49 Christmas Cookie Ideas That Feel Like a Warm December Hug

Creative twists and timeless favorites, these 49 cookie ideas help create memories all through the season. Every recipe brings a touch of comfort for festive parties or simple evenings at home. I love how cookies can make even normal days feel special during December. Find your next sweet moment just waiting to be shared.

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.

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.

Chilly evenings just get cozier with this Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies on the table. Every bite is soft, sweet, and full of winter cheer. I find these cookies disappear fast at gatherings. Pumpkin and chocolate really do bring out the holiday spirit for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip 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.

Kids and adults both reach for this Swirled Marshmallow Cookies as soon as they spot the colorful swirl. Their playful look stands out during December parties. I like offering these when I want to mix up the classic cookie tray. There’s always excitement at first bite.
Get the Recipe: Swirled Marshmallow 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.

A cold winter night feels warmer with this S’mores Stuffed Cookies waiting for dessert. The signature gooey center wins over guests every time. I love serving these with hot cocoa for a bit of extra comfort. Friends always ask how they taste so much like campfire fun.
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.

Mint and chocolate come together perfectly in this Soft Thin Mint Chocolate Cookies. The coolness makes every bite refreshing, even as snow falls outside. I find these are a nice surprise on crowded holiday platters. People seem drawn to their hint of winter flavor.
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.

Sweet meets a touch of salty in every bite of this Sweet Salted Honey Cookies. The soft texture makes these easy to pair with coffee or tea. I enjoy baking them for gift baskets and holiday brunches. Guests often ask for a few extras to take home.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Salted Honey 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.

Gingerbread takes on a new life with this Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies. Warm spice fills the kitchen as these bake, putting everyone in the festive mood. I like to bring them to movie marathons and cookie swaps. There’s something comforting about a classic with a soft twist.
Get the Recipe: Soft Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies

Peppermint stripes make this Candy Cane Cookies stand out on any December dessert tray. The flavor feels just right with a mug of hot chocolate. I give these as small holiday gifts to spread some cheer. Decorations brighten the cookies almost as much as the taste.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies

Adorable Snowman Cookies

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

Smiling faces on this Adorable Snowman Cookies always invite laughs at holiday parties. Playing with the designs brings out plenty of holiday spirit. I love watching the creative spins guests add to each one. Sweet snowmen make every cookie table more inviting.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Snowman 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 movie nights demand a batch of this Festive Grinch Crinkle Cookies front and center. Their green crinkles and sweet finish draw plenty of attention. I like to serve these with family games or singalongs. These cookies are so cheerful that they make any cold night a little brighter.
Get the Recipe: Festive Grinch Crinkle 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.

Warm up from the inside out with this Rich Hot Cocoa Cookies. The deep chocolate flavor always makes folks linger around the dessert table. I prefer to bake these for casual December get-togethers. Hot cocoa cookies have a way of vanishing before the night is over.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Cocoa 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.

Peppermint fans get excited over this Festive Candy Cane Oreos arranged on a holiday platter. Bright colors and a hint of crunch make these feel special. I include these in cookie jars for a whimsical twist. Oreos bring out everyone’s playful side at winter events.
Get the Recipe: Festive Candy Cane Oreos

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.

Crumbling sweetness fills every bite of this Buttery Shortbread Cookies. These simple classics are perfect for winter evenings by the tree. I stack them high for gift tins and exchanges. People always return for “just one more.”
Get the Recipe: Buttery Shortbread 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.

Decorating is more fun with this Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging as the centerpiece. Each cookie doubles as an ornament or quick snack. I like hosting decorating sessions during December. Edible trees keep spirits bright and creativity high.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

Nothing beats the feeling of this Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie with a cup of coffee on a snowy morning. Chewy and comforting, they hit just the right note for winter. I make them for brunches and afternoon meetups. Classic cookies are always in season, especially December.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Warm spice swirls across every piece of this Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies. Guests love the rich icing and bakery-level taste. I tend to bake these for cozy evenings in. Cinnamon just matches winter so well.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl 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.

A cheery look never fails with this Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos on the table. Kids especially can’t resist their bright colors. I pass them around during cookie swaps for a fun surprise. Ladybug cookies bring big smiles to wintry nights.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos

Soft Lemon Cookies

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

Lemon brings a fresh twist to this Soft Lemon Cookies at holiday parties. Their bright flavor grounds the cookie tray in something unique. I find myself craving one when the snow starts to fall. Light, citrusy cookies stand out among classic December treats.
Get the Recipe: Soft Lemon 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.

Childhood memories surface with this Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie. Guests are surprised by the familiar, cozy taste. I serve these after dinner for casual evenings in. PB&J never really goes out of style, even in December.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

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.

Cookie tables become lively thanks to this Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies with their colorful designs. Creating and stacking each layer is half the fun. I always see guests reaching for these first. Creative cookies lift everyone’s spirits in the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Festive Stacked Christmas Tree 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.

Little bites of this Soft Marry Me Cookies pair perfectly with a mug of something warm. Their soft texture and gentle sweetness bring comfort to quiet nights. I save these for evenings when I want something simple and special. Cookies like these have a way of sparking conversation.
Get the Recipe: Soft Marry Me Cookies

Easy Whoopie Pie

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

A stack of this Easy Whoopie Pie feels right at home on a wintry table. Sweet frosting sandwiched between cakes turns snack time into something memorable. I notice folks take these by the handful at parties. Whoopie pies are a fun change from traditional cookies.
Get the Recipe: Easy Whoopie Pie

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.

Dessert feels extra special with this Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies front and center. Caramel and pumpkin create a rich, warming flavor perfect for cold nights. I bring these out for holiday gatherings when something different is needed. Seasonal sweetness always steals the show.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

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

Cookie decorating just isn’t the same without this Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies. Colorful icing and sprinkles draw big crowds at holiday events. I use these for decorating stations with friends of all ages. Nothing says holiday fun like a tree you can eat.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Sugar 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.

Chocolate fans celebrate when this Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies show up on the cookie table. Deep cocoa flavor and soft texture make every bite a treat. I always pack a few for winter trips. Chocolate cookies help make the holidays feel even cozier.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies

Thumb Print Cookie

Sweet jam centers give this Thumb Print Cookie its familiar charm at December events. Each one is handheld comfort for busy holiday evenings. I bake extra just to keep the plate from emptying too fast. Classic cookies like these always get a warm welcome.
Get the Recipe: Thumb Print Cookie

Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

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

Laughter spreads quickly when this Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops come out at parties. Their festive faces bring out the playful side in everyone. I set these by the door for a quick party favor. Reindeer cookies put a smile on any chilly winter night.
Get the Recipe: Festive Reindeer Cookie Pops

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.

Comfort food lands on the table with this Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies. Rich chocolate and a chewy texture draw folks back for seconds. I serve these warm when snow is falling outside. Cookie jars fill up fast in December but always empty even quicker.
Get the Recipe: Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip 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.

Getting into the holiday spirit is easy with this Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes as a dessert. Sweet faces make each cupcake the center of attention. I bake these for festive get-togethers to spread cheer. Fun treats bring a spark to every holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes

Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter

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

Sometimes, simple is best with this Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter. Their soft bite pairs well with any cup of cocoa in December. I add these to cookie platters for a lighter touch. Even without butter, they bring a classic sweetness to holiday snacking.
Get the Recipe: Soft Sugar Cookies Without Butter

Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

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

Red and white treats like this Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies brighten up Christmas parties. Each bite delivers both creaminess and fun. I hand these out as edible gifts or party favors. Santa’s cookies always leave their mark at December gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

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.

Fork-topped and chewy, this Soft Peanut Butter Cookies hits all the nostalgic notes. Peanut butter warmth never goes out of style at winter get-togethers. I make a double batch for cookie exchanges. Friends never turn down the classics.
Get the Recipe: Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Ginger Bread House

Creating this Ginger Bread House turns a snowy evening into an event. Building and decorating together warms hearts as much as the oven warms the kitchen. I look forward to the smell as much as the taste every December. Gingerbread houses are a tradition worth repeating.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Bread House

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.

Cracked tops covered in sugar show off this Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Their fudgy insides make them a no-brainer for dessert tables. I pack these up for sharing during holiday visits. Chocolate crinkles always signal winter’s arrived.
Get the Recipe: Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

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.

Fruit lovers light up with this Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies in the basket. A pop of brightness stands out among classic December sweets. I make these for anyone who prefers a break from spice and chocolate. Muffin cookies offer a gentle hug in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Lemon and Blueberry Muffin 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.

Celebrate winter love with this Sweet Heart Shaped Cookies on the tray. Their playful shapes make the holiday table look extra festive. I bring these to parties where everyone wants a personal touch. Sometimes all it takes is a heart cookie to spread joy.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Heart Shaped 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.

Vegan treats like this Chewy Vegan Amaretti Cookies can surprise and delight during the holidays. They’re always chewy and sweet without missing any warmth. I enjoy serving these with coffee or spiced tea. Good cookies include everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Vegan Amaretti 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.

Baking for a crowd is simple with this Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. These sweet squares are soft and always disappear quickly. I take them to December potlucks and see them vanish in no time. Bar cookies are great for sharing around the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

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.

Crunch gives way to sweet spice in this Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich Cookies. Each pair offers a distinct flavor that stands out on packed dessert trays. I share these at afternoon teas and coffee breaks. Sandwich cookies make sampling new treats more fun in December.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Biscoff Sandwich 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.

Pink hues add something special to this Soft Strawberry Cookies in the winter lineup. Their fruity taste is a welcome change from classic holiday flavors. I choose these for cheerful cookie gifts and friendly gatherings. Strawberry cookies bring a smile in any season.
Get the Recipe: Soft Strawberry Cookies

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.

Holiday events become more cheerful with this Fun Cookie Monster Cookies around. Blue faces and googly eyes are a hit with friends of all ages. I love baking these for parties where silliness is encouraged. Cookie Monster always reminds us not to take things too seriously.
Get the Recipe: Fun Cookie Monster 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.

Buttery richness and sweet pecans set this Butter Pecan Cookies apart from the regular lineup. These are the cookies people ask about before the night’s even over. I bake these for fireside evenings and relaxed gatherings. Classic flavors never go out of winter style.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan 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.

Aromatic and unique, this Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies bring something fresh to holiday platters. Citrus and tea work together in each gentle bite. I add these to cookie exchanges to surprise friends. Winter is the perfect time for unexpected treats.
Get the Recipe: Fragrant Earl Grey Lemon Cookies

Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies

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

Colorful shapes brighten dessert plates thanks to this Decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies. These are always the highlight at cookie decorating parties. I let guests design their own for extra laughter. Sugar cookies like these turn gatherings into joyful memories.
Get the Recipe: Decorated Christmas 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.

Cozy spices fill the air with this Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans baking in the oven. The nutty crunch makes each cookie a little bit special. I choose these for potlucks where comfort food matters. Pumpkin cookies bring the warmth everyone craves in December.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Pecans

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.

Giving everyone a treat, this Spiced Vegan Gingerbread Cookies brings classic flavor in a plant-based bite. The cookie’s warmth matches the spirit of the holidays. I add these for variety at mixed dessert tables. No one misses out on gingerbread this winter.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Vegan Gingerbread 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.

A pop of tart fruit cuts through the richness of this Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Chocolate and cherry together evoke that classic December feeling. I find these cookies rarely last once the platter is served. Winter desserts just aren’t the same without a little chocolate.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cool nights become more festive with this Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting stacked nearby. The creamy topping and gentle spice pair well with spiced tea or cocoa. I share these with friends who crave simple, heartwarming treats. Carrot cake fans change their tune for cookies.
Get the Recipe: Soft Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

No-bake treats like this No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies bring quick sweetness to busy December days. Maple and pecan taste like winter comfort even without turning on the oven. I make these for last-minute gatherings and office parties. A big batch means nobody misses out.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies

Oreo fans light up seeing this Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies among the desserts. Decorated cookies double as snacks and holiday fun. I put these on kid-friendly tables where treats can also become crafts. Edible ornaments help create memories long after the party ends.
Get the Recipe: Festive Oreo Christmas Ornament Cookies