Set out a few out for the big guy on Christmas Eve.
One of our absolute favorite Christmas traditions? Baking Christmas cookies! So fire up your Christmas playlist or put on your family's favorite Christmas movies, and let's get baking!
To help you fill your home with warmth and cheer this Christmas, we’ve rounded up some of our very favorite Christmas cookie recipes—from classic gingerbread to decorated sugar cookies, from Christmas classics to revamped version of them, and absolutely everything in between. There’s something tasty and delicious for everyone on this list — including Santa.
1
Red Velvet Snowflakes with Cream Cheese Icing
These bright festive cookies will pop on the holiday table! Plus, you can't go wrong with cream cheese icing.
Get the recipe for Red Velvet Snowflakes with Cream Cheese Icing.
2
Classic Spritz Cookies
These pressed cookies are true holiday classics! They also make pretty cute gifts when packaged in Christmas tins.
Get the recipe for Classic Spritz Cookies.
3
Chocolate-Walnut Sandwich Cookies
Hailing from Eastern Europe and Russia, where they were originally cooked in their signature two-part skillet over an open fire, these crispy shelled sandwiches, also known as oreshki, boast a creamy chocolate-and-walnut filling
Get the recipe for Chocolate-Walnut Sandwich Cookies.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Speculaas Cookies
These traditional almond-flavored cookies are a classic treat! Popular in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany around the Feast of St. Nicholas, these highly spiced cookies are made by pressing dough into carved wooden molds known as speculaas planks.
Get the recipe for Speculaas Cookies.
5
Eggnog Madeleines
Give these beautiful cookies a bit of a Christmas twist! Eggnog lovers, these delicate treats are just the thing for you.
Get the recipe for Eggnog Madeleines.
6
Peppermint Palmiers
These beautiful French cookies are dusted with a seasonal treat. Serve them at your next Christmas party with cups of peppermint eggnog, for a cooling winter treat.
Get the recipe for Peppermint Palmiers.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Thin-and-Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you're team crispy in the great chewy vs crispy cookie debate, these crunchy, sweet, wafer-thin cookies are here to help you make your case. Light and delicate with a decidedly fun snap, they'll hold their own in a big glass of milk any day.
Get the recipe for Thin-and-Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies.
8
Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
They may look like they just came from a professional baker's dessert case, but these beautiful 5-ingredient Christmas cookies couldn't be easier to make. They're fun for the holidays and make excellent gifts!
Get the recipe for Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies.
9
Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Truffles
Sugar cookie dough, white chocolate, and a sprinkle of cinnamon make up these easy no-cook cookie dough truffles.
Get the recipe for Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Truffles.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
Cranberry Walnut Shortbread Bars
Sugared cranberries are so festive for Christmas! Give your holiday dessert table a pop of sweet cranberry flavor with these shortbread bars.
Get the recipe for Cranberry Walnut Shortbread Bars.
11
Mini Gingerbread Men
How do you make gingerbread men cookies better? By making them cuter! These mini guys are great on their own but also make adorable toppers for cakes and other Christmas confections!
Get the recipe for Mini Gingerbread Men.
12
Classic Oatmeal Cookies
These easy cookies are filled with all the brown sugar and holiday spice you could want.
Get the recipe for Classic Oatmeal Cookies.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
Christmas Light Sugar Cookies
An assortment of candies and a string of licorice help turn these cute bulb-shaped cookies into impressive-looking treats. Keep the theme up by serving these with a retro Christmas tree cake.
Get the recipe for Christmas Light Sugar Cookies.
14
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
These simple, chewy, chocolaty little cookies are a classic for a reason! Put them on your Christmas cookie tray or stack them in little jars or bags for a cute holiday gift!
Get the recipe for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies.
15
Classic Chewy Sugar Cookies
Cut out sugar cookies are a hit at Christmas time, but classic chewy sugar cookies are just at home on a holiday dessert table! Enjoy them as is or top with frosting and festive sprinkles for an easy holiday treat.
Get the recipe for Classic Chewy Sugar Cookies.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16
Marbled Tahini Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread is a low-key Christmas cookie winner. It doesn't seem fancy, until you take a bite and suddenly can't stop eating it.
Get the recipe for Marbled Tahini Shortbread Cookies.
17
Cookie Cutter Ginger Crisps
This recipe will yield plenty of cookies, which you may not need right away. Roll unused dough into logs, wrap well, and freeze for up to one month. Then you can have delightful ginger cookies all Christmas season.
Get the recipe for Cookie Cutter Ginger Crisps.
18
Almond Biscotti
These classic crispy Italian sweets are exactly what you want for dipping into a spiced-up coffee or holiday mulled drink.
Get the recipe for Almond Biscotti.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19
Christmas Light Gingerbread Cookies
These easy gingerbread cookies are festive enough as-is, but they look extra spectacular arranged on a platter in the form of a wreath!
Get the recipe for Christmas Light Gingerbread Cookies.
20
Marshmallow-Chocolate Cookie Sammies
If you love Moon Pies, you'll love this homemade version! Sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
Get the recipe for Marshmallow-Chocolate Cookie Sammies.