Showing up to a cookie exchange with boring cookies is basically a holiday party foul. If you’re going to bake, why not bring something that makes everyone else wish they’d tried a little harder? These recipes aren’t complicated, but they’ll have you looking like the MVP of the dessert table. From classic favorites with a festive twist to unexpected flavors that stand out, these cookies are guaranteed to steal the show.
Easy Thumbprint Cookies
Thumbprint cookies are as easy as it gets and perfect for holiday cookie swaps. With minimal ingredients and no hassle, they’re a great way to show up with something simple yet impressive.
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Peanut Butter Cookies
These classic peanut butter cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. Their criss-cross pattern makes them look timeless, and they’re perfect for peanut butter lovers at any cookie exchange.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cookies
Sweet Potato Cookies
Sweet potato cookies bring fall spices, oats, and almond flour together for a soft, chewy treat. A great addition to your holiday baking lineup when you want something seasonal and unexpected.
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Vegan Pignoli Cookies
These chewy almond pignoli cookies topped with toasted pine nuts bring a classic Italian vibe to your holiday tray. A perfect choice when you want to stand out with something elegant and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pignoli Cookies
Orange Pomegranate Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies combine the tartness of pomegranate, the sweetness of orange zest, and rich chocolate chips for a seasonal treat. Great for a holiday party or adding a pop of flavor to a cookie swap.
Get the Recipe: Orange Pomegranate Chocolate Chip Cookies
Gingerbread Cookies
Festive gingerbread cookies made with collagen protein for a little extra boost. They’re chewy, flavorful, and the perfect addition to your holiday cookie exchange.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Cookies
Chocolate Matcha Shortbread Cookies
Buttery and crispy, these matcha shortbread cookies drizzled with chocolate are great for dunking in coffee or tea. They’re a fun way to add something unexpected to your holiday cookie spread.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Matcha Shortbread Cookies
Amaretto Fudge Cookies
Rich and decadent, these dark chocolate cookies are lightly spiked with amaretto. Perfect for a holiday gathering when you want something bold and a little indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Amaretto Fudge Cookies
Chocolate Cashew Cookies
These chewy cookies combine chocolate and cashews for a brownie-meets-cookie vibe. Rolled in chopped nuts, they’re a great addition to any cookie exchange or holiday dessert tray.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cashew Cookies
Chocolate Dipped Orange Macaroons
Sweet orange and rich chocolate come together in these easy macaroons. Perfect for when you need a quick but impressive treat for holiday baking.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Orange Macaroons
Gingerbread Molasses Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Soft and chewy with rich molasses and holiday spices, these cookies are packed with chocolate chunks for a seasonal treat. Perfect for sharing at any cookie swap or holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Molasses Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
A chewy chocolate chip cookie with pops of tart cranberries for a festive twist. These are great for mixing up your usual cookie routine and adding a seasonal flair to your tray.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cranberry Orange Biscotti
Crisp, buttery biscotti with fresh cranberries and orange zest make a great addition to your holiday baking. Perfect for dunking in coffee or tea, they’re a hit at any cookie exchange.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Biscotti
Cranberry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies combine chocolate chips, tart cranberries, and orange zest, then get dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt. A perfect sweet-and-savory treat for holiday parties.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies
Christmas Tree Cookies
These festive cookies are packed with chunks of chocolate and walnuts, shaped like Christmas trees, and perfect for holiday parties. Great for dunking in milk or showing off at a cookie exchange.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Cookies