Holiday baking season is here, and it’s time to start planning those cookie trays and cookie exchanges! Whether you love crispy, crunchy bites, fruity favorites, or perfectly iced cutouts, there’s a cookie for everyone to enjoy. We’ve also got the fancy ones that steal the spotlight at every exchange—because who doesn’t love a showstopper? So preheat your oven, grab your mixing bowls, and let’s make this holiday season extra sweet!
Chai Shortbread Cookies
Chai Shortbread Cookies are cozy and full of holiday flavor with black tea, cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger in every tender bite. These are perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a warm drink by the fire. Santa will love finding these on the cookie plate!
Get the Recipe: Chai Shortbread Cookies
Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
Pecan Thumbprint Cookies bring buttery brown sugar goodness with a sweet jam-filled center. These little treats melt in your mouth and make a great addition to holiday cookie exchanges. Bake them up for a cookie platter that kids and adults will love!
Get the Recipe: Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are rich, fudgy, and as festive as they come! The powdered sugar top adds a snowy touch, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or leaving out for Santa. They’re bound to be the talk of the cookie exchange!
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Red Velvet Stuffed Cookies
Red Velvet Stuffed Cookies are a sweet surprise with a filling tucked inside and a sprinkle-topped exterior. These bright cookies are perfect for holiday cookie trays and fun to share with family and friends. Santa won’t be able to resist!
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Stuffed Cookies
Triple Ginger Cookies
Triple Ginger Cookies pack a bold, spicy kick with three kinds of ginger, plus a touch of cloves and nutmeg. These are unique, aromatic treats that stand out on any holiday cookie plate. They’re a must-bake for cookie swaps!
Get the Recipe: Triple Ginger Cookies
Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Pumpkin Snickerdoodles bring together cinnamon, pumpkin, and a soft, spiced cookie in a delightful holiday treat. These pair perfectly with coffee on a chilly day and are a hit at cookie exchanges. Make a batch for friends to enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Apple Pie Cookies
Apple Pie Cookies capture the flavors of a classic pie in a bite-sized cookie. Easy to make and just as satisfying, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie swaps. A fun, festive treat everyone will love!
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Cookies
Mint Sprinkle Cookies
Mint Sprinkle Cookies burst with refreshing mint flavor and holiday cheer, topped with green and white sprinkles. These colorful cookies look great on any holiday cookie platter and are sure to impress at parties!
Get the Recipe: Mint Sprinkle Cookies
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies swirl bright holiday colors into every bite, adding instant cheer to any cookie tray. These buttery treats are both eye-catching and delicious, making them perfect for gifting and cookie exchanges.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Iced Molasses Cookies
Iced Molasses Cookies are rich with deep molasses flavor and topped with a sweet glaze. These comforting cookies are perfect for the holidays, ideal for enjoying with a cozy drink. Bake a batch to share and spread the cheer!
Get the Recipe: Iced Molasses Cookies
Heath Bar Cookies
Heath Bar Cookies mix crunchy toffee bits, pecans, and chocolate for a festive treat. With a perfect balance of buttery and sweet, these cookies are ideal for sharing during the holidays or adding to a cookie exchange tray.
Get the Recipe: Heath Bar Cookies
Chocolate Rugelach
Chocolate Rugelach wraps tender pastry around a rich chocolate filling, making a unique addition to your holiday spread. These rolled cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges and family gatherings alike!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Rugelach
Gingerbread Bars
Gingerbread Bars are an easy, shareable treat packed with the warm spices of the season. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in, these bars bring classic gingerbread flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Bars
Oatmeal Crumbl Cookies
Oatmeal Crumbl Cookies are soft, chewy, and drizzled with sweet icing for a homemade version of a bakery favorite. These cookies are perfect for sharing or keeping for yourself – they won’t last long!
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Crumbl Cookies
Pecan Pie Cookies
Pecan Pie Cookies bring the beloved taste of pecan pie in a handheld treat. With a buttery base and sweet pecan topping, these are perfect for holiday cookie swaps or as a special holiday dessert.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cookies
Florentines
Florentines are delicate, lacy cookies dipped in chocolate, making them a showstopper on any cookie platter. Their crisp texture and rich flavor are perfect for impressing guests or sharing at a cookie swap!
Get the Recipe: Florentines
Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies
Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies are a fun way to use up holiday candy canes, transforming them into a festive treat. These are perfect for peppermint lovers and a hit on any holiday cookie tray!
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies
Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a holiday twist on a classic, with bursts of sweet-tart cranberries and gooey chocolate chips. These cookies are a great addition to your holiday lineup and are sure to be a hit with everyone!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Honey Cookies with Orange and Cinnamon
Honey Cookies with a hint of orange and cinnamon bring warmth and holiday cheer to every bite. Perfect for adding a touch of tradition to your cookie tray, these are a treat everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Honey Cookies with Orange and Cinnamon
Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies combine tart cranberries and creamy white chocolate for a festive flavor combo. Great for cookie exchanges or as a special holiday treat, they’re a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Maple Snickerdoodles
Maple Snickerdoodles bring a seasonal twist to a classic cookie with hints of cinnamon and maple flavor. These are perfect for the holiday season but delicious all year round.
Get the Recipe: Maple Snickerdoodles
Double Chocolate Blossom Cookies
Double Chocolate Blossom Cookies are a holiday favorite with fudgy chocolate cookies and a classic Hershey’s Kiss on top. These cookies will be the star of any holiday dessert platter!
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Blossom Cookies
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tangy, and filled with holiday flavor. They melt in your mouth and add a bright, festive note to any cookie tray. Perfect for sharing or gifting!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Cranberry Walnut Cookies
Cranberry Walnut Cookies offer a nutty crunch with a burst of fruity cranberry in each bite. They’re a deliciously festive treat for the holidays and a great option for cookie swaps!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Walnut Cookies
Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookie Bites
These Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookie Bites are no-bake, healthy snacks with holiday flavors of cranberry, orange, and chocolate. Perfect for a holiday snack that feels like a treat!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookie Bites
Pistachio Cranberry Cookies
Pistachio Cranberry Cookies bring together the nuttiness of pistachios and the tang of cranberries. These festive cookies are a holiday hit with a unique flavor profile!
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Cranberry Cookies
Hamentashen
Classic Quaker Oatmeal Cookies are chewy, sweet, and always a favorite. These cookies are perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or packing up for cookie exchanges!
Get the Recipe: Hamentashen
Church Window Cookies
Church Window Cookies are a nostalgic no-bake treat with chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts. These colorful cookies make a festive addition to any holiday dessert table
Get the Recipe: Church Window Cookies
Sour Cream Cookies
Sour Cream Cookies are old-fashioned, cake-like treats topped with buttercream frosting. With a soft texture and delicious taste, these are perfect for holiday gatherings!
Get the Recipe: Sour Cream Cookies
Cornflake Wreath Cookies
Cornflake Wreath Cookies are no-bake holiday treats with a festive shape and red hot candies for holly berries. Perfect for adding to a cookie tray or sharing with kids!
Get the Recipe: Cornflake Wreath Cookies
Spiced Christmas Tree Cookies
Spiced Christmas Tree Cookies bring all the warm holiday spices and are topped with festive icing dots. Perfect for holiday cookie trays and sharing with family!
Get the Recipe: Spiced Christmas Tree Cookies
Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies
Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies combine cherries and chocolate in a cute pink cookie with a Hershey’s kiss on top. These festive cookies are sure to be a hit!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies
Amaretti Cookies
Amaretti Cookies are classic Italian treats with a nutty flavor and crisp exterior. Just like Nonna used to make, these cookies are perfect for the holiday season!
Get the Recipe: Amaretti Cookies
Gingerbread Pizzelle
Gingerbread Pizzelle combines Italian tradition with holiday spices, making these crisp cookies perfect for gifting or adding to a festive cookie tray.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Pizzelle
Pecan Sugar Cookies
Pecan Sugar Cookies bring toasted pecans and warm vanilla for a soft, spiced holiday treat. These cookies are perfect for sharing at holiday parties!
Get the Recipe: Pecan Sugar Cookies
Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies
Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies bring a hint of tea flavor to a classic shortbread, perfect for adding a unique twist to your holiday tray.
Get the Recipe: Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies
Lemon Drop Cookies
Lemon Drop Cookies are fluffy, glazed cookies that bring a bright, citrusy touch to the holiday season. Perfect for those who enjoy a lighter treat!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Drop Cookies
Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies bring just the right amount of spice balanced with rich chocolate sweetness. These unique treats are perfect for adding a little extra warmth to your holiday cookie platter!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
Snowflake Sugar Cookies
Snowflake Sugar Cookies are simple, iced beauties that make any holiday gathering feel festive. Use this recipe to cut out your favorite shapes for cookie trays, parties, or exchanges!
Get the Recipe: Snowflake Sugar Cookies
Hojarascas (Mexican Shortbread Cookies)
These yummy Hojarascas are soft and crumbly. They are covered in cinnamon and sugar. Roll and cut out into your favorite Christmas shapes for fun Holiday baking.
Get the Recipe: Hojarascas (Mexican Shortbread Cookies)