47 Christmas Cookies That Taste Like Pure Holiday Nostalgia

Finding just the right dessert for festive gatherings steps up with any of these 47 Christmas cookies anyone can share. Friends, coworkers, and neighbors all appreciate a homemade treat during seasonal parties or potlucks. After long days or cozy nights, cookies bring joy that always feels familiar.

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.

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.

Biting into this Cannoli Cookies recipe captures all the cozy magic of the holidays. People often talk about that classic aroma filling the kitchen. There’s a hint of excitement with each bite, especially once the sweet filling reveals itself. Holiday cookie plates always seem a little brighter with these.
Get the Recipe: Cannoli 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.

Playfulness meets winter wonder in this Swirled Marshmallow Cookies recipe. That soft, pillowy swirl brings back snow day memories every time. Shimmering sugar on top catches the light perfectly on any cookie platter. Kids and grownups alike always ask what makes these so irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Swirled Marshmallow Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies

Crisp edges and that iconic peppermint scent let this Candy Cane Cookies recipe feel like pure holiday cheer. Stripes of red and white twist into whimsical shapes that draw everyone in. People linger around the cookie plate just to get another look. Each bite makes the spirit of the season even sweeter.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane 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.

Warmth radiates from this Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies recipe with each soft bite. The delicious mix of spices holds nostalgic magic, making kitchens smell unforgettable every year. Shaping and decorating them sparks plenty of laughs. Sharing these cookies always becomes a favorite memory for guests.
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.

Campfire stories move indoors with this S’mores Stuffed Cookies recipe. Everything that’s fun about s’mores is packed right inside each chewy cookie. As soon as someone takes a bite, the gooey surprise always earns smiles. They tend to vanish before any leftovers can be wrapped up.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Stuffed Cookies

Adorable Snowman Cookies

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

Whimsy and holiday spirit meet in this Adorable Snowman Cookies recipe. Every little face brings a smile, looking almost too cute to eat. Guests can’t help reaching for these treats, charmed by their playful shapes. Placing them on the dessert table is like adding joy to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Snowman 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.

Golden, fragrant, and just a touch salty, this Sweet Salted Honey Cookies recipe brings together memories of comfort and warmth. Each cookie offers a delicate balance that hints at something unforgettable. Friends often ask what makes them so special. A batch rarely makes it past the first evening.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Salted Honey Cookies

Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes

Rudolph cupcakes featuring swirled frosting, candy eyes, a red candy nose, and pretzel antlers mimic the playful charm of a reindeer. — Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Holiday tables light up with this Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes recipe. Each cute face seems to look back, complete with bright red noses. These treats never fail to spark conversation and a sense of wonder. Placing them among the cookies turns ordinary trays into something magical.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes

Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

A close-up of several chocolate chip cookies on parchment paper, with one cookie broken in half to show the chocolate chips inside. — Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Autumn’s coziness stretches into winter with this Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe. The blend of pumpkin and chocolate brings a gentle sweetness that everyone loves. Cookie swaps become even more exciting when these make an appearance. Guests come back to the dessert table just for another one.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Enjoy our chocolate cherry cookies, each topped with a swirl of rich chocolate frosting and a vibrant red cherry. — Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Dramatic flavors shine in this Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies recipe. The combination of chocolate and cherries is perfect for anyone craving something bold. Guests don’t tend to forget the first bite, sharing whispers of approval around the table. This batch will stand out on any holiday platter.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

Close-up of a frosted cookie with a bite taken out, sprinkled with cinnamon, on a parchment surface. — Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bakery-inspired treats become simple with this Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies recipe. The aroma of caramel and pumpkin is enough to draw interest from across the room. Guests often try to guess what makes them stand out. You’ll likely need a second batch once the first disappears.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin 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.

Comfort comes in cookie form with this Soft Peanut Butter Cookies recipe. Its nutty scent always draws people in for a taste of nostalgia. A gentle softness makes every bite easy to love. Dealing with leftovers isn’t usually a concern—these vanish fast.
Get the Recipe: Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Chewy Vegan Amaretti Cookies

A white cup of coffee on a saucer sits next to several powdered sugar cookies on a pink cloth, with one cookie partially eaten. — Chewy Vegan Amaretti Cookies. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Almond lovers find delight in this Chewy Vegan Amaretti Cookies recipe, which offers a whole new twist on tradition. Its chewy texture becomes a conversation starter. The delicate flavor profile pairs well with holiday tea and cocoa. Vegan guests especially appreciate a festive cookie they can enjoy, too.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Vegan Amaretti 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.

Holiday fun and color burst from this Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies recipe. These playful decorated cookies look almost like they belong on a tree. Guests pause to appreciate their charm before reaching for one. Sweetness and delight come together in every bite.
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.

Quick fixes sometimes win the holidays, like with this Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars recipe. A tray bakes up in no time, filling the house with a welcoming aroma. Cutting into the bars is half the fun, revealing generous chocolate bits. Cookie exchanges just got a little simpler.
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.

Classic spices shine in this Spiced Vegan Gingerbread Cookies recipe without any animal products required. The scent of cinnamon and ginger creates a mood that feels both traditional and inclusive. A festive cookie plate seems complete with these additions. Everyone gets to share in the tasty holiday spirit.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Vegan Gingerbread 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.

Playful colors make this Festive Candy Cane Oreos recipe a standout on every dessert tray. The familiar crunch of Oreo meets cheerful peppermint flair. People enjoy both the look and the taste, often reaching for a second before finishing the first. These cookies quickly become conversation pieces at parties.
Get the Recipe: Festive Candy Cane Oreos

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.

Love and holiday cheer mix beautifully in this Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies recipe. The gentle shape and sparkling sugar topping draw plenty of attention. Sharing these treats feels like a small way to spread happiness. Cookie tins never look quite as inviting without them.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies

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.

Decorations double as dessert with this Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging recipe. The classic tree shape and dangling ribbon become the talk of the room. Kids and adults enjoy snacking on ornaments after admiring their display. It’s a clever way to bring fun to both decorating and enjoying cookies.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging

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.

Holiday sweets take a fruity turn with this Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies recipe. Each cookie offers a cheerful burst of citrus brightened by juicy blueberries. This flavor is unexpected on a December table, drawing curiosity from guests. Sharing these cookies often sparks questions about the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin 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.

Whimsical touches pop up in this Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos recipe. Red and black colors make every cookie look like a tiny work of art. Smiles quickly follow once these cookies appear at the table. Kids, especially, ask if they’re too cute to eat—before reaching for one anyway.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos

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.

Layers of cookie bring a new dimension to this Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies recipe. The effect is impressive, looking like a holiday forest come to life. Guests wonder how the cookies keep their festive shapes. Stacking adds both fun and flair to the dessert spread.
Get the Recipe: Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies

Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Creamy frosting and gentle spice come together in this Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe. Each soft bite brings in the taste of tradition with a playful twist. These cookies often draw people back for a second helping. Adding them to the menu makes the holiday line-up feel extra special.
Get the Recipe: Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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.

Bright citrus and gentle tea notes fill the air with this Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies recipe. Pairing cookies with afternoon tea feels even more elegant. Subtle flavors work well alongside rich, sweet treats on the dessert tray. These cookies always spark interest for being just a little bit unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies

Soft Vegan Sugar Cookies

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

Everyone gets to enjoy baking with this Soft Vegan Sugar Cookies recipe. Decorating becomes a hands-on holiday activity for the whole crowd. Each batch turns out soft with a gentle sweetness that appeals to all ages. These cookies disappear quickly during gift exchanges and parties.
Get the Recipe: Soft Vegan Sugar Cookies

Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies

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

Stunning colors and intricate shapes make this Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies recipe a festive highlight. Each cookie becomes a mini piece of edible art on the tray. Cookie decorating parties aren’t complete without a few of these. Visitors often ask how the decorations were made.
Get the Recipe: Decorated Christmas Sugar 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.

Gathering around the table with this Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies recipe makes the holiday season feel warmer. Every bite mimics a mug of classic hot chocolate, creating a nostalgic feeling. Marshmallow bits and deep cocoa flavor keep guests coming back. A wintry touch makes them perfect for fireside snacking.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Cocoa 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.

Thoughtful bakers appreciate this Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter recipe. Each cookie stays tender and sweet, perfect for those who skip dairy. Decorating becomes a breeze, making the holiday event more memorable. Guests with dietary needs can share in the fun without feeling left out.
Get the Recipe: Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter

Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Cookie platters take a bakery turn thanks to this Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies recipe. Beautiful swirls and warming spice draw excited comments from guests. Each bite brings a touch of nostalgia and comfort. These cookies always have people reaching for another before the tray is empty.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

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

This Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies recipe turns regular dough into cheerful green trees. Sprinkles and icing add a pop of color and fun to holiday gatherings. Little ones especially enjoy choosing their favorite shapes. Cookie trays feel more complete when these stand tall among the assortment.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans

Close-up of freshly baked cookies with nuts on top, arranged closely together. — Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

That cozy feeling found in this Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans recipe lasts long after the tray is empty. Pumpkin pairs with pecans, making each bite feel like a hug during the holidays. These cookies are often the first picked off a dessert spread. The warmth of the season shines through with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans

Ginger Bread House

Building this Ginger Bread House recipe brings out the creative spirit each year. The smell of gingerbread sets the festive scene, while decorating feels like a group project. Everyone leaves their mark, making the finished house extra special. Holiday gatherings feel complete with this show-stopping centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Bread House

Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies

Close-up of a stack of swirled cookies with a light and dark pattern, showcasing a golden brown color. — Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet pumpkin spice rolls up in this Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies recipe, making classic flavors feel new again. Slices show off a beautiful spiral, catching everyone’s eye at the dessert table. These cookies often spark conversation and memory-sharing. They’re a playful twist on holiday tradition.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Roll 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.

Simple pleasure takes center stage in this Buttery Shortbread Cookies recipe. Each bite breaks apart with the perfect crumb and just the right amount of sweetness. Cookie tins stacked with these never last long. Sharing brings a sense of comfort and warmth, especially during the winter chill.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Shortbread Cookies

Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

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

Holiday dessert tables get an upgrade from this Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops recipe. The adorable reindeer faces make it almost impossible to choose just one. Kids and adults alike reach for them with wide grins. Serving cookies on a stick always adds a little extra fun to gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

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.

Bringing bakery secrets home is easier with this Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies recipe. The texture and flavor offer something rich and impressive for any celebration. Sweet tooths unite over this unique twist on the classic cookie. Guests often sneak an extra for later.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies

Easy Whoopie Pie

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

Layers of soft cake and creamy filling star in this Easy Whoopie Pie recipe. As guests pick them up, there’s a sense of anticipation before the first bite. Each pie holds a little taste of childhood and holiday magic. The tray tends to empty faster than anything else.
Get the Recipe: Easy Whoopie Pie

Soft Lemon Cookies

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

A bright citrus aroma signals this Soft Lemon Cookies recipe is fresh out of the oven. Their cheerful color stands out on wintry days, especially amid a sea of chocolate and spice. Biting in offers a sweet, gentle tang that’s never overwhelming. Cookie gift boxes feel a bit more cheerful with these tucked inside.
Get the Recipe: Soft Lemon 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.

Holiday mischief shines in this Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies recipe. Their bright green color and snowy tops invite plenty of laughs from guests. These cookies often become the talk of the party. Setting them out on a tray instantly adds a sense of playfulness to the spread.
Get the Recipe: Festive Grinch Crinkle 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 hints of berry flavor burst from this Soft Strawberry Cookies recipe. Their pink hue brings a sense of fun and brightness to holiday gatherings. Guests are often surprised by the fresh taste in the middle of winter. It’s a wonderful addition to the classic cookie line-up.
Get the Recipe: Soft Strawberry Cookies

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

Classic comfort food arrives in this Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe. Chewy oats and sweet chocolate make each bite unforgettable, offering simple pleasures year after year. People recall favorite childhood memories as they nibble. These cookies always disappear quickly, no matter the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

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.

Laughter and color jump out from this Fun Cookie Monster Cookies recipe. Playful blue frosting and cookie eyes attract attention from kids and adults alike. These treats tend to be the first picked at every party. Cookie plates never look quite the same without a few silly faces grinning back.
Get the Recipe: Fun Cookie Monster 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.

Deep cocoa flavor steals the show in this Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe. Every bite brings a sense of pure comfort, perfect for cozy evenings and special occasions. Friends and family debate over which cookie is their favorite. The double chocolate always makes these a strong contender.
Get the Recipe: Rich Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

Quick and easy becomes delicious with this No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies recipe. Sweet maple and crunchy pecans blend together without ever turning on the oven. Last-minute guests appreciate these thoughtful treats. Cookie plates fill up fast, but these disappear even quicker.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies

Bakery-inspired flavor comes alive in this Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies recipe. The striking red color makes these cookies stand out at any holiday party. Every bite feels like a special occasion, even in a casual setting. Plates featuring these cookies never stay full for long.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies

Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

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

Holiday cheer proudly beams from this Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies recipe. Red and white decorations evoke a sense of joy and wonder. Kids grin as they bite into the soft cakes with fluffy filling. The festive look leaves a lasting impression, making the dessert table extra merry.
Get the Recipe: Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Frosty patterns decorate this Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies recipe, making it a true holiday classic. The powdered sugar topping creates a wintry look that’s both inviting and nostalgic. Guests never tire of the rich, chewy chocolate inside. Leaving some out for Santa might even become a new tradition.
Get the Recipe: Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies