The holiday season is here, and nothing says festive cheer like warm, homemade cookies filling the kitchen with sweet aromas! As a longtime food blogger and cookie enthusiast, I’ve baked countless batches to find the perfect balance of ease, flavor, and holiday magic. These easy holiday cookie recipes are designed for busy folks—whether you’re a parent juggling family time, a professional sneaking in some baking, or a health-conscious baker looking for lighter treats. From classic gingerbread to a no-fuss chocolate peppermint delight, these recipes are quick, use simple ingredients, and promise to impress at any holiday gathering. I still remember baking with my family as a kid, and these recipes bring back that joy while fitting into today’s hectic schedules. Pin these to your holiday board for stress-free baking inspiration!
Classic Gingerbread Cookies
There’s something magical about gingerbread cookies—their warm spices and chewy texture scream holiday joy! This recipe is my go-to for family baking nights, reminding me of decorating cookies with my kids under twinkling lights. These easy holiday cookies are simple to whip up, even on a busy weeknight, and they’re perfect for decorating with friends or little ones. The dough comes together quickly, and you can make it ahead for stress-free baking. Whether you’re cutting out festive shapes or keeping it simple, these cookies deliver that nostalgic holiday flavor. Try this recipe and share your creations below!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup molasses
- Optional: Royal icing for decorating
Preparation Steps:
- Whisk flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a bowl.
- Beat butter and brown sugar until creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add egg and molasses, mixing until combined.
- Gradually stir in dry ingredients to form a dough.
- Divide dough, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
- Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness, cut shapes, and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
- Cool completely before decorating.
Preparation Info:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Serves: 24 cookies
Customization & Tips:
- Swap molasses for honey for a milder flavor.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freeze dough for up to 3 months for quick baking later.
Call to Action: Bake these gingerbread cookies for your next holiday party and share your designs in the comments!
Chocolate Peppermint Thumbprints
These chocolate peppermint thumbprints are a holiday hit in my house! The fudgy chocolate base paired with a cool peppermint center feels like a festive hug in cookie form. I started making these for office parties, and they disappear fast—perfect for busy professionals needing a quick, crowd-pleasing treat. This easy holiday cookie recipe uses pantry staples and takes under an hour. The peppermint adds a refreshing twist, making them ideal for winter gatherings. Bake a batch and watch them become the star of your dessert table!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup peppermint candies, crushed
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Preparation Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet.
- Mix flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until light, about 2 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla, then mix in dry ingredients.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, indent centers, and bake for 10 minutes.
- Melt white chocolate, mix with crushed peppermint, and fill indents.
- Let set for 20 minutes.
Preparation Info:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Serves: 20 cookies
Customization & Tips:
- Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Store in a cool place for up to 5 days.
- Add a drizzle of extra chocolate for flair.
Cranberry Orange Shortbread
Cranberry orange shortbread is my secret weapon for holiday gifting. The buttery texture and bright citrus-cranberry combo make these cookies feel fancy yet so simple to bake. I love making these for neighbors, as they’re a lighter option for health-conscious friends. This easy holiday cookie recipe for family is quick to prep and perfect for cozy evenings. The tart cranberries balance the sweet shortbread, creating a treat that’s as festive as it is delicious. Bake these and share the love!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- Optional: 1 tsp orange extract
Preparation Steps:
- Cream butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add flour, salt, orange zest, and cranberries; mix until dough forms.
- Shape into a log, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 325°F and slice log into ¼-inch rounds.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool on a wire rack.
Preparation Info:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Serves: 24 cookies
Customization & Tips:
- Swap cranberries for dried cherries for a twist.
- Store in an airtight tin for up to 2 weeks.
- Dip in melted white chocolate for extra decadence.
Almond Snowball Cookies
Almond snowball cookies are like little bites of winter magic! These melt-in-your-mouth treats remind me of snowy evenings spent baking with my mom. They’re a staple at my holiday gatherings, loved by kids and adults alike. This easy holiday cookie recipe is perfect for busy schedules, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. The nutty almond flavor and snowy powdered sugar coating make them a festive must-have. Whip these up for your next party—they’re sure to vanish!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup chopped almonds
Preparation Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet.
- Beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
- Add almond extract, flour, salt, and almonds; mix until combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar; cool and roll again.
Preparation Info:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Serves: 30 cookies
Customization & Tips:
- Use pecans instead of almonds for variety.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freeze unbaked dough balls for quick baking.
Spiced Chai Sugar Cookies
Spiced chai sugar cookies bring cozy holiday vibes with every bite! Inspired by my love for chai lattes, these cookies blend warm spices with a soft, sugary texture. They’re a hit at family gatherings, and I love how quick they are to make for last-minute guests. This easy holiday cookie recipe fits perfectly into busy holiday schedules while delivering big flavor. Bake these for a unique twist on classic sugar cookies that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla, mixing well.
- Stir in dry ingredients until dough forms.
- Roll into 1-inch balls, roll in sugar, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack.
Preparation Info:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Serves: 36 cookies
Customization & Tips:
- Add a pinch of black pepper for extra chai spice.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Serve with hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
Meal Prep Tips: All these cookies can be prepped ahead! Make dough in advance, freeze, and bake fresh for gatherings. Store in airtight containers to keep flavors vibrant.
