17 christmas cookies you won’t want to skip baking

Photo of author

| Published:

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a last-minute whisk wielder, there’s always room for a batch of festive cookies! These 17 Christmas cookie recipes will fill your home with delicious aroma and taste.

Air fryer christmas cookies in a metal cookie tine with different decorations.
Air Fryer Christmas Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Secret Kiss Cookies

Hershey's kiss baked inside a cookie and dusted with powdered sugar.
Secret Kiss Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Imagine the delight as your friends bite into a Secret Kiss Cookie and find a hidden chocolate treasure inside. These cookies are the playful addition to any cookie swap, offering a sweet surprise that’s as fun to discover as it is to eat. They’re the perfect combination of a tender cookie and a melty chocolate center that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Secret Kiss Cookies

Heath Bar Cookies

Heath bar cookies stacked up one is broken in half.
Heath Bar Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crunchy, buttery, and full of toffee goodness, Heath Bar Cookies will satisfy all your sweet-toothed friends. They’re a triple threat that combines everything cookie lovers adore into one irresistible treat. Bring these to the swap and watch them vanish before your eyes.
Get the Recipe: Heath Bar Cookies

Peppermint Meringue Cookies

Meringue cookies decorated with red and white stripes on a cake stand.
Peppermint Meringue Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Light, airy, and pepperminty, these Peppermint Meringue Cookies are like festive little clouds that will float right off the swap table. They offer a minty crunch that’s a refreshing change from the usual dense holiday treats. Bring these to the swap for a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will be a hit with mint lovers.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Meringue Cookies

Rice Krispie Christmas Trees

Christmas tree rice krispy treats.
Rice Krispie Christmas Trees. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

For a swap that’s as much about fun as it is about flavor, whip up some Rice Krispie Christmas Trees. They’re a cinch to make and even more fun to decorate, ensuring your spot as the most creative baker in the bunch. Plus, who can resist the nostalgic charm of a Rice Krispie treat?
Get the Recipe: Rice Krispie Christmas Trees

Andes Mint Cookies

Chocolate cookie with melted Andes mints on top.
Andes Mint Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Andes Mint Cookies are the epitome of holiday elegance, with a minty freshness that cuts through the richness of the chocolate cookie. These cookies are a breeze to make, yet they add a touch of sophistication to your cookie swap offerings. They’re the minty, chocolatey treats that are as festive as they are irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Andes Mint Cookies

Chocolate Cherry Blossoms

Chocolate cherry blossom cookies on a plate.
Chocolate Cherry Blossoms. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chocolate Cherry Blossoms are the bite-sized beauties that’ll have everyone at the swap asking for the recipe. The combination of chocolate and cherry is a classic for a reason, and these cookies deliver it in a perfectly poppable form. They’re the sweet treat that will have swappers coming back for seconds and thirds.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Blossoms

Air Fryer Christmas Cookies

Air fryer christmas cookies in a metal cookie tine with different decorations.
Air Fryer Christmas Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Christmas Cookies are here to shake up the swap with their versatility and speedy preparation. With one dough transformed into an array of holiday favorites, these cookies are a testament to your baking innovation. They’re the conversation starter that’ll have everyone buzzing around your plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Christmas Cookies

Christmas Cake Mix Cookies

Red and green cake mix cookies on a wooden cutting board.
Christmas Cake Mix Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

If you’re looking to dazzle with simplicity, Christmas Cake Mix Cookies are your go-to. These cookies transform a basic mix into a festive treat with just a few added ingredients, making them an easy win at any swap. They’re the proof that sometimes, the best things in life (and cookie swaps) are the simplest.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cake Mix Cookies

Butterscotch Cookies

Butterscotch cookies on a red plate.
Butterscotch Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Butterscotch Cookies bring the cozy vibes of autumn to the Christmas cookie swap with their rich, caramel-like flavor and a satisfying crunch. These golden treats are a warm, comforting addition that’ll stand out among the classic chocolate and mint varieties. They’re the perfect match for a cold evening, paired with hot cocoa or a warm cider.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Cookies

Raspberry Pinwheel Cookies

Top view of raspberry pinwheel cookies topped with sparkling sugar.
Raspberry Pinwheel Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With their vibrant swirls, Raspberry Pinwheel Cookies are the showstoppers that will stand out on any cookie platter. They taste as incredible as they look, with a sweet raspberry jam that makes every bite a fruity delight. These pinwheels will spin right into everyone’s heart at the swap.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Pinwheel Cookies

Potato Chip Cookies

Top view of a plate of potato chips cookies on a beige napkin.
Potato Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bring the unexpected to the cookie swap with these Potato Chip Cookies that marry sweet and salty in the best way. The crunch of the chips inside the cookie will have everyone reaching for more, and you’ll be hailed as the genius who combined snack time with dessert. These are the cookies that will be remembered long after the swap is over.
Get the Recipe: Potato Chip Cookies

Italian Ricotta Cookies

Ricotta Cookies decorated with Christmas sprinkles.
Italian Ricotta Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Italian Ricotta Cookies are the soft, cake-like treats that’ll whisk you away to the rolling hills of Italy with just one bite. With their tender crumb and subtle sweetness, these cookies are a beloved Italian tradition that’s sure to become a favorite at your swap. They’re the mini vacation everyone needs during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Italian Ricotta Cookies

Speculoos

Speculoo cookies stamped with snowflakes on a platter.
Speculoos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Speculoos cookies will transport your taste buds straight to a European Christmas market with their deep, warm spices. They’re the perfect companion for a hot drink and a cozy blanket, offering a spiced escape from the usual holiday flavors. Bring these to the swap, and you’ll be sharing more than just cookies – you’ll be sharing a cultural experience.
Get the Recipe: Speculoos

Ruby Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ruby chocolate chip cookies on a cooling rack.
Ruby Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Show up with these Ruby Chocolate Chip Cookies and watch everyone’s curiosity peak. The unique tang of ruby chocolate offers a fresh take on the classic chip cookie, sure to intrigue and delight the taste buds of your fellow swappers. They’re a conversation starter and a taste bud pleaser, all wrapped up in one cookie.
Get the Recipe: Ruby Chocolate Chip Cookies

Rice Krispie Wreaths

Green rice krispy treats on a cooling rack.
Rice Krispie Wreaths. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Rice Krispie Wreaths are the playful pick that brings a dash of holiday cheer to the cookie swap. They’re just as fun to make as they are to eat, and they’re sure to be a hit with the younger crowd. These festive treats are the ones that will have everyone leaving the swap with a smile.
Get the Recipe: Rice Krispie Wreaths

Haystack Cookies

No bake haystack cookies on a white cake stand.
Haystack Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Haystack Cookies are the no-bake wonders that add a delightful texture contrast to the cookie exchange lineup. With their irresistible mix of chocolate and peanut butter, they’re the perfect quick-fix for any last-minute baking panic. These cookies are the secret weapon for winning over the crowd with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Haystack Cookies

Oreo Reindeer

Chocolate reindeer Oreos with pretzels on a cutting board.
Oreo Reindeer. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Oreo Reindeer cookies are the adorable hit that will have both kids and adults grinning with joy. They’re not just a treat; they’re a crafty creation that adds a playful touch to your cookie spread. These chocolate-dipped delights are the perfect combination of fun and flavor, ensuring they’ll be a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Reindeer

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.