20 Cute & Charming Christmas Cookies That Taste Good, Too

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Christmas cookies are one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. There’s just something about filling the kitchen with trays of gingerbread, sugar cookies, and anything with chocolate that makes it feel like Christmas is really here. I’ve pulled together 20 recipes that cover it all – from the classics that never get old to easy ones you can make when things get hectic, plus a few Lebanese-inspired treats that honor my heritage and bring in some extra-special flavors.

From the classic gingerbread men awaiting their decorative touches to snickerdoodles and sugar cookies that never go out of style, I’ve got every cookie covered.

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Why You Should Make More Holiday Cookies this Year

  • Christmas cookies make great personalized gifts. Homemade cookies make thoughtful gifts. Double the cookie recipe and wrap them up in decorative packaging.
  • Connect with loved ones. Baking cookies together is an excellent way to connect with family and friends. Or participate in a cookie exchange, where you can show off your cookies. It’s especially a great opportunity to get your kids involved and have fun in the kitchen – be sure to check out my tips for holiday baking with kids.
  • Make one batch to enjoy, one to freeze. You may have a round of visitors in and out of your home over the holidays – make a large batch of cookies and freeze the cookie dough so you’re ready for unexpected guests.
  • Creates a cozy atmosphere. Nothing is more comforting than the smell of freshly baked cookies. It will instantly put the most reluctant Scrooge into the holiday spirit because who can resist a good cookie?

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Tips for Making the Best Christmas Cookies

  1. Follow the recipe. For best results, stick to the recipe measurements and instructions, especially when it comes to leavening agents like baking powder, baking soda, and flour ratios.
  2. Start with the correct supplies. Invest in good quality baking sheets for even heat distribution, which can make a big difference in the baking process. Be sure you’re stocked up on parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  3. Know the basics. Brush up on your basic baking skills, how to soften butterhow to melt chocolate, and how to make self-rising flour. And if you’re looking for simple ways to jazz up cookies, top them with frosting, drizzle icing, or chocolate ganache. Knowing these basic skills will help you have a stress-free cookie baking experience.
  4. Store properly. All recipes should list proper storage instructions, including freezing directions. I recommend that you follow them so your cookies last longer to avoid them going stale or losing flavor.
  5. Have fun with gift wrapping. Get creative to make your cookie gifts extra special. Choose decorative packaging, such as seasonal tins, boxes, or jars, and add a personal touch like tying a ribbon or attaching a handwritten note.

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My Best Christmas Cookie Recipes

Below, you will find what I consider the best Christmas cookies, especially for a cookie swap! I did include classics, but also some of the cookies my family enjoys from our Lebanese heritage!

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Classic Christmas Cookies

Some of the best Christmas cookies are the ones that have stood the test of time – classic recipes passed down through generations. These classic holiday cookies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa bombs.

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Gingerbread Cookies

Simple, Gingerbread Men Cookies! These gingerbread cookies are easy to make and fun to decorate with a simple 2-ingredient royal icing for decorating!

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Italian Christmas Cookies

Make your holidays merrier with Italian Christmas Cookies infused with anise seeds and topped with colorful sprinkles for extra festive fun.

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Oatmeal Cookies

This classic oatmeal cookie recipe is made with rolled oats, a hint of cinnamon and molasses-y brown sugar. It’s the best, simple oatmeal cookie recipe!

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Christmas Sugar Cookies

Christmas Sugar Cookies are deliciously tender and buttery cut-out cookies with a refreshing mint glaze and so much fun to make!

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Pecan Snowball Cookies

Pecan Snowball Cookies melt-in-your-mouth with their buttery, nutty texture and sweet powdered sugar coating. A must-try for cookie lovers!

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Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Easy and quick to make with 3 ingredients only, these healthy banana oatmeal cookies are gluten-free, refined sugar free and kid-friendly!

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Thumbprint Cookies

This jam thumbprint cookie recipe is so easy and so good! With its shortbread cookie base and sweet jam filled center you can’t go wrong!

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Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

The best Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies you’ll ever make – they’re crunchy around the edges, incredibly chewy throughout and filled with chocolate chips!

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Blueberry Cookies

Now these are BLUEberry Cookies! Simply turn frozen blueberries into a quick homemade jam, mix with staple cookie ingredients, and bake!

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Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These deliciously rich and fudgy chocolate crinkle cookies have a fun crackled exterior and chewy, chocolate center – and they’re easy to make!

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Peanut Butter Blossoms

Delicious peanut butter cookies topped with a Hershey’s Kiss! These peanut butter blossoms, or Hershey Kiss cookies, if you prefer, are soft, chewy, and oh-so good!

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Chocolate Hazelnut Nutella Cookies

These easy chocolate hazelnut cookies are made with Nutella along with one egg, flour and chopped hazelnuts- quick, easy and a crowd favorite

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Almond Joy Cookies

These Almond Joy Cookies are quick and easy to make and are wonderfully soft and fluffy! Ready to enjoy in 20 minutes for any coconut and chocolate lovers!

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Tahini Shortbread Cookies

The classic holiday shortbread cookie recipe is updated slightly to add tahini – which gives it a Mediterranean flavor that’s rich and nutty.

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Maamoul

These Maamoul cookies are made with semolina flour + two classic fillings – creamy dates & crunchy walnuts – a delicious Middle Eastern treat!

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Date Cookies

A fun mediterranean inspired cookie recipe, these buttery date cookies are sweet, nutty, chewy and completely irresistible – perfect for cookie exchanges 

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Sesame Tahini Cookies

Sesame Tahini Cookies are chewy delicious gluten-free cookies with a Middle Eastern flavor. Instead of butter, tahini paste is used to add a rich nutty taste

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Pistachio Cookies

These pistachio cookies are a healthier version of my favorite Middle Eastern cookies. Gluten free with no added refined sugar. Delicious and easy to make.

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Lebanese Anise Cookies

This Lebanese Anise Cookies recipe is a Middle Eastern spiced cookie traditionally made during Eid al-Fitr and Easter. Also called Ka’ak il Eid, these cookies are crisp, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

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Ghraybeh

Simple to make with only a few ingredients, these Ghraybeh shortbread cookies are made with rosewater and filled with jam for a tasty treat.

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How to Store Cookies

  • Avoid moisture: All cookies should be stored in an airtight container to prevent moisture and help them maintain proper texture. Store them in a cool, dry place, and avoid storing them near heat sources or direct sunlight.
  • Storage for dry and soft cookies: Most dry cookies, like shortbread and biscotti cookies, can be stored at room temperature. Soft cookies, like chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies, can be kept at room temperature for a few days, and then transferred to the fridge for longer storage. I recommend following the storage suggestions listed in individual recipes to ensure your cookies are properly stored.
  • Mind the ingredients: Cookies with fresh ingredients, like those with fruit or dairy, may have a shorter shelf life. Be mindful of these and eat them within that timeframe.
  • Freezing cookies: Most cookies are freezer-friendly and can be frozen for longer storage. You can place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Again, for best results, follow the freezing instructions as listed in the recipe.

About the Author

Yumna Jawad, who was born in Africa to Lebanese parents and moved to the US at 11 years old, is beloved by millions of fans globally on Instagram, TikTok, and her website, Feel Good Foodie for her unique, delicious, creative and easy recipes that often go viral on social media. She has grown her massive following from scratch the past decade and has recently founded a new culinary venture, Oath Oats, launched in November 2022. Yumna’s viral food trends have been featured by Live with Kelly & Ryan, The Today Show, Good Morning America, PEOPLE, Vogue, and the New York Times. A graduate from the University of Michigan Business School, she now lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband and two kids. Yumna’s parents are both Lebanese so she proudly features Lebanese, middle eastern and Ramadan recipes as part of her heritage. Her first cookbook, The Feel Good Foodie Cookbook, launched in May 2024 (Penguin) and is filled with over 100 approachable, unique and delicious “Middle Eastern meets Midwestern” recipes for the entire family. The cookbook hit the bestseller lists on Amazon, USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly. 

This article originally appeared on Feelgoodfoodie.net and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org

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