Delicious Holiday Cookie Recipes to Sweeten Your Celebrations

The holiday season is the perfect time to gather around the kitchen and bake cookies that warm the heart and delight the taste buds. Whether you’re creating memories with family or preparing treats for friends and neighbors, these recipes are sure to add a festive sparkle to your celebrations.

1. Classic Sugar Cookies
Ingredients

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

Roll the dough out on a floured surface and cut out shapes using cookie cutters.

Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.

Cool and decorate with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter for a festive touch.

2. Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground cloves

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

¾ cup brown sugar

1 egg

½ cup molasses

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions
Sift the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt together in a bowl.

Cream the butter and sugar until smooth. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract.

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Chill for at least an hour.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough and cut into gingerbread shapes.

Bake on a lined baking sheet for 8-10 minutes.

Decorate with royal icing once cooled.

3. Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup cocoa powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chocolate chips

½ cup crushed candy canes

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.

Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

4. Spiced Snickerdoodles
Ingredients

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup granulated sugar + 2 teaspoons cinnamon (for rolling)

Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Combine the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

Cream butter and sugar, then add the eggs and vanilla.

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.

Roll the dough into balls, then coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.

Tips for Holiday Cookie Success
Chill the Dough: For better handling and well-defined shapes, chill your dough before rolling or cutting.

Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh butter, high-quality vanilla extract, and good chocolate make all the difference.

Make it Festive: Add holiday-themed sprinkles, food coloring, or edible decorations to customize your cookies.

Share the Joy: Package your cookies in decorative tins or bags to spread holiday cheer.

Baking holiday cookies is more than just a tradition; it’s an opportunity to share love and warmth through something homemade. With these recipes, your kitchen will be filled with delicious aromas and your holiday table with smiles.