Everyone has their favorite cookie to put out for Santa on Christmas Eve. Whether it's classic gingerbread men with royal icing or snowflake sugar cookies decorated with festive frosting, the Christmas treat options during the holidays are simply endless. If you're trying to figure out which holiday desserts to serve at your Christmas party this year, we're here to help. We've rounded up our all-time favorite Christmas cookies — including traditional recipes as well as unique ideas — that feature seasonal ingredients and fun decorations. We've even included allergy-friendly, gluten-free, and vegan options, too.
Your household may have a popular treat they can't wait to devour every year around Christmas, but sometimes it's exciting to spend a snowy afternoon experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes — so we say go ahead and try something new this year! While you can always bake a batch to enjoy after Christmas dinner or to have on hand to pair with your favorite holiday co*cktail, these festive biscuits also make a delicious food gift for family members, friends, and neighbors. Wrap up a tray or basket with a bow and a Christmas card, and you have an affordable present that pretty much anyone would be happy to receive.
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1
Santa and Elf Cookies
These triangle-shaped cookies are just as fun to decorate as they are to eat, and they double as a fun arts-and-crafts project.
Get the Santa and Elf Cookies recipe.
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2
Cinnamon Candy Cane Cookies
Do these cinnamon candy cane cookies actually have any peppermint in them? No, but that doesn't make them any less delicious.
Get the Cinnamon Candy Cane Cookies recipe.
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3
PB and J Snowflakes
These buttery snowflake-shaped cookies are even tastier than a classic peanut butter and raspberry jam sandwich.
Get the PB and J Snowflakes recipe.
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4
Spiral Cookie Pops
Fact: The only thing better than eating a cookie is eating a cookie on a stick.
Get the Spiral Cookie Pops recipe.
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5
Santa Hat Meringues
There's no denying the cuteness of these little Santa hat meringues, which are topped with shredded coconut.
Get the Santa Hat Meringues recipe.
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6
Chocolate Coins
Don't be surprised if you're tempted to bake these deliciously crunchy chocolate coins all year round.
Get the Chocolate Coins recipe.
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7
Gingerbread Train Cars
The only issue with these gingerbread train car cookies: They're so adorable that you won't want to actually eat them.
Get the Gingerbread Train Cars recipe.
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8
Peppermint Swirl Meringues
These delicate peppermint meringues are going to disappear quickly, so make sure you make plenty of extras for your Christmas party.
Get the Peppermint Swirl Meringues recipe.
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9
Spumoni Icebox Cookies
These red, white, and green pistachio dough cookies are sure to stand out at your holiday cookie swap.
Get the Spumoni Icebox Cookies recipe.
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10
Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
Pick up lemon curd at the store to speed along this tart-flavored cookie that will brighten up your Christmas dessert spread.
Get the Lemon Thumbprint Cookies recipe.
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11
Buckwheat Cardamon Molasses Cookies
Use up that bottle of molasses you bought for other holiday treats with this 10-ingredient recipe that can be on the table faster than Prancer can guide Santa's sleigh on a clear winter night.
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12
Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
One cup of creamy PB will make this cookie recipe a favorite among the kids — and you'll love how easy it is to bake during the busy holiday season.
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13
Flourless 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter cookies may not be the first recipe that comes to your mind when you think "Christmas," but they are truly a staple treat that works for every occasion. Plus, this recipe happens to be gluten-free for allergy-friendly parties.
Get the Flourless 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies recipe.
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14
Homemade Oatmeal Creme Pies
While these sweet sandwiches take a little more time and ingredients, the pay-off is worth it (and they are dairy-free).
Get the Homemade Oatmeal Creme Pies recipe.
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15
Vegan Salted Caramel Coconut Thumbprint Cookies
These cookies are the epitome of a chewy inside and a crunchy outside (a.k.a the ideal combo).
Get the Vegan Salted Caramel Coconut Thumbprint Cookies recipe.
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16
Pimiento-Cheese Tea Cookies
These cookies have a savory flavor that may make them a dual Christmas appetizer.
Get the Pimiento-Cheese Tea Cookies recipe.
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17
Stained Glass Stars
You'll never want to make traditional Christmas sugar cookies again once you give these olive oil and butter cookies a whirl.
Get the Stained Glass Stars recipe.
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18
Cinnamon Sugar Lattice Cookies
If you love pie just as much as you love cookies, then these elegant lattice treats are for you.
Get the Cinnamon Sugar Lattice Cookies recipe.
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19
Gingerbread Reindeer Cookies
Instead of making traditional gingerbread men, make a pack of adorable deer cookies to help pull Santa's sleigh.
Get the Gingerbread Reindeer Cookies recipe.
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20
Green Tea Cookies
To get green Christmas cookies without using any food coloring, try adding matcha to shortbread biscuits (and then top them off with red sprinkles if you really want to feel festive).
Get the Green Tea Cookies recipe.
