They're all Santa-approved. 🎅🏻
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The tree is lit, the presents are wrapped, and the smell of freshly baked cookies is in the air. You know what that means: Christmas is here! Even before Santa makes his trip to every household, you've likely already started gathering ideas for baking Christmas cookies this season. Whether you're planning to serve cookies as a Christmas dessert or you want to package them up in a pretty Christmas cookie box, the key is to have a good variety of cookie recipes to choose from. "Christmas cookies should be a celebration of color and texture, and a mix of shapes and sizes," Ree Drummond says. Luckily, we've rounded up our best Christmas cookie recipes all in one place.
Here, you'll find classic Pioneer Woman cookie recipes like loaded holiday slice-and-bake cookies, chocolate crinkle cookies, and Ree's sugar cookie stars. Plus, there are some new unique Christmas cookies like snickerdoodle bar cookies and cookies inspired by a cup of hot chocolate. Looking for an activity to get the kids involved in the holiday fun? Get out your cutest Christmas cookie cutters and try one of the many ideas for decorating cookies using Christmas sprinkles, frosting, and candy.
For a traditional taste, there are plenty of gingerbread cookies, thumbprints, and classic German Christmas cookies from around the world. We can't think of a better homemade Christmas food gift! So what are you waiting for? Cookie baking season has officially begun.
1
Chocolate Toffee Cookie Bars
These chewy brown sugar cookie bars are a year-round treat, but you can make them with red and green M&M's to bring out all the holiday cheer during the Christmas season.
Get the Chocolate Toffee Cookie Bars recipe.
2
Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies
Not only are these cut-out cookies made with real eggnog and nutmeg for that Christmas flavor, but the marbled decorating technique is sure to become a holiday favorite!
Get the Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies recipe.
3
Gingerbread Cookie Sandwiches
These soft cut-out cookies have all the signature sugar and spice that you know and love, plus the addition of orange buttercream and jellied cranberry sauce. Customize yours with any shape cookie cutter.
Get the Gingerbread Cookie Sandwiches recipe.
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4
Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Ree makes her cinnamon rolls every Christmas, but if you're looking to switch things up, then cinnamon roll cookies are a great place to start! They even have the maple glaze.
Get the Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe.
5
Mint Fortune Cookies
For a seasonal twist on fortune cookies, this recipe uses peppermint extract and green food coloring to make the treats even merrier. Plus, you can write your own fortunes for a fun surprise!
Get the Mint Fortune Cookies recipe.
6
Espresso Biscotti
These golden brown cookies are dipped in chocolate so they look pretty enough to gift to your friends. Try pairing them with a festive mug for a present that's perfect for coffee lovers!
Get the Espresso Biscotti recipe.
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7
Italian Peach Cookies
It doesn't get cuter than these little peaches. The classic vanilla cookies, known as pesche dolci, are filled with buttercream flavored with peach preserves.
Get the Italian Peach Cookies recipe.
8
Baklava Bites
This sweet and nutty treat uses frozen phyllo shells as the crunchy, flaky base. Then, each one is drizzled with honey syrup.
Get the Baklava Bites recipe.
9
Cookie Cake
A cookie that feeds a crowd? Yes, please! This oversized cookie cake is made in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet so there's plenty to go around. Plus, you can switch out the rainbow sprinkles for red and green sprinkles during the holiday season.
Get the Cookie Cake recipe.
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10
Nutella Thumbprints
Anyone who loves chocolate-hazelnut spread will appreciate these rich and scrumptious cookies. To make them even more festive, you can get creative with decorating using various types of sprinkles.
Get Ree's Nutella Thumbprints recipe.
11
Millionaire's Shortbread
Tender shortbread cookies get a chewy layer of caramel and a rich chocolate topping for this decadent dessert. They'd make a unique addition to any holiday cookie platter.
Get the Millionaire's Shortbread recipe.
12
Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies
These pretty sparkling stars are fun new way to serve up gingerbread cookies for Christmas. Ree's favorite part? The cream cheese filling!
Get Ree's Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies recipe.
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13
Chocolate-Dipped Cherry Macaroons
Chewy coconut macaroons get a sweet, fruity flavor and a pop of color from the chopped maraschino cherries. They're delicious on their own but dipping them in chocolate makes them extra tasty.
Get the Chocolate-Dipped Cherry Macaroons recipe.
14
Salted Caramel Cookies
These cookies are crunchy around the edges, chewy in the center, and topped with a thick drizzle of caramel sauce. Go ahead and use store-bought caramel to make it even easier.
Get Ree's Salted Caramel Cookies recipe.
15
Snickerdoodle Bars
Just like the classic snickerdoodle cookies, these treats are covered in cinnamon-sugar. The best part? The bar-shaped cookies are even easier to make!
Get Ree's Snickerdoodle Bars recipe.
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16
Almond Layer Cookies
These cake-like cookies are inspired by Italian rainbow cookies. The red and white treats have layers of raspberry jam and a white chocolate topping that's hard to resist.
Get Ree's Almond Layer Cookies recipe.
17
Pinwheel Cookies
Impress all your friends and family with these gorgeous pinwheels decorated with red and green sprinkles. They're similar to shortbread cookies but with even more flair.
Get the Pinwheel Cookies recipe.
18
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
Pumpkin spice season is still going strong and these pumpkin sugar cookies prove it. Each one is also topped with a pumpkin-flavored icing.
Get the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies recipe.
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19
Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Making cookies on Christmas brings back lots of childhood memories, so why not make a cookie that's just as nostalgic? You may remember these soft-baked oatmeal cookies topped with icing.
Get the Iced Oatmeal Cookies recipe.
20
Snowball Cookies
This Christmas dessert will remind you of the wintry weather outside. They're nutty, sweet, and great for serving up alongside your favorite hot chocolate.
Get the Snowball Cookies recipe.