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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!
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.
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.
Baking Christmas Cookies – Oldies but Goodies
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.
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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.
I love to make 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.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies have two of my favorite ingredients in them–chocolate and peanut butter. These cookies are perfect for Christmas gift-giving or Holiday Cookie Trays. Yum!
Here’s a recipe you are sure to enjoy. It reminds me of the oatmeal cookies I used to eat as girl, and my husband devours these by the handful. This makes a lot of cookies, but you’ll be glad you made plenty, when you see how fast they disappear.
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!
Here’s a delicious recipe that reminds me of the cookies my grandma would give me when she worked as a school cook. She made the most wonderful cookies. Enjoy!
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.
Kids love baking these Rolled Sugar Cookies with Icing for Christmas! Or anytime you want a decorated cookie. I love the simple no-fuss icing on this cookie and also how it makes a tray of cookies pop with holiday color!
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.
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Spiced Speculaas Cookies
Here’s a delicious cookie that is 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.
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. Springerle Cookies originate from Germany and it is said that home bakers would make these cookies at Thanksgiving to give them plenty of time to "harden and season" before Christmas gift-giving.
These Italian cookies are absolutely wonderful with tea. Crunchy and delicious with bits of dried cherries and chopped pistachio and a sparkly sugar topping. Make some today!
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.
Here's a delicious recipe to make for 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. So yummy!
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.
This recipe for Snowball Powdered Sugar Cookies is perfect for the holidays and is especially sweet for tea parties! Sometimes referred to as Russian Tea Cakes or even Mexican Wedding Cakes, they are essentially butter cookies with chopped nuts (in this case pecans) and covered in powdered sugar. They are simply delightful, and practically melt in your mouth–like a snowball!
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.
