25 Christmas Cookies That Turn Baking Into the Best Part of December

Plenty of people have a tradition of baking Christmas cookies, and 25 recipes offer exciting choices for all skill levels. The kitchen seems to get busier as December moves along, especially when there’s an excuse to turn on the oven. Picking a few favorites from the list makes the process more manageable and fun. Having multiple recipes on hand means there’s always something fresh to pass around.

A hand holds a bitten Butter Pecan Cookie topped with a pecan and chopped nuts, with a blurred background.
Butter Pecan Cookies. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Peppermint Crunch Oreos

A white plate of Peppermint Crunch Oreos topped with crushed peppermint pieces sits on a white surface.
Peppermint Crunch Oreos. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

The holiday season reaches a whole new level once this Peppermint Crunch Oreos hits the kitchen. With the snap of chocolate and a cool burst of peppermint, these cookies invite everyone to grab just one more. Placing them on a tray often leads to laughter and cheerful requests for seconds. Baking with peppermint brings a special kind of winter magic to cookie swaps and cozy nights in.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Crunch Oreos

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

A plate of chocolate cookies topped with white icing and green sprinkles. A red and white striped cloth is in the background.
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Cookie platters get an upgrade when this Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies makes an appearance during December. Each bite mixes a deep cocoa base with a hint of mint that keeps you reaching back for another. Partygoers often can’t resist asking for the secret to such a festive flavor. Keeping a batch on hand means you’re always ready to celebrate.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

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Hot Cocoa Cookies

A close-up of a cocoa chip cookie with white and dark chocolate chunks resting on a black cooling rack.
Hot Cocoa Cookies. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

If warm mugs aren’t enough, this Hot Cocoa Cookies captures the joy of hot chocolate in a bite-sized treat. Soft centers and tiny marshmallows create a nostalgic dessert everyone recognizes from childhood. Friends huddle around the cookie plate, eager to enjoy a taste of winter comfort. For anyone who loves the feeling of a cozy cocoa night, these cookies are a must-bake.
Get the Recipe: Hot Cocoa Cookies

Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies

Gingerbread cookies with candy canes on a table.
Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Nothing says December like a batch of this Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies waiting to be decorated. Classic holiday spice pairs up with chocolate in a way that keeps everyone coming back to the kitchen. Lined up on cooling racks, these cookies become little works of art during family baking nights. Each bite brings holiday cheer and a sweet buzz to your celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies

Ginger Spice Cookies

A plate of Spiced Ginger Cookies and a cup of tea.
Ginger Spice Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Spicy warmth fills every kitchen when these Ginger Spice Cookies are baking. Their inviting scent brings everyone together, even before the oven timer finishes. A hint of molasses and cinnamon gives each cookie that perfect holiday kick. Little ones and adults alike trade smiles as they crunch through sugary edges. December just wouldn’t feel the same without a classic ginger cookie.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Spice Cookies

Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

A hand holding a partially eaten Cranberry chocolate chip cookie in focus, with a blurred background.
Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Classic chocolate chip gets a twist thanks to this Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies, bringing red gems of fruit to every bite. The contrast between tart and sweet catches everyone’s attention as trays are passed around. Placing them on a dessert board instantly boosts holiday spirit. One bite is all it takes to spark conversation and rave reviews.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Church Window Cookies

A hand holding a piece of Church Window Cookies, with more pieces blurred in the background.
Church Window Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Stained glass colors shine each time this Church Window Cookies come out for a party. Chocolate, marshmallows, and festive sprinkles combine for a cookie that’s almost too pretty to eat. Someone always asks how you managed to create such a dazzling treat. Kids and adults can’t resist sneaking seconds as they catch up around the table.
Get the Recipe: Church Window Cookies

Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies

A close-up of a large chocolate cookie sprinkled with coarse salt, placed on a decorative plate with pink rose patterns.
Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sweet meets salty in the best way when this Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies are part of your baking line-up. One cookie usually leads to another, especially when the complex flavors surprise newcomers. The aroma fills every corner, making it hard to wait until dessert. Biting into one feels like the highlight of any cookie exchange.
Get the Recipe: Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies

Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies

A plate with several Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie cookies topped with a layer of peanut butter and a swirl of chocolate frosting.
Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Baking at home becomes more exciting with this Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies on your to-do list. Gooey centers and peanut butter set the stage for a holiday treat people talk about long after December. Extra cookies often result in spontaneous afternoon snacks and late-night cravings. Everyone wants to know the secret behind each delicious bite.
Get the Recipe: Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies

Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

A slice of chocolate chip skillet cookie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream sits on a white plate with a spoon.
Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Sharing this Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie out of a warm pan creates instant memories for holiday gatherings. The mix of melty chocolate and soft dough just feels right after a day in the cold. As you slice wedges, the anticipation builds for the first taste. Eating cookies together in a skillet makes the tradition even sweeter.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Red Velvet Christmas Truffles

Red velvet Christmas truffles sprinkled with sugar.
Red Velvet Christmas Truffles. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cheesecake fans find a new favorite when you make this Red Velvet Christmas Truffles for the holidays. There’s a party feel packed into every creamy, chocolate-dipped bite. Fanciful decorations turn your kitchen into a pop-up candy shop for the season. Anyone who tries one ends up hoping there are a few left for later.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Christmas Truffles

Chocolate Overload Cookies

Chocolate overload cookies on a white plate.
Chocolate Overload Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Sometimes, only the deepest, richest batch will do, and this Chocolate Overload Cookies fit the bill. Each cookie offers multiple chocolatey layers, giving true fans something to get excited about. Platter after platter is emptied in no time, especially at holiday bake sales. No one feels left out with cookies that make December truly indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Overload Cookies

Avalanche Crunch Cookies

A baking tray lined with parchment paper holds twelve Avalanche Crunch Cookies.
Avalanche Crunch Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

A snowy look adds to the fun of this Avalanche Crunch Cookies, perfect for wintery afternoons and gift boxes. Bits of crunch and chewy sweetness bring everyone back for another helping. Adding these to your list means every holiday tray grabs attention right from the start. Kids delight in both the taste and texture every single time.
Get the Recipe: Avalanche Crunch Cookies

Peanut Butter and Date Chocolate Bark

A stack of Peanut Butter and Date Chocolate Bark pieces sits on a wooden board.
Peanut Butter and Date Chocolate Bark. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Energy and dessert merge with each batch of this Peanut Butter and Date Chocolate Bark you whip up. The treat looks fancy, but it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a go-to for homemade holiday gifts. Friends tend to ask for the recipe after their first bite. Offering this bark at parties introduces a new way to enjoy classic peanut butter.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter and Date Chocolate Bark

Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Eggnog sugar cookies on a plate with santa claus figurines.
Eggnog Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

An unmistakable aroma fills the house with this Eggnog Sugar Cookies baking in the oven. Smooth, spiced flavor transforms traditional sugar cookie dough into a holiday favorite. People always comment on how much these cookies remind them of classic December celebrations. Baking is twice as fun when eggnog is involved.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Bourbon Balls with White Chocolate

Bourbon balls with white chocolate and powdered sugar
Bourbon Balls with White Chocolate. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Festive baking gets a buzz of excitement thanks to this Bourbon Balls with White Chocolate. Rich flavor and creamy texture make each treat a little luxury for grown-up get-togethers. Tins of bourbon balls disappear quickly from office parties and dessert platters. Including them in your lineup guarantees a memorable twist for the season.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Balls with White Chocolate

Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

Peanut butter cookies with a face made of pretzels and dried cranberries to look like a reindeer.
Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Laughter fills the kitchen during the decorating of this Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies. Silly faces and playful shapes set these apart from any other holiday cookie you’ll make. Plates empty out as soon as they hit the table. Baking becomes a creative experience, perfect for anyone who likes to involve kids or add personal touches to the dessert spread.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

Double Chocolate Brookies

A plate of chocolate cookies with walnuts and chocolate pieces on the side.
Double Chocolate Brookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

There’s joy in every bite of this Double Chocolate Brookies thanks to the combination of brownie richness and cookie crunch. Bringing these along means never worrying about leftovers since they seem to disappear in a flash. Serving up brookies sparks curiosity about what makes them so good. For anyone who can’t decide between two desserts, these cookies are the answer.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Brookies

Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

Three brown butter snickerdoodle cookies arranged on a white surface, sprinkled with sea salt flakes, with a white cloth and purple flowers on the side.
Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Caramel brings a gooey surprise to this Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles, giving an old classic new life. Baking these fills your home with warmth, while the chewy center gets plenty of praise. Most snackers are drawn in by the aroma alone, but the taste keeps them coming back. Every bite feels like a reward after a busy December day.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

A jar of White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies next to lavender flowers.
White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Snowy crinkles make this White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies a hit for gift boxes and dessert trays alike. Soft cookies dusted with sugar look almost too pretty to eat, inviting everyone to reach for seconds. Sharing them at holiday gatherings always brings a smile. There’s just something magical about white chocolate in December.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Cookie Butter Cake Balls

Six Cookie Butter Cake Balls on a slate tray.
Cookie Butter Cake Balls. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Tiny and flavorful, this Cookie Butter Cake Balls become a conversation starter at every holiday party. Bitesized sweetness makes them disappear quickly, while festive decorations win over every crowd. I’ve found that bringing cake balls keeps the mood cheerful and the dessert table buzzing. Baking with cookie butter is a sure way to make new traditions in December.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Butter Cake Balls

Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Chocolate Caramel Cookies with frosting, caramel drizzle, and chopped nuts on a white marble surface.
Chocolate Caramel Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

One taste of this Chocolate Caramel Cookies leaves people reaching for napkins and compliments. Melted caramel inside chocolate dough brings drama to each bite, perfect for anyone who loves bold holiday treats. Sharing these cookies turns dessert time into a celebration. Bake a few batches, and you’ll be the favorite at every cookie swap.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Cookies

New Years Eve Cookies

A group of cookies decorated with icing and different shapes of candy sprinkles.
New Years Eve Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Countdown to midnight with a plate of this New Years Eve Cookies ready to share. Sparkling decorations fit the theme, making every bite feel like part of the celebration. Friends linger near the dessert table, snagging extras before the party ends. Cookies really do bring people together, especially on the last day of December.
Get the Recipe: New Years Eve Cookies

Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies

Frosted chocolate chip cookie cookies on a wooden cutting board.
Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bright frosting sits atop this Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies, letting you mix creativity with classic holiday baking. These treats are perfect for decorating parties or for sharing with neighbors who love a festive twist on tradition. Each finished cookie celebrates both flavor and fun. Baking them is almost as enjoyable as eating the final result.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies

Butter Pecan Cookies

A hand holds a bitten Butter Pecan Cookie topped with a pecan and chopped nuts, with a blurred background.
Butter Pecan Cookies. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Toasty aroma fills your home with every fresh batch of this Butter Pecan Cookies. Crunchy nuts and buttery dough pair up to make each December evening feel a little more comforting. Trays never seem to stick around for long, since even one cookie invites a return trip. There’s always time for a new favorite in the holiday cookie lineup.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies

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