The Best Christmas Cookie Recipes: Sugar Cookies, Peppermint Swirl Cookies And More

It's the time of year to spread some Christmas cheer with cookies that are fit for all your holiday gatherings. And let's be honest, the house always smells better when there are cookies baking in the oven. Whether you prefer simple sugar cookie recipes, gingerbread men or peppermint truffles, we have the whole list of what to bake this holiday season.

The holiday season can be busy, busy, busy. If you're saving time by opting for simple weeknight dinners, then these spritz cookies will be a perfect and quick sweet treat.

For the Spritz Cookies recipe, click here.

If you haven't heard of pfeffernüsse cookies, then it's time to try this recipe. Not only are they one of the most iconic desserts in the U.S., but they also happen to be perfect for the holidays.

For the Pfeffernüsse German Cookies recipe, click here.

There are so many vintage recipes that need to make a comeback, and these molasses spice cookies should be high on the list. They require simple, staple ingredients and can be baked in minutes.

For the Molasses Spice Cookies recipe, click here.

If you want to bake with the kids but you don't want to get invested in the whole mess of decorating cookies, these chocolate marble cookies are perfect. These cookies look fun, but there won't be seven shades of icing all over your kitchen table, floor and chairs.

For the Chocolate Marble Cookies recipe, click here.

Cinnamon rolls dripping with icing are a staple American breakfast on Christmas. For dessert that tastes just as good as breakfast, try these cinnamon roll cookies.

For the Cinnamon Roll Cookies recipe, click here.

Pumpkin spice everything might be all the rage in the fall, but when it comes to wintertime, chai is a flavor that will warm you up from the inside — especially if you enjoy the cookies when they're right out of the oven.

For the White Chocolate Chai Snickerdoodle Cookies recipe, click here.

Getting the perfect pinwheel might make it seem like this dessert is difficult to make, but in reality, it's easier than ever. Hint: all you do is put one sheet of dough on top of the other and roll it up like a sleeping bag.

For the Pinwheel Cookies recipe, click here.

If you're into sewing as a crafty hobby, then chances are you have a thimble lying around. Use it to make the impression where the jelly filling will go in these thimble cookies. If you don't have a thimble, your thumb will work just fine.

For the Thimble Cookies recipe, click here.

Cardamom is a common spice to add to authentic Indian dinner recipes, but it also pairs well with the sweetness of sugar cookies.

For the Cardamom Sugar Cookies With Royal Icing recipe, click here.

When you're enjoying your favorite coffee on Christmas morning, maybe pairing it with a maple-glazed breakfast cookie will make it even more enjoyable.

For the Maple-Glazed Breakfast Cookies With Dried Cranberries and Pepitas recipe, click here.

Cranberry recipes for fall and winter are always a solid choice. For a hint of tart berry and white chocolate sweetness, try these macadamia and cranberry white chocolate chunk cookies.

For the Macadamia and Cranberry White Chocolate Chunk Cookies recipe, click here.

Many baking ingredients have long shelf lives, and the things that go into these simple vanilla sugar cookies are no exception. Make them especially festive by using holiday cookie cutters.

For the Vanilla Sugar Cookies recipe, click here.

There are some incredible apple pies in the U.S., but if you have a taste for apple pie and cookies, bake this apple cinnamon cookie pie from scratch and slice it into serving sizes for a fun holiday dessert.

For the Apple Cinnamon Cookie Pie recipe, click here.

Would it be a holiday cookie roundup if we didn't add cookie dough to the list? This Ben & Jerry's edible cookie dough is suitable for anyone who prefers eating the cookies before they even go into the oven.

For the Ben & Jerry's Edible Cookie Dough recipe, click here.

Every state has its own holiday candy preference, but candy bar cookies might just be one of those treats that everyone can agree to like. The caramel, pecan and chocolate topping make these an ideal addition to the Christmas cookie platter.

For the Candy Bar Cookies recipe, click here.

If your holiday dinner ends up turning into a game night, then what's better than checkerboard-themed cookies?

For the Checkerboard Cookies recipe, click here.

There are some things that only Midwesterners eat on Christmas, but gingerbread is not subject to territorial boundaries. No matter which corner of the U.S. you're from, these gingerbread cookies with cream cheese frosting will put you in the holiday spirit.

For the Gingerbread Cookies With Cream Cheese Frosting recipe, click here.

Whether you prefer a French press, a caramel latte or a coffee milkshake, all coffee and espresso lovers have to add these banoffee breakfast cookies to their morning meal lineup.

For the Banoffee Breakfast Cookies with Espresso Drizzle recipe, click here.

Before you start baking these chocolate-espresso pizzelles, know that you'll need a pizzelle maker to form the floral design and get the crisp waffle texture just right.

For the Chocolate-Espresso Pizzelles recipe, click here.

If you're hosting, an easy party hack to follow is to have goodies available for all your guest's dietary needs. These almond butter chocolate chip cookies are dairy- and gluten-free.

For the Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe, click here.

There are quite a few crinkle cookies on this list, and that's for good reason. While there might be plenty of annoying things people say around the holidays, they probably won't be bashing these cookies any time soon.

For the Gluten-Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies recipe, click here.

When the pumpkin cocktails have left the menu and eggnog libations make their seasonal debut, it's time for desserts that will pair with the creamy white drink. These eggnog thumbprint cookies have a nutty base with an eggnog cream filling.

For the Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies recipe, click here.

Before you start baking, make sure you have peppermint extract and red food coloring. You'll need both ingredients to make the red twist in these peppermint swirl cookies.

For the Peppermint Swirl Cookies recipe, click here.

These red velvet crinkle cookies are just what Kris Kringle might want on his plate of cookies. They're soft and velvety, just like his bright red suit.

For the Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies recipe, click here.

Peppermint and chocolate might just be a match made in heaven, and these peppermint truffle cookies will not disappoint. Want to round out your Christmas dessert table? Try our best holiday pie recipes.

For the Peppermint Truffle Cookies recipe, click here.

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