The recipes for these cookies, from traditional sugar cookies to spiced snickerdoodles, are all simple and reliable.
1. Soft Sugar Cookies
These are my “must have” sugar cookies at Christmas time because they remain soft for many days and really do have a taste to them!
They are soft because of the heavy cream and additional egg yolk, and they work perfectly for either decorating with royal icing or just rolling into colored sugar.
2. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason.
You don’t need to chill these or use any special techniques — just mix, scoop, and bake them.
Soft and slightly crispy on the outside, everybody’s happy with these.
3. Snickerdoodle Cookies
These have that cinnamon-sugar coating, which makes them feel like a holiday treat, and unlike most snickerdoodle cookies, which turn out cakey, these remain soft and chewy.
I usually make a couple of batches because they disappear so fast!
4. Chocolate Snickerdoodles
Think of these as a more sophisticated version of a snickerdoodle cookie.
The chocolate base has the same tangy flavor of cream of tartar combined with the cinnamon-sugar, creating an experience that is both comfortable and unique.
5. Molasses Crinkle Cookies
The crackly tops of the cookies can make them look professional, but they really are quite easy to make!
Brown butter and molasses give a rich, warm, spiced flavor.
Chewy texture makes them extra special.
6. Birthday Cake Cookies
I realize these sound more like birthday cookies than holiday cookies, but hear me out.
Those Funfetti sprinkles add that festive touch and make them perfect for any New Year or festive gathering.
These cookies are super soft and chewy, and just like a birthday cake!
7. Homemade Fudge Stripe Cookies
People see these cookies and think they are fancy and complicated, but all you need to make them is a simple shortbread cookie base!
The chocolate stripe on top adds a special touch, making them ideal gifts or for holiday parties.
8. M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies
M&M candies provide instant festivity, especially when decorated with holiday colors!
This single bowl recipe allows for less mess and more ease when making, with two kinds of candy providing different textures.
9. Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Skip the tough, hard grocery store versions.
These cookies are made with brown butter and actually taste great!
Plus, the simple icing on top adds a polished look without any need for decorating skills.
10. Monster Cookies
These cookies are perfect for maximizing dough into treats!
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
These cookies are hearty because the oats, coconut, and pecans provide excellent texture, making them feel hearty and festive as well.
Plus, you won’t have to wait for dough to chill, meaning you can quickly get warm cookies in your hands!
12. Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
These cookies have a sophisticated cinnamon-roasted pecan flavor combined with brown sugar (molasses) for a unique twist on a regular drop cookie.
They also contain two different types of chocolate, so you will experience different melting points and textures.
13. Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies
The combination of brown butter and espresso makes these cookies much more complex than regular chocolate chip cookies, making them an excellent dessert for adult holiday parties!
The coffee flavor is not overpowering but enhances the richness of the chocolate.
