17 cookies that make the perfect gift (if you don’t eat them first)

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Cookies are one of the simplest and most thoughtful gifts you can make during the holidays. They’re personal, homemade, and always appreciated—no one turns down a good cookie. These recipes are great for filling gift boxes or sharing with friends and family during festive gatherings. With a mix of classic flavors and a few creative touches, there’s something here to suit any holiday vibe. 

A stack of round cookies with visible pieces of pistachios and cranberries on a wooden surface, surrounded by scattered nuts and berries.
Cranberry orange shortbread cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Christmas Tree Cookies

Christmas Tree Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Packed with chunks of chocolate and walnuts, these Christmas tree cookies are festive, fun, and great for sharing—or keeping. They’re easy to bake and make a perfect gift that feels just a little more special than the usual sugar cookie.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Cookies

Cranberry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cranberry almond chocolate chip cookies on a white plate.
Cranberry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cranberries, almonds, and chocolate chips are brought to life with a hint of orange zest in these chewy cookies. They’re dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt, making them a great choice for gifting or treating yourself during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookies

A stack of chocolate chip cookies on a white plate.
Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Thick, chewy, and loaded with buttery macadamia nuts, these chocolate chip cookies are a fun upgrade from the classic version. They’re perfect for gifting because they feel a little extra special, but good luck not eating them all first.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookies

Chocolate Dipped Orange Macaroons

A plate of cookies with chocolate and pistachios on it.
Chocolate Dipped Orange Macaroons. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These orange-flavored macaroons are dipped in chocolate for a sweet, festive treat. They’re easy to whip up and make a perfect addition to holiday gift boxes, especially for fans of coconut.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Orange Macaroons

Gingerbread Molasses Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Three gingerbread molasses chocolate chunk cookies stacked on a white plate coated in sugar.
Gingerbread Molasses Chocolate Chunk Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Soft, chewy, and packed with holiday spices, these gingerbread molasses cookies are studded with chocolate chunks for extra flavor. They’re great for gifting because they’re classic but with a little something extra that makes them stand out.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Molasses Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cranberry chocolate chip cookies on a plate.
Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Take a classic chocolate chip cookie and add fresh cranberries for bright pops of tart sweetness. These cookies have crispy edges, gooey centers, and are a great option for anyone looking to mix up their holiday cookie lineup.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Matcha Shortbread Cookies

Green cookies with chocolate drizzle on a baking sheet.
Chocolate Matcha Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Buttery matcha shortbread cookies drizzled in chocolate are a fun and colorful treat. Great for tea lovers or anyone who appreciates a slightly earthy flavor, they’re a perfect cookie for gifting—or keeping for yourself with a cup of coffee.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Matcha Shortbread Cookies

Amaretto Fudge Cookies

Chocolate oatmeal cookies on a silver plate with a glass of milk.
Amaretto Fudge Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These dark chocolate cookies have a rich fudgy texture with a hint of amaretto for a grown-up holiday treat. They’re bold and flavorful, making them great for gifting or adding to any festive spread.
Get the Recipe: Amaretto Fudge Cookies

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

A stack of round cookies with visible pieces of pistachios and cranberries on a wooden surface, surrounded by scattered nuts and berries.
Cranberry orange shortbread cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These cranberry orange shortbread cookies combine bright citrus with buttery richness. They’re quick to make and a great option for gifting, adding a pop of color and flavor to your holiday cookie tins.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate Cashew Cookies

A stack of cookies on a plate with a napkin.
Chocolate Cashew Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Soft and chewy like a brownie, these chocolate cashew cookies are rolled in chopped nuts for extra crunch. They’re a fun and slightly different holiday treat that will stand out in any cookie box or on the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cashew Cookies

Pignoli Cookies

Almond cookies with powdered sugar in a wooden bowl.
Pignoli Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This recipe is a twist on the classic Italian pignoli cookie with all the almond flavor and crunchy pine nut topping everyone loves. They’re a great option for holiday gifts that feel thoughtful and taste fantastic.
Get the Recipe: Pignoli Cookies

Orange Pomegranate Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pomegranate chocolate chip cookies on a wooden table.
Orange Pomegranate Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These cookies bring together pomegranate, chocolate chips, and a touch of orange zest for a fresh winter-inspired flavor. They’re great for baking in big batches to give away or share during holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Orange Pomegranate Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies

A stack of gingerbread cookies on a wooden cutting board.
Gingerbread Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Packed with protein from collagen, these gingerbread cookies are soft, festive, and a great option for a little something different on your holiday table. They’re easy to make and perfect for gifting.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Cookies

Sweet Potato Cookies

Sweet potato cookies stacked on top of each other on a wire rack.
Sweet Potato Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Made with mashed sweet potato, oats, and fall spices, these soft cookies are lightly sweet and perfect for gifting during the holidays. They’re also vegan, so everyone can enjoy them.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cookies

Chocolate Dipped Almond Cashew Butter Cookies

Chocolate dipped cashew almond butter cookies on parchment lined baking sheet garnished with candied sage leaf.
Chocolate Dipped Almond Cashew Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These flourless cookies are made with almond and cashew butter, then dipped in dark chocolate and topped with candied sage for a unique holiday flavor. They’re chewy, flavorful, and perfect for gifting with a little extra flair.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Almond Cashew Butter Cookies

Easy Thumbprint Cookies

Jam filled thumbprint cookies on a plate.
Easy Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Simple, quick, and filled with jam, these thumbprint cookies are perfect for holiday gift boxes. Their minimal ingredients and easy preparation make them a great go-to option for last-minute holiday baking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Thumbprint Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies

Gluten free peanut butter cookie leaning against a stack of cookies in the background.
Peanut Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Classic criss-cross peanut butter cookies that are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. They’re a great holiday treat that’s easy to bake and perfect for gifting—or for peanut butter lovers to enjoy all season long.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cookies

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