16 pies and cookies worth fighting over at the holiday table

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Nothing says holiday cheer like pies and cookies that everyone can’t wait to grab. These 16 recipes deliver the festive flavors and comforting textures that make family dinners unforgettable. From buttery crusts to chewy cookies, they’re the treats you’ll want to bake again and again. This list guarantees desserts that will have everyone reaching for seconds and sparking friendly feuds over the last bite.

Overhead shot of blackberry crumble pie with one slice on a serving plate.
Blackberry Crumble Pie. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Butter Pecan Cookies

Butter pecan cookies on a tray drizzled with white chocolate.
Butter Pecan Cookies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Toasted pecans and buttery richness make these cookies a holiday classic. A drizzle of white chocolate and a hint of ginger take them to the next level, making them perfect for a festive cookie tray. They’re easy to bake, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holidays. These cookies are the kind you’ll want to keep all to yourself.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies

Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream

Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This pie blends tangy lime filling with creamy coconut topping for a refreshing holiday treat. Its bright flavor balances the heavier desserts typically found at the holiday table. Ready in just over an hour, it’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. This pie is sure to bring a burst of sunshine to your winter celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream

Easy Gingerbread Cookies

Close up of gingerbread cookies on a white plate.
Easy Gingerbread Cookies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Cinnamon, ginger, and molasses combine to create the iconic holiday flavor of these cookies. With crisp edges and soft centers, they’re perfect for decorating or enjoying as-is. Ready in under an hour, they’re a timeless addition to any holiday gathering. These cookies bring festive cheer with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gingerbread Cookies

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Horizontal overhead shot of a platter of chocolate chocolate chip cookies.
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These cookies are loaded with chocolate chips and cocoa powder, making them a dream for chocolate lovers. While they don’t feature traditional holiday spices, their rich, fudgy flavor makes them perfect for satisfying sweet cravings during the season. No chilling is required, so they’re quick and easy to make. These cookies are the kind that disappear as soon as they’re served.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Mini Apple Pies

Mini Apple Pies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These bite-sized pies pack all the flavors of a classic apple pie into a handheld treat. Sweet apples, warm spices, and flaky crusts make them perfect for any holiday spread. Their individual size makes them a fun and interactive dessert option. These pies will likely be the first to disappear from the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Mini Apple Pies

Ann’s Snickerdoodle Recipe

Overhead shot of a plate with three cookies next to a wire rack filled with cooling cookies.
Ann’s Snickerdoodle Recipe. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Coated in cinnamon sugar, these cookies bring nostalgic holiday flavors to every bite. Their simplicity and timeless appeal make them a favorite for Christmas baking. They come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute treats. These cookies are as comforting as they are hard to share.
Get the Recipe: Ann’s Snickerdoodle Recipe

Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Chocolate cookies with a caramel center on a wooden surface.
Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Gooey caramel centers and rich chocolate shortbread make these cookies almost too good to share. A touch of salt enhances their sweet flavors, making them a standout treat for holiday gatherings. Ready in under an hour, they’re both easy and impressive. These cookies will have everyone fighting for the last one.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Cranberry Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies

Cookies on a cooling rack on a dark surface.
Cranberry Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Hearty oats, tart cranberries, and chunks of chocolate combine for a holiday cookie with bold flavor. Their chewy texture and festive ingredients make them a perfect addition to any holiday tray. They’re quick to prepare, making them a go-to option for busy bakers. These cookies will have guests asking for the recipe after the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies

Snowflake Date Cookies

Side view of three cookies on a dark plate.
Snowflake Date Cookies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Shaped like snowflakes and sweetened with dates, these cookies are soft, chewy, and festive. They add a charming touch to any holiday dessert spread with their nostalgic flavors. Quick to make, they’re perfect for gifting or sharing during the season. These cookies capture the magic of the holidays in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Snowflake Date Cookies

Salted Bourbon Caramel Shortbread Cookies

One Salted Bourbon Caramel Shortbread Cookies cookie on a white plate next to a bottle of milk.
Salted Bourbon Caramel Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Buttery shortbread and smooth caramel are enhanced by a hint of bourbon and a sprinkle of salt in these elegant cookies. Their rich and balanced flavors make them perfect for festive occasions. Ready in less than an hour, they’re as easy to make as they are decadent. These cookies might have you hiding the tin from everyone else.
Get the Recipe: Salted Bourbon Caramel Shortbread Cookies

Pistachio Cranberry Cookies

Side view of a stack of cookies.
Pistachio Cranberry Cookies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Vibrant red cranberries and green pistachios make these cookies a festive favorite. Their nutty richness and tart bursts of flavor bring seasonal cheer to any cookie platter. Quick to prepare, they’re a reliable choice for last-minute holiday baking. These cookies are as festive as they are irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Cranberry Cookies

Lemon Rosemary Shortbread Cookies

A tray of cookies with rosemary sprigs on it.
Lemon rosemary shortbread cookies, done two ways (gluten-free, vegan). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

These buttery shortbread cookies are infused with rosemary and a hint of lemon for a sophisticated holiday treat. Their unique flavor combination makes them a standout addition to any dessert spread. Perfect for sharing or gifting, they’re an easy way to spread holiday cheer. These cookies bring a refreshing twist to traditional holiday flavors.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Rosemary Shortbread Cookies

Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie

Overhead view of apple pie with apples.
Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This classic pie features spiced apples and a rustic lattice crust that feels timeless and inviting. It’s the centerpiece dessert that completes any holiday table. While it takes a bit longer to prepare, the effort is well worth the result. This pie will have everyone reaching for seconds and thirds.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

A cooling rack with red velvet crinkle cookies.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These cookies are soft, vibrant, and coated in powdered sugar for a festive, snowy look. Their rich cocoa flavor and striking red color make them perfect for holiday celebrations. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re a quick and easy way to add charm to your dessert table. These cookies are as eye-catching as they are delicious.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Pumpkin Pecan Pie

Overhead view of pumpin pecan pie.
Pumpkin Pecan Pie. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Creamy pumpkin filling and crunchy pecans come together in this holiday favorite. Its rich textures and flavors make it a must-have for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Ready in just over an hour, it’s a dessert that combines tradition with a little flair. This pie is sure to leave a lasting impression on your holiday guests.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Pie

Blackberry Crumble Pie

Overhead shot of blackberry crumble pie with one slice on a serving plate.
Blackberry Crumble Pie. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Juicy blackberries and a buttery crumble topping make this pie a showstopper for the holiday table. Its nostalgic flavors are given a fresh twist, making it both familiar and exciting. Ready in about an hour, it’s an easy dessert to impress your guests. This pie is the kind everyone remembers long after the meal is over.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Crumble Pie

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