries gather at the window. People tend to save one for later, hoping for a cozy evening treat. Each mouthful feels extra special during the busy holiday pace.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies

Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

Reindeer cookie pops in a cup. — Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Lively and fun, this Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops recipe makes holiday trays anything but ordinary. Kids beam when spotting these playful pops among traditional picks. Sharing them often turns into an entertaining moment for guests. These cookies always add a splash of excitement to December afternoons indoors.
Get the Recipe: Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

Fast, simple, and inviting, this No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies recipe suits active December days without sacrificing flavor. The no-bake method means quick prep for busy schedules. People often grab a handful while chatting. Sweet, nutty richness matches perfectly with winter traditions and casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Christmas tree shaped cookies on a baking sheet. — Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sparkling decorations brighten this Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies recipe, perfect for the center of any holiday dessert table. Kids take pride in their creative designs, turning cookie trays into festive displays. Each bite brings laughter and joy to quiet afternoons. Sharing these cookies feels like giving happiness.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Soft Lemon Cookies

A stack of lemon cookies on a cooling rack. — Soft Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Light and bright, this Soft Lemon Cookies recipe delivers a hint of citrus on cold December days. The gentle flavor complements richer treats, offering something fresh. Cookie platters look more inviting with these nestled in. People often search them out for a change on winter afternoons.
Get the Recipe: Soft Lemon Cookies

Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies

Three peanut butter sandwich cookies are stacked, with the top cookie showing a large bite taken out. Crumbs and cookie pieces are scattered on a parchment-lined surface. — Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The crisp snap in this Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies recipe makes it a fun addition to any seasonal spread. People love tasting the unique blend that’s both sweet and spiced. Sandwiching the cookies adds extra texture. These offer surprises amid classic options, gathering fans with every December afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies

Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter

Three sugar cookies stacked on top of each other. — Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Perfect for those looking for easy swaps, this Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter recipe stands out among classic choices. The cookies keep their gentle flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth feel. People appreciate having an alternative for sharing. Guests enjoy reaching for these as December afternoons grow colder.
Get the Recipe: Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter

Fun Cookie Monster Cookies

Close-up of a stack of vibrant blue Cookie Monster cookies with Oreo centers and chocolate chips. The cookies are cracked open, revealing the Oreo cookies inside. — Fun Cookie Monster Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Laughs and excitement fill the room when this Fun Cookie Monster Cookies recipe appears on a cookie plate. Children gravitate to the playful design, eager to point out every detail. These treats spark conversations and create lasting memories. Their bold look makes any holiday gathering feel a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Fun Cookie Monster Cookies

Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Green cookies topped with powdered sugar and red, green, and white candy shapes resembling trees and candy canes. — Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Grinch-inspired flair brings a pop of color to this Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies recipe on a gray December afternoon. Unexpected sweetness wins over those looking for something out of the ordinary. Cookie trays come alive with these cheerful bites. Guests usually ask for the story behind these fun cookies.
Get the Recipe: Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies

A group of cookies decorated with icing and snowflakes. — Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Beautiful designs on this Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies recipe turn snack time into an art show. Both young and old participate, crafting personalized treats during quiet afternoons. Every tray becomes more colorful and inviting. These cookies help build warm, creative memories throughout the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies

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.

The inviting aroma from this Soft Peanut Butter Cookies recipe fills the kitchen with warmth. Each cookie feels gentle and comforting, perfect for low-key December gatherings. People lean in for seconds, loving the familiar flavor. These treats suit any afternoon craving for something rich and soft.
Get the Recipe: Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Easy Whoopie Pie

Chocolate whoopie pies with cream and powdered sugar. — Easy Whoopie Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When there’s limited time, this Easy Whoopie Pie recipe delivers quick sweetness with a creamy center. Holiday parties become more fun as guests notice these handy little treats. Their soft texture adds to the relaxed atmosphere. Sharing these cookies makes cold afternoons brighter and more delicious.
Get the Recipe: Easy Whoopie Pie

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.

Cookie plates aren’t complete without this Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe for classic comfort. The cookies boast a gooey texture, making them popular on chilly afternoons. Guests linger near the dessert table, hoping to grab one before they’re gone. This treat feels like home with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies

A festive cookie stack resembling a Christmas tree, decorated with green frosting and pink and white edible pearls. — Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Stackable shapes create a fun centerpiece in this Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies recipe. People enjoy building their own edible trees, making dessert time interactive. Decorating each layer adds color and excitement. These treats gather attention and set the mood for cheerful December afternoons.
Get the Recipe: Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies

Soft Strawberry Cookies

Stacks of strawberry cookies, one with a bite taken out, are arranged next to a glass of milk and whole strawberries. — Soft Strawberry Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Gentle pink hues brighten any cookie plate thanks to this Soft Strawberry Cookies recipe. Their sweet aroma draws in curious snackers looking for something new. People appreciate the change from classic flavors. These cookies offer something playful and charming for holiday afternoons.
Get the Recipe: Soft Strawberry Cookies

Cowboy Cookies

A bit of everything finds its way into this Cowboy Cookies recipe, making each bite different from the next. Hearty texture makes these cookies perfect for sharing around the fireplace. Friends enjoy guessing each flavor as they snack. The treat brings casual comfort to every December get-together.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cookies