30 Pretty Christmas Cookies Easy Recipes

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Discover the joy of baking with these 30 pretty Christmas cookies that are not only easy to make but also delightful to share during the festive season.

Olivia Hayes

Created by

Olivia Hayes

Last updated on 2025-12-18T13:42:30.799Z

These Christmas cookies are a holiday tradition that brings families together. With a variety of shapes, colors, and flavors, each cookie is a little gift of joy!

Why You Will Love These Cookies

  • A delightful assortment of festive flavors and designs
  • Perfect for holiday gatherings and gift-giving
  • Simple recipes that anyone can master

The Magic of Christmas Cookies

Baking Christmas cookies is a cherished tradition that brings families together during the holiday season. The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for sharing love and joy. These cookies not only taste delicious but also serve as a canvas for your creativity, allowing you to craft beautiful designs that reflect the festive spirit.

Each cookie you bake can tell a story, whether it's a classic sugar cookie adorned with colorful sprinkles or a rich gingerbread man decorated with icing. These delightful treats can be personalized for each member of the family, ensuring that everyone feels included in the holiday festivities. Plus, they make for wonderful gifts that spread cheer to friends and neighbors alike.

Easy Recipes for Everyone

What makes these Christmas cookie recipes truly special is their simplicity. Designed for bakers of all skill levels, each recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you'll find joy in whipping up these treats without the stress of complicated instructions.

With just a few basic ingredients and some festive decorations, you can create an impressive assortment of cookies that will delight everyone. The easy-to-master techniques mean you can spend less time worrying about the process and more time enjoying the experience with family and friends during this special season.

Perfect for Every Celebration

Christmas cookies are not only perfect for holiday gatherings but also versatile enough for other celebrations. Whether you're hosting a New Year's Eve party, a winter birthday, or a cozy get-together, these cookies can easily be adapted to suit any occasion. You can change the colors of your icing or the shapes of your cookies to match your theme, making them a delightful treat year-round.

These cookies also serve as wonderful gifts. Package them in decorative boxes or tins, and you've got a heartfelt present that is sure to bring smiles. Sharing your baked goods can strengthen bonds with loved ones and create lasting memories during the holiday season.

Ingredients

Basic Cookie Dough

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Decorations

  • Royal icing
  • Colored sprinkles
  • Chocolate chips
  • Candy canes, crushed
  • Edible glitter

Mix and match these ingredients to create your favorite Christmas cookie designs!

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In another large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.

Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.

Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten the balls slightly with the bottom of a glass.

Bake

Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.

Decorate

Once cooled, decorate the cookies with royal icing, and add sprinkles, chocolate chips, or any other decorations you like!

Enjoy your beautifully decorated Christmas cookies!

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Pro Tips

  • For best results, chill the dough before shaping for a firmer texture during baking.

Tips for Better Baking

To achieve the best results when baking these Christmas cookies, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even a small deviation can impact the texture and taste of your cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for flour and ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal creaming.

Additionally, allow your cookie dough to chill for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape and results in a chewier texture. It's a simple step that can make a significant difference in your cookies' final appearance and taste.

Creative Decorating Ideas

When it comes to decorating your Christmas cookies, the sky's the limit! Use royal icing to create intricate designs, or opt for a quick and easy approach with colored sprinkles. You can even create themed cookies by using cookie cutters in festive shapes like stars, trees, and bells.

For a touch of sparkle, consider adding edible glitter or metallic sprinkles. These little details can elevate your cookies to a new level of festive flair. Don't forget to involve your kids in the decorating process; it's a fun activity that creates lasting memories and enhances the joy of baking together.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, these cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are well wrapped.

→ What can I use instead of butter?

You can substitute with margarine or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free version.

→ How do I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

→ Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

30 Pretty Christmas Cookies Easy Recipes

Discover the joy of baking with these 30 pretty Christmas cookies that are not only easy to make but also delightful to share during the festive season.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Olivia Hayes

Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 30 cookies

What You'll Need

Basic Cookie Dough

  1. 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  3. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  4. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  5. 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  6. 1 cup packed brown sugar
  7. 2 eggs
  8. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Decorations

  1. Royal icing
  2. Colored sprinkles
  3. Chocolate chips
  4. Candy canes, crushed
  5. Edible glitter

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In another large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.

Step 02

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten the balls slightly with the bottom of a glass.

Step 03

Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.

Step 04

Once cooled, decorate the cookies with royal icing, and add sprinkles, chocolate chips, or any other decorations you like!

Extra Tips

  1. For best results, chill the dough before shaping for a firmer texture during baking.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 60mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 1g