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.

Peppermint Crunch Oreos

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

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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Buy Now!Hot Cocoa Cookies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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