Welcome to the ultimate guide to Christmas cookie recipes! When the holiday season arrives, nothing fills a home with more warmth and joy than the scent of freshly baked cookies. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these three classic recipes are the cornerstone of any festive cookie platter. We’ll cover everything from the perfect sugar cookie for decorating to spicy gingerbread and buttery shortbread. Get ready to create delicious memories and traditions.
This guide is designed to be your go-to resource for holiday baking. We’re not just sharing recipes; we’re providing you with the tips and tricks to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every single time. Forget the endless search for complicated recipes; these are the tried-and-true classics everyone loves. Plus, they’re incredibly fun to make with family and friends.
Nothing says 'holidays' like the smell of gingerbread!
Why These Are The Ultimate Christmas Cookie Recipes
In a world of endless options, we’ve focused on the essential trio of holiday cookies for a few simple reasons. First, they represent the core flavors and textures of the season: the sweet, vanilla-kissed canvas of a sugar cookie; the warm, spiced hug of gingerbread; and the rich, simple elegance of shortbread. Second, these recipes are incredibly versatile. They can be decorated elaborately or enjoyed simply, making them perfect for all skill levels. Finally, these are the cookies that evoke the strongest sense of nostalgia and tradition, connecting us to holidays past and present.
If you love cozy winter meals, you might also enjoy our delicious winter comfort food collection. It’s perfect for warming up after a day of baking.
The Must-Have Tools for Perfect Holiday Cookies
Before you begin, gathering the right equipment will make your baking experience smooth and successful. You don’t need a professional kitchen, just a few key items. Having these on hand will help you achieve consistent and beautiful results with all your Christmas cookie recipes.
Baking Sheets: Heavy-duty, light-colored aluminum baking sheets are best for even baking.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: For non-stick baking and easy cleanup.
Rolling Pin: A classic wooden or marble rolling pin works perfectly.
Cookie Cutters: An assortment of festive shapes is essential for holiday fun!
Electric Mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer is crucial for creaming butter and sugar properly.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few different sizes for dry and wet ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key in baking.
Cooling Racks: Essential for allowing cookies to cool properly and prevent sogginess.
The Classic Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe
This is the quintessential Christmas cookie. Its sturdy texture is perfect for cutting into intricate shapes, and its balanced sweetness provides the ideal base for royal icing and sprinkles. This no-fail recipe ensures your cookies hold their shape without sacrificing a soft, chewy center. It’s one of the most rewarding Christmas cookie recipes to master.
The perfect canvas for your decorating creativity.
Ingredients for Sugar Cookies
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial to prevent spreading.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
The Spicy Gingerbread Man Recipe
No holiday cookie platter is complete without gingerbread. The warm blend of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses creates a nostalgic aroma that is pure Christmas. This recipe produces gingerbread men that are soft and chewy, yet sturdy enough for decorating. For a different take on a comforting classic, our Keto Ground Beef Casserole is a fantastic dinner option before you start your holiday dessert baking.
Ingredients for Gingerbread Cookies
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup molasses
1 large egg
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and all the spices.
In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy. Mix in the molasses and egg until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough in two, form into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut out gingerbread men and place them on your baking sheets.
Bake for 9-11 minutes. The cookies should feel firm to the touch. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.
The Melt-in-Your-Mouth Shortbread Cookie Recipe
Shortbread is the essence of simplicity and elegance. With just three primary ingredients—butter, sugar, and flour—the quality of your ingredients truly shines. This recipe results in a tender, buttery, and crumbly cookie that is absolutely irresistible. It’s a wonderfully simple recipe, much like our popular 30-Minute Baked Chicken Breast for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients for Shortbread Cookies
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
In a food processor or a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Pulse or whisk to combine.
Add the cold, cubed butter. If using a food processor, pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If using your hands, cut the butter in with a pastry blender or your fingertips.
Press the dough together into a ball. Do not overwork it.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. You can cut it into fingers, squares, or use a round cookie cutter.
Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet. Prick the tops with a fork.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. The tops should remain pale. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Decorating Your Christmas Cookies
Decorating is where the magic happens! Here are some tips to make it fun and stress-free.
Cool Completely: Never try to ice a warm cookie. Your icing will melt and slide right off.
Use Royal Icing: For that classic, hard-surfaced decorated cookie, royal icing (made with meringue powder or egg whites) is the best choice.
Outline and Flood: Use a thicker consistency icing to pipe an outline around the cookie shape. Then, use a thinner “flood” consistency icing to fill in the center.
Sprinkles and Sugars: Apply sprinkles, sanding sugar, or other decorations while the icing is still wet so they adhere properly.
Storing and Freezing Your Holiday Treats
One of the best things about these Christmas cookie recipes is that they can be made ahead of time. Proper storage ensures they stay fresh and delicious.
Room Temperature: Store cooled, undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to one week. Store decorated cookies in a single layer in an airtight container.
Freezing Dough: All three of these doughs freeze beautifully. Wrap the discs tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling.
Freezing Baked Cookies: You can also freeze the baked, undecorated cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They will last for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Cookie Recipes
The most popular Christmas cookies are timeless classics that evoke holiday nostalgia. These typically include decorated Sugar Cookies, spicy Gingerbread Men, buttery Shortbread, Peanut Butter Blossoms, and Thumbprint Cookies.
Start with a simple, reliable recipe like shortbread or sugar cookies. The key is to use quality ingredients, measure accurately, and, most importantly, properly chill the dough before baking to ensure the cookies hold their shape.
The best way to get that classic decorated look is with royal icing. Use a thicker consistency to pipe an outline and a thinner ‘flood’ icing to fill it in. Always let your cookies cool completely before starting, and apply sprinkles while the icing is wet.
Most cookie doughs can be made and frozen for up to 3 months. You can also bake the cookies (undecorated) and freeze them for up to 3 months. Decorated cookies are best made closer to the event, but will keep in an airtight container for about a week.
The number one rule to prevent spreading is to chill your dough thoroughly—at least one hour, but longer is better. Also, ensure your butter is softened, not melted. Finally, baking on a cool baking sheet lined with parchment paper helps the cookies hold their shape.
Our Favorite Christmas Cookie Recipes
FL Recipes
Christmas Cookie Recipes: The Only 3 You’ll Ever Need
This classic cut-out sugar cookie is the perfect canvas for all your holiday decorating ideas. It's a no-fail recipe that produces soft, delicious cookies that hold their shape perfectly every time.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial to prevent spreading.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Calories: 120kcalProtein: 1.5gFat: 6gFiber: 0.5g
Notes
Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture. Chilling the dough is a critical step to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. Do not overbake; the cookies will continue to set on the hot baking sheet after you remove them from the oven.
Keyword Christmas Cookies,holiday baking,sugar cookies
Baking these cookies is all about creating joy and delicious memories. We hope these classic Christmas cookie recipes become a beloved part of your holiday tradition. We would love to see your beautiful creations! Snap a photo and share your cookie masterpieces on Pinterest. Happy baking!
Get into the holiday spirit with our foolproof Christmas cookie recipes!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
