25 Holiday Cookie Recipes for 2026 You’ll Love

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home during the holiday season. That magical combination of warm butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar instantly transports you back to childhood memories of decorating sugar cookies at the kitchen table, sneaking tastes of cookie dough when no one was looking, and leaving a plate of treats out for Santa on Christmas Eve.

If you’re ready to fill your kitchen with holiday magic this year, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve rounded up the 25 most delicious, most beautiful, most Pinterest-worthy holiday cookie recipes for 2026. From classic sugar cookies with glossy royal icing to rich chocolate crinkles dusted in powdered sugar snow, cozy gingerbread men, and melt-in-your-mouth snowballs — there’s something here for every cookie lover, every skill level, and every holiday gathering on your calendar.

Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, gifting homemade treats to neighbors and teachers, or just want to enjoy a quiet afternoon of holiday baking with your favorite Christmas playlist, these recipes have you covered. Each one includes simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and pro decorating tips so your cookies look as amazing as they taste. So preheat that oven, grab your mixing bowls, and let’s get baking!

1. Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies

No holiday cookie collection is complete without the all-time classic: buttery, tender sugar cookies cut into festive shapes and decorated with colorful royal icing. These are the cookies of childhood dreams — crisp edges, soft centers, and a sweet vanilla flavor that pairs perfectly with a cold glass of milk.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until combined.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture on low speed until just combined.
5. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
6. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface and cut with cookie cutters.
7. Bake at 350°F for 9-11 minutes until edges are just set. Cool completely before decorating.

Baker’s tip: Chill your cut-out cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking — this keeps the shapes sharp and prevents spreading!

2. Gingerbread Cookies

Spicy, warm, and full of holiday cheer, gingerbread cookies are a December staple. The deep molasses flavor combined with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves makes these irresistibly cozy. Cut them into classic gingerbread people, stars, or Christmas trees and decorate with simple white icing details.

Ingredients:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg

Instructions:

1. Whisk flour, baking soda, spices, and salt in a bowl.
2. Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg.
3. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
4. Wrap and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Roll to 1/4-inch thickness, cut into shapes, and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
6. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Baker’s tip: For softer gingerbread, pull the cookies when they still look slightly underdone in the center — they’ll firm up as they cool!

3. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These stunning cookies look like they fell straight out of a winter wonderland. Rich, fudgy chocolate centers crack through a snowy coating of powdered sugar as they bake, creating that gorgeous crinkled effect. They’re intensely chocolatey, chewy, and absolutely gorgeous on a holiday cookie platter.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Instructions:

1. Whisk cocoa, granulated sugar, and oil until combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
2. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
3. Cover and chill the dough for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Roll tablespoon-sized balls in powdered sugar until heavily coated.
5. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until the tops are cracked and set.

Baker’s tip: Roll the dough balls in powdered sugar TWICE for the most dramatic snowy crackle effect!

4. Snowball Cookies

Also known as Mexican wedding cookies or Russian tea cakes, snowball cookies are buttery, nutty little bites rolled in a blizzard of powdered sugar. They practically melt in your mouth, and they look exactly like tiny snowballs — perfect for the season!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus 1 cup more for rolling
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Cream butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until fluffy. Mix in vanilla.
2. Stir in flour, nuts, and salt until a soft dough forms.
3. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on lined baking sheets.
4. Bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden.
5. While still warm, roll in powdered sugar. Once cool, roll again for a thick snowy coating.

Baker’s tip: Toast the nuts before chopping for deeper, richer flavor in every bite!

5. Peanut Butter Blossoms

Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies crowned with a chocolate kiss — what’s not to love? These nostalgic favorites are a must at every holiday cookie exchange. The combination of salty peanut butter and sweet chocolate is pure perfection.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar, plus more for rolling
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 48 chocolate kisses, unwrapped

Instructions:

1. Cream butter, peanut butter, and both sugars until fluffy.
2. Beat in egg, milk, and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Roll into 1-inch balls, then roll in granulated sugar.
4. Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.
5. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.

Baker’s tip: Freeze the chocolate kisses for 15 minutes before baking — they’ll hold their shape better on the warm cookies!

6. Cinnamon Snickerdoodles

Soft, pillowy, and rolled in cinnamon sugar, snickerdoodles are comfort in cookie form. The slight tang from cream of tartar gives them their signature flavor and chewy texture. Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for an extra holiday twist!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar + 2 teaspoons cinnamon, for rolling

Instructions:

1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
2. Whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt; stir into butter mixture.
3. Roll into 1 1/2-inch balls and coat in cinnamon sugar.
4. Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers look slightly soft.

Baker’s tip: Don’t skip the cream of tartar — it’s what makes a snickerdoodle a snickerdoodle!

7. Buttery Shortbread Cookies

With just a handful of simple ingredients, shortbread cookies deliver maximum buttery flavor. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are elegant enough for gifting and simple enough for everyday holiday snacking. Dip half in melted chocolate for an extra-special touch!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions:

1. Beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Mix in vanilla.
2. Add flour and salt; mix on low until just combined.
3. Press dough into a parchment-lined 9×13 pan or roll and cut into shapes.
4. Bake at 325°F for 25-30 minutes until pale golden.
5. Cool, then cut into bars or fingers while still slightly warm.

Baker’s tip: Use high-quality European-style butter for the richest, most luxurious shortbread flavor!

8. Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Classic chocolate chip cookies get a festive makeover with crushed candy canes and a hint of peppermint extract. The cool mint flavor paired with melty chocolate chips is a holiday match made in heaven — and the red-and-white candy cane pieces make them look so festive!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Cream butter and both sugars. Beat in eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
2. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
3. Scoop 2-tablespoon balls onto lined baking sheets.
4. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.

Baker’s tip: Press a few extra candy cane pieces on top of each dough ball before baking for maximum festive flair!

9. Molasses Crinkle Cookies

Soft, chewy, and deeply spiced, molasses crinkle cookies are like gingerbread’s sophisticated older sibling. The crackled sugar tops and warm spice blend make them a standout on any cookie tray — and your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible while they bake.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar, for rolling

Instructions:

1. Whisk melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, and egg until smooth.
2. Stir in flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
3. Chill dough for 30 minutes. Roll into 1-inch balls and coat in granulated sugar.
4. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until crackled and set.

Baker’s tip: These cookies stay soft for days — perfect for make-ahead holiday baking!

10. Raspberry Linzer Cookies

These elegant sandwich cookies are almost too pretty to eat! Buttery almond-flavored cookies with a cut-out window reveal a jewel-like layer of raspberry jam, all dusted with powdered sugar. They’re a showstopper for holiday parties and gift boxes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely ground almonds
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Cream butter and sugar. Beat in vanilla and almond extracts.
2. Stir in flour, ground almonds, and salt. Chill for 1 hour.
3. Roll to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut equal numbers of solid rounds and rounds with small center cut-outs.
4. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
5. Spread jam on solid cookies, dust cut-out cookies with powdered sugar, and sandwich together.

Baker’s tip: Warm the jam slightly before spreading for a smooth, even layer!

11. Thumbprint Jam Cookies

Buttery, tender, and filled with sweet jam, thumbprint cookies are endlessly customizable. Use red raspberry or strawberry jam for a festive Christmas look, or try apricot and lemon curd for variety. A drizzle of white chocolate takes them over the top!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup jam of choice

Instructions:

1. Cream butter and sugar. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla.
2. Stir in flour and salt until combined.
3. Roll into 1-inch balls. Press your thumb into the center of each to make an indent.
4. Fill each indent with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
5. Bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

Baker’s tip: If the indent puffs up during baking, gently re-press it with the back of a spoon while the cookies are still warm!

12. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

All the gorgeous red color and cocoa flavor of red velvet cake in chewy cookie form! These striking crimson cookies with their snowy white crackle tops are guaranteed to turn heads at any holiday gathering. Add white chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 1 box red velvet cake mix
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Instructions:

1. Stir cake mix, oil, eggs, and vanilla until a thick dough forms. Fold in white chocolate chips.
2. Chill dough for 30 minutes.
3. Roll into 1-inch balls and coat generously in powdered sugar.
4. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until tops are crackled.

Baker’s tip: This easy shortcut recipe is perfect when you need impressive cookies in a hurry!

13. Eggnog Cookies

Capture the creamy, spiced flavor of holiday eggnog in cookie form! These soft, cake-like cookies are flavored with real eggnog and nutmeg, then topped with a sweet eggnog glaze. They’re a unique addition that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup eggnog
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus more for topping

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons eggnog
• Pinch of nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Cream butter and sugar. Beat in egg, eggnog, and vanilla.
2. Stir in flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
3. Drop rounded tablespoons onto lined baking sheets.
4. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Cool completely.
5. Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled cookies. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

Baker’s tip: Use full-fat eggnog for the richest flavor and softest texture!

14. Hot Cocoa Cookies

Imagine your favorite mug of hot cocoa transformed into a cookie — that’s exactly what these are! Rich chocolate cookies studded with chocolate chips, topped with a gooey toasted marshmallow. They’re pure winter comfort and kids absolutely love them.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips
• 12 large marshmallows, halved

Instructions:

1. Cream butter and both sugars. Beat in egg and vanilla.
2. Stir in flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Fold in chocolate chips.
3. Scoop 2-tablespoon balls and bake at 350°F for 9 minutes.
4. Press a marshmallow half onto each cookie and bake 2-3 minutes more until marshmallow is soft.
5. Optional: broil for 30 seconds to toast the marshmallows golden.

Baker’s tip: Watch closely under the broiler — marshmallows go from golden to burnt in seconds!

15. Iced Christmas Tree Cookies

These adorable Christmas tree cookies are almost too cute to eat! Crisp sugar cookie trees decorated with green royal icing, colorful sprinkle ornaments, and a star on top. They’re the ultimate holiday showpiece cookie — perfect for parties, gifts, and your Instagram feed.

Ingredients:

• 1 batch Classic Christmas Sugar Cookie dough (see recipe #1)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons meringue powder
• 5-6 tablespoons water
• Green gel food coloring
• Assorted sprinkles and mini candies
• Star sprinkles for tree toppers

Instructions:

1. Cut tree shapes from chilled sugar cookie dough and bake as directed. Cool completely.
2. Whisk powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water to make royal icing. Tint green.
3. Outline each tree with icing, then flood the center. Let set for 15 minutes.
4. While icing is still slightly wet, add sprinkle “ornaments” and a star on top.
5. Let dry completely (4-6 hours or overnight) before stacking or packaging.

Baker’s tip: Use a toothpick to pop any air bubbles in the wet icing for a perfectly smooth finish!

Cookie Decorating Tips for Pinterest-Worthy Cookies

Beautiful cookies start with great decorating! These pro tips will take your holiday cookies from homemade to bakery-worthy.

Royal Icing Basics

Royal icing is the secret to those smooth, glossy decorated cookies you see all over Pinterest. The key is getting the right consistency: outline consistency should be like toothpaste (holds its shape), while flood consistency should be like honey (spreads smoothly). Start thick and add water a tiny bit at a time — you can always thin it out, but you can’t thicken it back up!

Food Coloring Tips

Always use gel food coloring rather than liquid — it gives vibrant color without thinning your icing. Start with a tiny amount and build up; holiday reds and greens can take more color than you’d expect. For deep, rich colors, let the icing sit for 30 minutes — the color darkens as it develops.

Sprinkles and Edible Decorations

Add sprinkles while your icing is still wet so they stick properly. For a professional look, use a cohesive color palette (like gold, white, and red) rather than rainbow everything. Edible glitter, gold luster dust, and pearl sprinkles add instant elegance to any cookie!

How to Store and Gift Holiday Cookies

You’ve baked dozens of beautiful cookies — now let’s make sure they stay fresh and look amazing when you share them!

Room Temperature Storage

Most holiday cookies stay fresh for 5-7 days in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper to protect decorations. Keep soft cookies and crisp cookies in separate containers — the moisture from soft cookies will make crisp ones soggy!

Freezing Cookie Dough

Want to get ahead? Most cookie doughs freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the bake time. Your future self will thank you!

Gifting Cookies Like a Pro

Package cookies in festive tins, cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or cute bakery boxes lined with parchment. Include a handwritten recipe card for a personal touch! For shipping, choose sturdy cookies (shortbread, biscotti, gingerbread) and pack them snugly with bubble wrap or crinkled paper so they don’t shift.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it — 25 irresistible holiday cookie recipes to make your 2026 season the sweetest one yet! From timeless classics like sugar cookies and gingerbread to fun new favorites like hot cocoa cookies and eggnog cookies, there’s a recipe here for every craving and every occasion.

Remember, holiday baking isn’t about perfection — it’s about joy. So put on your favorite Christmas music, gather your loved ones in the kitchen, and don’t worry if your icing isn’t Instagram-perfect on the first try. The memories you make (and the delicious cookies you eat along the way) are what truly matter.

Happy baking, and happy holidays! Don’t forget to save this post to your holiday baking board on Pinterest so you can find these recipes whenever the craving strikes. 🎄🍪