From classic sugar cookies to spiced snickerdoodles, each recipe is designed to be straightforward and foolproof.
1. Soft Sugar Cookies
These are my go-to holiday sugar cookies because they stay soft for days and actually taste like something. The heavy cream and extra egg yolk make them tender, and they’re perfect for decorating with royal icing or just rolling in colored sugar.
2. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sometimes the classics are classic for a reason. These don’t need any chilling time or fancy techniques – just mix, scoop, and bake. They’re soft with slightly crispy edges, which means everyone’s happy.
3. Snickerdoodle Cookies
The cinnamon sugar coating makes these feel instantly festive, and unlike most snickerdoodle recipes that turn out cakey, these stay soft and chewy. I always make a double batch because they disappear fast.
4. Chocolate Snickerdoodles
Think of these as snickerdoodles’ sophisticated cousin. The chocolate base with that tangy cream of tartar flavor and cinnamon sugar coating creates something that feels both familiar and special at the same time.
5. Molasses Crinkle Cookies
The crackled tops make these look bakery-professional, but they’re actually really simple to make. Brown butter and molasses give them that warm, spiced flavor that screams holidays, and the chewy texture is perfect.
6. Birthday Cake Cookies
I know these sound more birthday than holiday, but hear me out – the funfetti vibe with colorful sprinkles makes them perfect for New Year’s or any festive gathering. They’re soft, chewy, and taste like celebration.
7. Homemade Fudge Stripe Cookies
These look so fancy that people assume they’re complicated, but the base is just simple shortbread. The chocolate stripe on top makes them feel special enough for gift-giving or holiday parties.
8. M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies
The colorful M&Ms make these instantly festive, especially if you use the holiday colors. Single bowl recipe means less cleanup, and the combination of M&Ms and chocolate chips gives you different textures in every bite.
9. Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Forget those hard grocery store versions – these are soft, chewy, and have actual flavor from brown butter. The simple icing on top makes them look polished without requiring any decorating skills.
10. Monster Cookies
These are perfect when you want to make one dough but get maximum impact. Packed with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms, they’re substantial enough that a few cookies feel like a real treat.
11. Cowboy Cookies
The combination of oats, coconut, and pecans gives these great texture and makes them feel hearty and festive. Plus, no chilling required means you can have warm cookies in your hands faster.
12. Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
The cinnamon-roasted pecans and molasses make these taste sophisticated, but they’re still just a basic drop cookie at heart. Two types of chocolate chips means you get different melting points and textures.
13. Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies
The brown butter and espresso give these way more complexity than regular chocolate chip cookies, making them feel special enough for adult holiday parties. The coffee flavor isn’t overwhelming – it just makes the chocolate taste deeper.
