If you’re planning your holiday baking list and want treats that look beautiful, taste amazing, and are actually easy to make, you’re in the right place. This collection of the best holiday cookie recipes includes a mix of classic flavors, fun colors, and gift-worthy ideas you can bake with confidence.
Whether you're prepping for a cookie exchange, putting together festive dessert platters, or just enjoying a cozy weekend in the kitchen, these cookies are the perfect place to start. They’re bright, flavorful, and simple enough for bakers of all levels.
These holiday cookie recipes are made to impress—without stressing you out.
Why These Cookie Recipes Are Perfect for the Holidays
Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients
Most of these cookies use pantry staples or just a few ingredients. You won’t find complicated steps or hard-to-source components. A few recipes even start with cake mix or no-bake techniques to keep things stress-free and quick.
Festive Flavors Everyone Loves
Think peppermint and chocolate, raspberry jam, red velvet, almond and coconut, and sugar cookies ready to decorate. Each cookie brings something joyful to the table, whether it’s bold color, rich flavor, or a nostalgic touch.
Great for All Group Sizes
Whether you're baking for just a few people or prepping for a holiday party, these recipes scale up or down easily. They also make excellent edible gifts when packaged in cookie tins or cellophane bags.
Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookies - bakewithlina.com
Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookies made simple with four ingredients. Soft, chewy, delicious. Try the recipe today.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies - bakewithlina.com
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are soft, fudgy, and festive for the holidays. Get the full recipe and start baking today.
Easy Grinch Cookies Recipe (Made with Cake Mix) - bakewithlina.com
Easy Grinch Cookies made with cake mix for festive holiday baking. Soft, chewy, adorable cookies anyone can make. Try them today.
Amazing Stained Glass Cookies - bakewithlina.com
Stained Glass Cookies are festive treats with vibrant candy centers. Make them for the holidays or gifts. Get the full recipe now!
Decadent Twix Cookies - bakewithlina.com
Twix Cookies for Christmas are the best holiday treat with caramel and chocolate. Make this festive favorite today. Click for the recipe.
Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies - bakewithlina.com
Soft Cutout Cookies that are thick, buttery, and perfect for decorating! A no-fail recipe for holidays. Save this now!
Shortbread Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Jam - bakewithlina.com
Shortbread Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Jam are buttery, chewy, and festive—perfect for holiday baking! Bake a batch today!
Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies - bakewithlina.com
Soft Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies are rich, fluffy, and melty with chocolate. Easy to bake and perfect for any occasion—try them now!
Christmas Kiss Cookies - bakewithlina.com
Christmas Kiss Cookies made with rich chocolate, festive sprinkles, and a melty kiss on top. Get the full recipe and save it now.
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies - bakewithlina.com
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are chewy, rich, and festive. Make this easy holiday recipe now and share it with friends!
More Festive Cookie Recipes You’ll Love
If you're looking for even more variety or some healthier options, try these creative and easy additions:
No-Bake Lemon Oatmeal Cookies
These three-ingredient cookies require zero baking and come together in minutes. They're tart, sweet, and naturally gluten-free.
Get the recipe:
3-Ingredient No-Bake Lemon Oatmeal Cookies
Almond Coconut Cookies (Vegan and Gluten-Free)
These four-ingredient cookies are naturally sweetened, chewy, and loaded with almond and coconut flavor. Perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
Get the recipe:
Almond Coconut Cookies
How to Pick the Right Cookie Recipe for Your Needs
Baking with Kids
Choose recipes like Grinch Cookies, Kiss Cookies, or Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies. They're simple, colorful, and easy to decorate.
Gifting or Swapping
Go with Linzer Cookies, Twix Cookies, or Stained Glass Sugar Cookies. These have beautiful finishes and travel well in gift boxes.
Short on Time
Stick with cake mix cookies or no-bake options. The Lemon Oatmeal Cookies and Red Velvet Crinkles are quick and low-effort.
Quick Holiday Cookie Tips
Use a Cookie Scoop
This helps ensure even sizes for consistent baking.
Chill Dough When Needed
For cookies that spread, chill the dough to help them hold their shape.
Let Cookies Cool Fully Before Storing
This prevents them from becoming soggy in storage containers.
Decorate After Cooling
Frosting or icing will set better on fully cooled cookies.
Freeze Extras
Most cookies can be frozen before or after baking. Just store them in airtight containers and defrost before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Most of these cookies freeze well. Freeze the dough or the fully baked cookies in airtight bags or containers for up to three months.
Linzer Cookies, Twix Cookies, and Chocolate Chip Cookies travel well and keep their texture. Avoid very delicate or heavily iced cookies if shipping long-distance.
Yes. The Almond Coconut Cookies are already gluten-free and vegan. You can also experiment with 1:1 gluten-free flour blends or vegan substitutes in many other recipes.
Store at room temperature in airtight containers. Use parchment between layers. For longer storage, freeze them.
Let’s Bake Together on Pinterest
Want more cookie ideas, baking tips, and festive recipe inspiration? Join me over on Pinterest where I’m sharing my favorite holiday bakes, kitchen tools, and behind-the-scenes moments all season long.
Follow along here:
https://www.pinterest.com/bakewithlina/
Pin your favorite recipes, plan your cookie trays, and come back when it’s time to bake.
Final Thoughts
These ten holiday cookie recipes are festive, approachable, and incredibly rewarding to make. Whether you’re baking solo, with kids, or preparing gifts for friends and neighbors, you’ll find a cookie here that fits the moment.
Try one or two, mix up a whole batch for a cookie platter, or make them all across the season. Tag me with your baking creations and let me know what flavors you loved most.
Happy baking and happy holidays.
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