Growing up, my Mom always made lots of different kinds of Christmas cookies… and by lots I mean like 10-15 different kinds of cookies- butter cookies, chocolate cookies, cookies that were shaped, cookies that were dropped, and cookies that were rolled. My Aunt Jackie used to make lots of different kinds of Christmas cookies too…. so I thought that everyone who celebrated Christmas shared this tradition- and that there would be a large assortment of cookies at holiday gatherings (in large quantities too)! Needless to say, I was rather surprised as a teenager when I visited friends' houses at the holidays that not everyone did the same! Christmas cookies continue to be a tradition in my own home now, and I know I am raising the next generation of holiday cookie bakers!
These are the Christmas cookie recipes that we love, and that I will be making this year:
Santa Hat Meringues
These cookies are hands-down my kids’ favorite holiday cookie! They are crispy on the outside but they melt in your mouth just like cotton candy! Not to mention these Santa hat meringue cookies are absolutely adorable to look at! Of course, if you want to try a different shape- you can always make this Christmas tree version!
Sugar Cooke Cut Outs
These are definitely the cookies that require the most time… making the dough, chilling it, rolling it out, cutting the shapes, making the icing, and decorating the cookies. But there is a reason that this is my go-to recipe all year long. They are just SO good!
Molasses Cookies
These soft and chewy cookies have been a long time family favorite! And these come courtesy of my husband's side of the family!
Gingerbread Men (and Women!)
These gingerbread men cookies are chewy, have all of the deep rich molasses flavor that we love in gingerbread cookies, and when paired with fiery red hot eyes and buttons- it is just the perfect combination of holiday goodness!
Reindeer Peanut Butter Blossoms
This recipe for traditional peanut butter blossom cookies is fancied up a bit when you add a red M&M to make a reindeer’s nose and a little pieces of pretzel sticks for antlers!
Snickerdoodles
This recipe for snickerdoodle cookies has been in my family for a long time, and it is the perfect blend of sugar cookie and cinnamon-sugar topping that makes into a delicious crisp cookie, but can easily be transformed into a soft cookie too! (see my tip in the recipe)
Raspberry Cookie Roll Ups
These cookies require several steps, first you make the dough and chill it, then you roll it out, spread the jam, roll it up into logs and then chill again before cutting and baking them. But I am making it sound harder than it is…. because I think that this is actually one of my easier recipes.
Chocolate Crinkles
They are super easy (only 4 ingredients!) and this recipe makes the softest, chewiest, most delicious chocolate cookie you’ll ever eat!
Butter Cookie Cut Outs
I have been making these cookies for several years now…. they are so chewy and delicious! Because the dough is so soft, I use tiny cookie cutters to create the shapes and I color the dough to make it festive without using icing or sprinkles!
And while these really aren't cookies- these are part of the holiday treats we make too:
Nana's Holiday Chex Mix
What's your favorite Christmas cookie?
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