There’s nothing that fills my kitchen with instant holiday cheer quite like pulling a fresh tray of cookies out of the oven. When I’m putting together edible gifts, I want recipes that feel just as joyful to bake as they are to wrap up and share. I'm sharing 22 easy Christmas cookie ideas, including buttery classics and playful cutouts, that are just right for decking out your tins and spreading a little sweet love.
1. Cranberry Lemon Pistachio Cookies
These cranberry lemon pistachio cookies bring a burst of tang and a little crunch, plus the prettiest pop of holiday color. If you love fruit and nut combos in your sweets, these are absolutely for you. They look and taste fancy, but they’re simple enough for even a new baker to nail.
2. Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
I’m all about shortcuts that still taste homemade, and these cake mix Christmas cookies are proof you can keep things super easy. Just a few simple steps give you big batches of festive cookies that I love to share. They feel special and celebratory, even when I’m keeping the effort to a bare minimum.
3. Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
These kitchen sink cookies go all in with chocolate, marshmallows, nuts, and a little bit of everything else tucked inside. The mix of textures and flavors is wild in the best way, and they always satisfy every craving at once. I love that one easy batch can please a whole crowd of different tastes.
4. Molasses Crinkle Cookies
Dark and spicy, with wonderful depth, these molasses crinkle cookies are what I reach for when I want real substance in my baking. They’re steeped in classic holiday flavor with molasses and warm spices, and they don’t need a single sprinkle to shine. No fussy decorating, just big, bold taste.
5. Cake Mix Eggnog Cookies
All the cozy eggnog flavor I crave, wrapped up in a soft cookie and made with my favorite shortcut. These cake mix eggnog cookies come together in no time, which is a lifesaver when my holiday schedule is packed. They’re one of the easiest ways to get that seasonal taste into a batch of Christmas cookies.
6. Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Rich and soft with a completely addictive quality, these gooey butter cookies are my go to when I want a little extra decadence on the cookie tray. They’ve got that melt in your mouth quality, but they’re basically sugar cookies at heart, so they stay wonderfully simple to whip up.
7. Meringue Wreath Cookies
These airy meringue wreaths are as beautiful as they are light as a cloud. With their buttery, vanilla essence, they bring that shortbread like charm in a gorgeous wreath shape. They look so fancy on a holiday table, but I promise they’re surprisingly simple to pull off.
8. Reindeer Linzer Cookies
Linzer cookies are a classic for good reason, and dressing them up as little reindeer just adds so much charm. You get that nutty, buttery crust with a bright jam center that makes them one of my all time favorite Christmas bakes. They’re wonderful for making ahead and gifting, too.
9. Chocolate M&M Cookies
A colorful, chocolatey twist on a beloved classic, these M&M cookies are pure fun in cookie form. They’re my go-to for family gatherings when I want something joyful and instantly crowd pleasing. And yep, they come together super easily whenever a sweet and simple craving hits.
10. Spicy Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
When the temperature drops, I reach for these spicy, chewy ginger molasses cookies. They’re packed with that classic warm spice flavor I crave on chilly nights, and they deliver a big holiday punch without any fuss. A definite favorite for anyone who loves an old school spice cookie.
11. Peppermint Mocha Cookies
These taste like my favorite cozy coffee shop wrapped up in a Christmas cookie. Minty, sweet, and with just a little indulgence, they hit the spot when I’m craving something festive but quick. I love that they come together fast, even on the busiest December days.
12. Grinch Crinkle Cookies
I can’t get over how cute and easy these little Grinch Crinkle Cookies are. A snowy powdered sugar coating cracks open to reveal a soft, fudgy middle that makes them a total hit at any holiday party. They’re a fun, whimsical spin on traditional sugar cookies and always get noticed on a dessert platter.
13. Christmas Baci di Dama Cookies
These tiny Italian inspired sandwich cookies with a luscious chocolate filling are as fancy as they are delicious. I love the classy touch they add to a holiday spread. They taste best fresh, and they’re surprisingly easy to pull together when I’m after something delicate and memorable.
14. Spritz Cookies
Buttery, vanilla scented spritz cookies are one of the most charming little holiday confections. With a cookie press, these delicate shortbread like beauties get such lovely shapes. They look fancy but are honestly so easy, minimal effort, maximum wow factor.
15. Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies
Melted snowman cookies are the kind of nostalgic, silly fun I live for during the holidays. Frosting and candy, along with gooey marshmallow details, turn classic sugar cookies into pure magic. I can make a big batch easily, which makes them a hit at cookie swaps with zero stress.
16. Irresistible Fruitcake Cookies
Fruitcake gets a total glow up in these irresistible cookies, every bite is loaded with fruit and warm spice, plus a lovely texture. They capture that nostalgic holiday bread flavor in a much more handheld, shareable form. And I love how easy they are to bake up for gifting or dessert trays.
17. Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
Peppermint and chocolate, with a satisfying crunch, come together in these candy cane kiss cookies. They’re a total standout on any holiday cookie plate and satisfy that candy cane craving in a single bite. And they’re so effortless, they’re basically begging to be made on repeat.
18. Snowman Cookies
Bright, cheery snowman faces make these cookies a total hit on any dessert table. They start with a simple sugar cookie base, then get a dose of playful decorating that kids and grown ups can’t resist. They’re my pick for a fun, festive bake that doesn’t require a ton of effort.
19. Whipped Shortbread Cookies
These whipped shortbread cookies are pure buttery magic, so light and tender they practically dissolve the second you bite down. I think they’re the kind of cookie that instantly classes up a holiday tin, all dressed up without any fuss.
And the best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make.
20. Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles
Joyful, sprinkle covered cutouts are exactly what my holiday sugar cookie dreams are made of. They’ve got that classic, buttery vibe and come together easily with simple shapes and a flurry of colorful decoration. I love making a big batch for cookie swaps because they always disappear fast.
21. Reindeer Cookies
These adorable reindeer faced treats are exactly the kind of thing I love to decorate with little helpers, then box up for neighbors. They’re whimsical and delicious, and they take such low effort for all the smiles they bring. Just happy little cookies that spread a lot of Christmas cheer.
22. Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
Hearty and tart, bursting with cozy flavor, these cranberry oatmeal cookies are a wholesome addition to my holiday baking list. They feel a little more rustic and real, just right when I’m craving something sweet but not too fussy. I can whip them up easily even on the day of a gathering.