100 Traditional & Unique Christmas Cookies Recipes You’ll Love This Christmas

#1 Classic Gingerbread Cookies

A quintessential Christmas cookie recipe favorite, these cookies are made with a blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and molasses, offering a warm, spicy flavor. They are often cut into festive shapes like stars, Christmas trees, or gingerbread men and decorated with royal icing.

#2 Vanilla Sugar Cookies

A simple yet versatile recipe, these cookies are sweet and buttery with a hint of vanilla. They’re perfect for cutting into various holiday shapes and decorating with colored icing and sprinkles to create festive designs.

#3 Chocolate Chip Shortbread

A delightful twist on traditional Scottish shortbread, these cookies are buttery and crumbly, studded with chocolate chips for an added richness. They’re typically cut into wedges or festive shapes and dusted with sugar.

#4 Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

These twice-baked Italian cookies are crunchy and perfect for dunking in coffee or hot chocolate. They’re loaded with tart dried cranberries and nutty pistachios, making them not only delicious but also visually appealing with their festive colors.

#5 Cinnamon Stars (Zimtsterne)

A traditional German cookie recipe, these star-shaped treats are made from a dough consisting of ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites, flavored with cinnamon. They’re chewy, naturally gluten-free, and often topped with a thin glaze of icing.

#6 Italian Pizzelles

These thin, crisp waffle cookies are made in a special iron that imprints a decorative pattern. Flavored with anise, vanilla, or lemon zest, Pizzelles are a light and elegant cookie, often dusted with powdered sugar.

#7 Russian Tea Cakes

Also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies, these are small, round cookies made from a rich dough containing nuts (like pecans or walnuts) and coated in powdered sugar after baking. They have a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a subtly sweet, nutty flavor.

#8 Danish Butter Cookies

Famous for their rich buttery flavor and crisp texture, these cookies are often piped into wreaths or other shapes and sometimes topped with coarse sugar or crushed nuts for added texture.

#9 French Madeleines

These small sponge cakes with a distinctive shell-like shape are a sweet treat with a light, buttery texture. Flavored with lemon zest and vanilla, Madeleines are best enjoyed fresh and often dusted with powdered sugar.

#10 Dutch Speculaas

These spiced cookies are thin, crisp, and full of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Traditionally baked for St. Nicholas Day, they are often stamped with intricate designs and have a slightly caramelized edge.

#11 Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookies

These cookies are a chocoholic’s dream, featuring dark, milk, and white chocolate chunks. They have a rich, fudgy base and are studded with generous pieces of chocolate, offering a decadent and gooey experience with every bite.

#12 Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprints

A delightful combination of chocolate and peppermint, these cookies consist of a soft chocolate base with a peppermint candy center. The cool mint complements the rich chocolate, making them a perfect festive treat.

#13 Mocha Walnut Brownie Cookies

These cookies are like mini brownies with a mocha twist. Infused with espresso and chunks of walnut, they offer a crunchy exterior with a soft, chewy center, ideal for coffee lovers.

#14 Chocolate-Dipped Orange Shortbread

A zesty twist on traditional shortbread, these cookies are dipped in smooth chocolate and have a hint of orange zest. The citrus flavor cuts through the richness of the chocolate, providing a refreshing aftertaste. This Christmas cookie recipe is perfect for those who aren’t a huge “sweets” person, but do indulge on the occasional cookie.

#15 Turtle Cookies

Inspired by the classic turtle candies, these cookies have a chocolate base, topped with caramel and pecans, and then drizzled with more chocolate. They’re a delightful mix of textures and tastes – crunchy, chewy, sweet, and slightly salty.

#16 Chocolate Raspberry Linzer Cookies

A beautiful and elegant Christmas cookie recipe option, these sandwich cookies feature a chocolate dough and a raspberry jam filling. They’re often dusted with powdered sugar and have a delicate balance of tart and sweet flavors.

#17 Hot Cocoa Cookies

Perfect for winter, these cookies taste like a warm cup of hot chocolate. They’re soft and chewy, often topped with a marshmallow that’s lightly broiled to mimic the hot cocoa experience.

#18 White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

These cookies offer a delightful contrast of flavors with sweet white chocolate chips and tart dried cranberries. They’re chewy, with bursts of fruitiness and chocolate in every bite.

#19 Black Forest Cookies

Inspired by the Black Forest cake, this Christmas cookie recipe has a chocolate base, filled with cherries and chunks of dark chocolate. They’re rich and indulgent, with a subtle hint of kirsch or cherry liqueur.

#20 Chocolate Mint Sandwich Cookies

A combination of chocolate and mint, these sandwich cookies feature a chocolate cookie base and a creamy mint filling. They’re often coated in chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.

#21 Almond Joy Cookies

Inspired by the Almond Joy candy bar, this Christmas cookie recipe has delightful blend of sweet coconut, almonds, and chocolate. They have a chewy texture with a coconut base, topped with a whole almond and a drizzle of melted chocolate, combining nuttiness with sweetness.

#22 Spiced Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

A hearty and comforting choice, these cookies feature rolled oats, plump raisins, and a warming blend of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. They’re chewy in the middle with a slightly crisp edge, perfect for those who enjoy a classic, spiced flavor.

#23 Peanut Butter Blossoms

These are soft, chewy peanut butter cookies with a Hershey’s Kiss pressed into the center immediately after baking. The combination of the salty-sweet peanut butter cookie and the chocolate kiss makes for a delightful treat.

#24 Hazelnut Linzer Hearts

A variation of the traditional Linzer Christmas cookie recipe, these feature a hazelnut-flavored dough and are typically cut into heart shapes. They are sandwiched with a layer of raspberry or apricot jam, offering a delightful blend of nutty and fruity flavors.

#25 Maple Walnut Shortbread

These are rich, buttery shortbread cookies with a twist of maple syrup and chopped walnuts. The addition of maple gives a sweet, woodsy flavor, while the walnuts add texture and nutty richness

#26 Pistachio Thumbprints

These cookies have a buttery, shortbread-like base with chopped pistachios mixed into the dough. They’re formed into balls with a thumbprint indentation filled with jam or chocolate, combining the unique taste of pistachios with sweet fillings.

#27 Pecan Sandies

A classic cookie, Pecan Sandies are crisp, buttery, and filled with chopped pecans. They often have a dusting of powdered sugar on top and are known for their crumbly texture and rich, nutty flavor.

#28 Chai Spice Cookies

Infused with the flavors of chai tea, this Chrismas cookie recipe contains a mixture of spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. They’re often soft and chewy with a spiced, aromatic flavor profile that’s comforting and warm.

#29 Macadamia Nut Lace Cookies

Thin, crisp, and delicate, these cookies are made with chopped macadamia nuts and have a caramelized, almost toffee-like flavor. They’re often drizzled with chocolate and are as beautiful as they are delicious.

#30 Honey Almond Cookies

These cookies are sweetened with honey and loaded with chopped almonds. They offer a crunchy texture and a lovely balance of the natural sweetness from the honey with the nuttiness of the almonds.

#31 Eggnog Snickerdoodles

These cookies incorporate the classic holiday drink, eggnog, into the traditional snickerdoodle recipe. They are soft and chewy, with a dusting of nutmeg and cinnamon sugar, capturing the essence of eggnog in a delightful cookie form.

#32 Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

A festive twist on the classic blossom cookies, these are made with a peppermint-flavored dough and topped with a candy cane-striped Hershey’s Kiss. They offer a wonderful blend of minty freshness and chocolate, perfect for the holiday season.

#33 Lemon Lavender Shortbread

Combining the bright zest of lemon and the floral notes of lavender, these shortbread cookies are buttery and delicate. They’re often finished with a light glaze or sprinkled with lavender and lemon zest for an elegant touch.

#34 Rosewater and Pistachio Shortbread

This Christmas cookie recipe adds an exotic flair to traditional shortbread with the addition of rosewater and chopped pistachios. The rosewater provides a subtle floral aroma, while the pistachios add a nutty crunch.

#35 Cranberry Orange Pinwheels

These eye-catching cookies feature swirls of cranberry and orange dough. The tartness of the cranberries pairs wonderfully with the citrus zing of the orange, making for a colorful and flavorful treat.

#36 Matcha Green Tea Cookies

Infused with matcha powder, these cookies have a unique, earthy flavor and a beautiful green color. They can be soft and chewy or crisp, depending on the recipe, and are often drizzled with white chocolate.

#37 Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies

A cookie version of the classic red velvet cake, these are soft, gooey, and rich in flavor. Made with cream cheese and red velvet cake mix, they are velvety and decadent, with a vibrant red color.

#38 Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies

Inspired by the popular fall beverage, these cookies incorporate pumpkin puree and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, along with a hint of coffee flavor. They are often topped with a simple glaze or frosting to mimic the latte’s creaminess.

#39 S’mores Cookies

Bringing the campfire treat to your kitchen, this Christmas cookie recipe features a graham cracker base, topped with chocolate and a marshmallow. Baked until the marshmallow is golden, they capture the essence of s’mores in a convenient cookie form.

#40 Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies

A tropical twist on the classic sugar cookie, this version includes the addition of lime zest and coconut flakes. The result is a refreshing, citrusy cookie with a hint of tropical sweetness from the coconut.

#41 Apricot Kolaches

A traditional Eastern European pastry, this Christmas cookie recipe features a light, flaky dough and is filled with sweet apricot jam. They are often dusted with powdered sugar and are known for their beautiful, golden appearance and sweet, fruity center.

#42 Lemon Ricotta Cookies

These Italian-inspired cookies are soft and cake-like, made with ricotta cheese which adds richness and moisture. They are flavored with lemon zest and often topped with a light lemon glaze, making them refreshingly tangy and sweet.

#43 Cherry Almond Thumbprints

Combining the flavors of cherries and almonds, these cookies have a buttery base, filled with cherry jam and topped with a sprinkle of chopped almonds. They are both visually appealing and delicious, with a nice balance of sweet and nutty flavors.

#44 Raspberry Almond Shortbread

These are tender, buttery shortbread cookies with a raspberry jam center and a sprinkle of almonds. The combination of the rich shortbread and the tart raspberry jam makes for a delightful contrast.

#45 Fig Newtons

A homemade version of the classic store-bought treat, this Christmas cookie recipe has a soft, cakey dough encasing a sweet and sticky fig filling. They are chewy and full of the deep, rich flavor of figs.

#46 Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies

Inspired by blueberry cheesecake, these cookies have a creamy cheesecake-like base swirled with blueberry sauce. They are soft, creamy, and bursting with the fresh flavor of blueberries.

#47 Strawberry Cream Cheese Cookies

These cookies feature a soft, cakey texture with a tangy cream cheese flavor, enhanced with bits of fresh or freeze-dried strawberries. They are often topped with a simple strawberry glaze.

#48 Apple Pie Cookies

These cookies mimic the flavors of a classic apple pie, with a spiced cookie dough and a filling of cooked, cinnamon-spiced apples. They’re often finished with a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of sugar.

#49 Peach Cobbler Cookies

Combining the elements of peach cobbler, these cookies have a spiced dough base and are topped with a sweet peach filling, often garnished with streusel or a glaze to mimic cobbler’s crust.

#50 Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

A twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, these incorporate ripe bananas into the dough, resulting in a moist, cake-like texture with the sweet flavor of bananas, complemented by chocolate chips.

#51 Gluten-Free Ginger Molasses Cookies

These cookies offer the warm, spicy flavors of ginger and molasses without any gluten. Made with a blend of gluten-free flours, they are chewy and richly spiced, perfect for those who love traditional ginger cookies but need a gluten-free option.

#52 Vegan Chocolate Avocado Cookies

A unique and healthy twist, these cookies use ripe avocado as a substitute for butter, making them vegan-friendly. They’re rich in chocolate flavor, with a fudgy, brownie-like texture, and are surprisingly nutritious.

#53 Gluten-Free Almond Joy Cookies

Inspired by the popular candy bar, these cookies are a gluten-free treat combining coconut, almonds, and chocolate. They’re chewy, with a rich coconut base, studded with almonds and chocolate chips, catering to both gluten-free and candy bar enthusiasts.

#54 Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

Light and zesty, these cookies are perfect for those who prefer a less sweet, more tangy treat. They’re dairy-free and egg-free, with the brightness of lemon and the crunch of poppy seeds, offering a refreshing vegan option.

#55 Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles

This classic cookie is reimagined in a gluten-free form, maintaining the signature soft and chewy texture with a coating of cinnamon sugar. Made with gluten-free flour, they’re a safe and delicious choice for those with gluten sensitivities.

#56 Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies

Made without any animal products, these peanut butter cookies are simple yet satisfying. They have the classic crisscross pattern and are rich in peanut butter flavor, offering a vegan treat that doesn’t compromise on taste.

#57 Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroons

These are naturally gluten-free, made primarily with coconut, sugar, and egg whites. They’re chewy and moist on the inside, with a crispy exterior, often dipped in chocolate for an added flavor dimension.

#58 Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

A classic favorite made vegan, these cookies use plant-based ingredients without sacrificing the chewy texture and spiced flavor of traditional oatmeal raisin cookies. They’re hearty and satisfying, perfect for a vegan diet.

#59 Gluten-Free Pecan Bars

A gluten-free alternative to pecan pie, these bars have a shortbread-like base and a gooey pecan topping. They’re rich, nutty, and sweet, making them a great gluten-free option for holiday gatherings.

#60 Vegan Double Chocolate Cookies

For the chocolate lovers, these cookies are doubly indulgent with cocoa and chocolate chips, all while being completely vegan. They’re rich, fudgy, and sure to satisfy any chocolate craving.

#61 Mexican Wedding Cookies

Also known as Russian Tea Cakes, these are small, round, buttery cookies loaded with finely chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) and coated in a generous layer of powdered sugar. They are known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and are a staple at celebrations.

#62 Swedish Pepparkakor

These are thin, ginger-spiced cookies from Sweden, known for their crispness. They are often cut into heart, star, or animal shapes and can be decorated with icing. The blend of ginger, cloves, and cinnamon gives them a warm, spicy flavor.

#63 Italian Anise Cookies

These are traditional Italian cookies flavored with anise extract. They have a subtle licorice flavor and are typically topped with a simple glaze and colorful sprinkles. They’re soft, cake-like, and a holiday favorite in many Italian households.

#64 German Lebkuchen

Often compared to gingerbread, Lebkuchen are softer and typically contain a variety of spices like ginger, nutmeg, and allspice, along with honey or molasses. They can be round or heart-shaped and are sometimes covered in a light glaze or chocolate

#65 Norwegian Krumkake

These are delicate, cone-shaped cookies made on a special iron, similar to a waffle cone, and often filled with whipped cream or other sweet fillings. They are light and crispy, with a cardamom or vanilla flavor.

#66 Austrian Linzer Augen

These cookies are a smaller version of the Linzer Torte, made with a rich, buttery dough and filled with raspberry or apricot preserves. They are typically cut into round shapes with smaller cutouts in the middle, creating a window for the jam.

#67 Scottish Shortbread

A classic Scottish biscuit, shortbread is simple yet delicious, made with just butter, sugar, and flour. They are dense and crumbly, often cut into triangles or festive shapes and sometimes punctured with a fork to create a pattern.

#68 Greek Kourabiedes

These are buttery almond cookies, often made during Christmas. They are rich and crumbly, usually made into crescent shapes or balls and generously dusted with powdered sugar.

#69 Polish Chrusciki

Also known as angel wings, these are thin, fried pastries made from a dough that’s lightly sweetened and rolled out thin, then deep-fried until crisp. They are dusted with powdered sugar and have a light, airy texture.

#70 Portuguese Biscoitos

These are simple, slightly sweet biscuits often flavored with lemon zest or vanilla. They have a firm texture and are typically shaped into twists or rings. Biscoitos are a staple in Portuguese households, especially during the holiday season.

#71 Snowman Sugar Cookies

These are classic sugar cookies cut into snowman shapes and decorated with white icing and various candies or colored icings to create the face and clothes. They are fun to make, especially for children, and add a whimsical touch to any holiday gathering.

#72 Christmas Wreath Cookies

Typically made from a dough tinted green with food coloring, these cookies are shaped into wreaths and decorated with red candies or icing to mimic holly berries. They’re festive, colorful, and often have a hint of almond or vanilla flavor.

#73 Reindeer Gingerbread

These are gingerbread cookies cut into reindeer shapes, usually decorated with icing, chocolate chips, or pretzels for the antlers. They are a playful take on the traditional gingerbread cookie, perfect for adding a bit of fun to your holiday baking.

#74 Santa’s Whiskers Cookies

These delightful cookies are slice-and-bake, containing chopped candied cherries and pecans, and are rolled in coconut before baking, giving them a “whiskery” appearance. They’re buttery and festive, with a lovely combination of textures.

#75 Ornament Cupcakes

Not a cookie but a fun addition to any cookie tray, these are cupcakes decorated to look like Christmas ornaments. They can be made in various colors and decorated with icing, sprinkles, and other edible decorations to resemble festive baubles.

#76 Christmas Tree Meringues

These are light and airy meringues piped in the shape of Christmas trees and often tinted green. They can be decorated with sprinkles or edible glitter to mimic ornaments and lights, offering a sweet, crisp treat.

#77 Elf Hat Cookies

Shaped and decorated to look like elf hats, these cookies are often made with a shortbread base, tinted with green food coloring, and decorated with a marshmallow or white chocolate at the tip to resemble a fluffy ball.

#78 Candy Cane Cookies

Made with a simple dough that’s divided and tinted, half red and half plain, these cookies are twisted to resemble candy canes. This Christmas cookie recipe flavors the cookies with peppermint extract and are visually striking and minty fresh.

#79 Stocking Sugar Cookies

These are sugar cookies cut in the shape of Christmas stockings and decorated with royal icing, sprinkles, and candies. They offer a canvas for creativity, allowing for personalized designs and colors.

#80 Gift Box Cookies

This Christmas cookie recipe makes square or rectangular sugar cookies designed to look like gift boxes. Decorated with royal icing, they can have intricate patterns, bows, and ribbons, making them both a delicious treat and a festive decoration.

#81 Mini Cheesecake Bites

These are small, bite-sized cheesecakes, often made in a mini muffin tin. They typically have a graham cracker crust and a creamy cheesecake filling, and can be topped with fruit, chocolate, or caramel for added flavor.

#82 Peanut Butter Cup Bars

A treat for peanut butter lovers, these bars feature a layer of rich, creamy peanut butter filling on a biscuit or graham cracker base, topped with melted chocolate. They are chilled until set and cut into squares, resembling a homemade version of peanut butter cups.

#83 Lemon Bars

A classic dessert, lemon bars have a buttery shortbread crust and a bright, tangy lemon curd filling. They are often dusted with powdered sugar and are the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

#84 Caramel Apple Pie Bars

These bars combine the flavors of apple pie and caramel in a convenient bar form. They have a shortbread crust, a layer of spiced apples, and are drizzled with caramel, often topped with a crumble or oat topping.

#85 Pumpkin Spice Bars

Perfect for pumpkin spice enthusiasts, these bars have a moist, cake-like base flavored with pumpkin and autumnal spices. They’re often topped with a cream cheese frosting, making them a delicious fall-themed treat.

#86 Chocolate Toffee Bars

These feature a cookie-like base topped with toffee and a layer of chocolate. Once cooled, they are broken or cut into pieces, offering a delightful combination of crunchy toffee and smooth chocolate.

#87 Raspberry Crumble Bars

A fruity and buttery treat, these bars have a layer of raspberry jam sandwiched between a shortbread-like base and a crumbly topping. They’re sweet and tangy, with a satisfying texture contrast.

#88 Key Lime Pie Bars

Bringing the flavor of key lime pie into a bar, these have a graham cracker crust and a zesty lime filling, often topped with whipped cream or a dusting of lime zest. They are tangy, creamy, and refreshing.

#89 Pecan Pie Bars

These bars are a handheld version of the classic pecan pie, with a buttery crust and a gooey, nut-filled topping. They’re sweet, rich, and full of pecan flavor, perfect for those who love traditional pecan pie.

#90 Magic Cookie Bars

Also known as seven-layer bars, these are made with a graham cracker crust and layers of ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, and coconut, all bound together with sweetened condensed milk. They’re rich, chewy, and incredibly easy to make.

#91 Oatmeal Flaxseed Cookies

These cookies are a healthier alternative, made with whole-grain oats and flaxseed. They offer a nutty flavor and are rich in fiber. Sweetened with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, they are both nutritious and satisfying.

#92 Healthy Banana Oat Cookies

Made with ripe bananas and oats, these cookies are naturally sweetened and have a soft, chewy texture. They can be customized with additions like nuts, dried fruit, or dark chocolate chips for extra flavor.

#93 Carrot Cake Cookies

Inspired by carrot cake, these cookies are made with grated carrots, spices, and whole wheat flour. They are often sweetened with natural sugars and can include nuts or raisins. A cream cheese frosting can be added for extra indulgence.

#94 Pumpkin Seed Cookies

This Christmas cookie recipe incorporates pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for a crunchy texture and is made with whole grain flours and natural sweeteners. They are a good source of healthy fats and can be flavored with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

#95 Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

These are wholesome cookies made with chunks of apple, oats, and cinnamon. They have a warm, spiced flavor and are sweetened with natural sugars, perfect for a healthy treat.

#96 Cherry Almond Energy Bites

Not exactly cookies, these no-bake bites are made with dried cherries, almonds, oats, and a binding agent like honey or nut butter. They are nutrient-dense and perfect for a quick energy boost.

#97 Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

A healthier take on the classic chocolate chip cookie, this Christmas cookie recipe is made with whole wheat flour and sweetened with unrefined sugars. They retain the beloved taste and texture of traditional chocolate chip cookies but with a nutritional twist.

#98 No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Made with ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and honey, these no-bake balls are a quick and easy healthy treat. They can be rolled in coconut or cocoa powder and are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without guilt.

#99 Date and Walnut Cookies

These cookies are naturally sweetened with dates and feature walnuts for a crunchy texture. They are chewy, nutty, and have a caramel-like sweetness from the dates.

#100 Vegan Coconut Flour Cookies

Made with coconut flour, this Christmas cookie recipe is gluten-free and vegan. They are often sweetened with natural sugars and can be flavored with vanilla or almond extract for added depth.