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Every Christmas I become a Cookie Elf when I bake a bunch of cookies and pack them up as gifts–leaving some in the freezer for our own enjoyment, of course. I have my old standby recipes and some newer, more traditional cookies–but all of them are favorites!
(Post modified on 11/24/23.)
I have been baking cookies since I was a young girl in 4-H. With two older brothers, freshly made cookies were always appreciated–even if they did disappear almost as soon as I put them in the cookie jar.
Baking Christmas Cookies – Oldies but Goodies
I know back then, I didn’t appreciate such things. But now at 50+ years, nothing makes me happier than to see my cookies disappear, especially when our sons-in-law and grandchildren gobble them up.
Below you’ll find some of my favorite cookie recipes, some of them given to me by my grandma and others I’ve found and tweaked along the way. I hope you will enjoy them as much as we do.
#1 – Macadamia Nut Cookies – There is just something very special about Macadamia Nut Cookies, especially when they include delicious white chocolate nibs in them! Melt-in-your-mouth, buttery cookies with chopped macadamia nuts and white chocolate.
#2 – We love to make these Peanut Butter Kisses during the Christmas holidays–or anytime really! Chewy cookies coated in sparkling sugar and topped with a bite of Hershey’s chocolate. Yum!
#3 – Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies have two of my favorite ingredients in them–chocolate and peanut butter. These cookies are perfect for holiday gift giving. I love to add this recipe to my cookie trays.
#4 – Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies remind me of the oatmeal cookies my grandma used to make as a school cook. She made the most wonderful cookies.
#5 – M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies – Any child, young or old, will enjoy this recipe for M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies. They are pretty and bright enough for a Christmas Cookie Tray, but you can make them at any time of year!
#6 – Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies remind me of cookies my grandma made as a school cook. She made the most wonderful cookies.
#7 – Molasses Crinkles – What says “Autumn” or “Holidays” better than the aroma of molasses and spices drifting from your kitchen oven? Seek no further than these Molasses Crinkles! These hefty cookies are full of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves and practically melt in your mouth.
#8 – Kids love baking these Rolled Sugar Cookies with Icing for Christmas or Easter! Or anytime you want a decorated cookie. I love the simple no-fuss icing on this cookie.
Baking Christmas Cookies – New Favorites from the Old World
The past few years, I’ve been learning about some old-world cookie recipes, along with the history behind them. It’s fascinating to me, and I wish I could visit with my grandma about these recipes. She always loved to talk about new recipes and especially those about cookies. I think these old-world cookies are especially good with a cup of hot tea.
#9 – These Spiced Speculaas Cookies are delicious and nearly identical to those windmill cookies you can buy in the store. Only better. Try them. One of my favorite cookies and perfect to serve with hot tea.
#10 – German Springerle Christmas Cookies – A few years ago I made these hard, licorice-flavored cookies for the first time and had such fun learning about the history of them. There is a great deal of history and baking knowledge when it comes to Springerle cookies.
#11 – These Cherry Pistachio Biscotti Cookies are absolutely wonderful. Crunchy butter cookies flavored with dried cherries and chopped pistachio nuts. So delicious, and perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
#12 – Christmas Wreath Macaroons are so festive and delightful, I know you will enjoy making them for your Holiday Cookie Tray! Not only are they pretty, they are quite yummy, AND they are simple to make. Plus, they are gluten free, which is always nice for the holidays.
#13 – Chocolate-Coated Raspberry Spritz Cookies are a delicious addition to your next tea party or for the holidays. Sweet butter cookies dotted with a dab of raspberry jam and coated with rich dark chocolate on the bottom.
#14 – The first time I tasted a Pizzelle, I fell in love with the light, crispy cookie. They have a lovely design, practically melt in your mouth, and are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
#15 – These little Neapolitan Tea Cookies are full of flavor–strawberry, coconut, and chocolate–perfect for your next tea party!
#16 – Snowball Powdered Sugar Cookies are perfect for the holidays and are especially sweet for tea parties! They are simply delightful, and practically melt in your mouth–like a snowball!
#17 – These Linzer Cookies with Strawberry Preserves are sweet and festive, perfect for holiday baking. They make a great tea party food, too!
#18 – Holiday Cardamom Spice Cookies are perfect for a Christmas Tea Party or for gifting. Filled with warm spices, candied cherries, dried cranberries, and almonds, these triangular cookies are a fun addition to any holiday cookie tray. Plus, they are so delicious!
I hope you will have a wonderful holiday baking season and will enjoy making lots of Christmas cookies for your family and loved ones. Few things bring a brighter smile than a tray of Christmas cookies for a friend.
See even more cookies HERE. Browse my Favorite Holiday Baking Ideas Here. View more Holiday Entertaining Ideas Here.
