30 Pretty Christmas Cookies Easy Recipes

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Discover a delightful array of 30 beautiful Christmas cookie recipes that are not only easy to make but also perfect for the holiday season!

Lucinda Price

Created by

Lucinda Price

Last updated on 2025-12-19T15:40:53.877Z

These Christmas cookies are a joyful addition to any holiday celebration. With vibrant colors and delicious flavors, they bring a festive charm to your dessert table.

Why You'll Love These Cookies

  • A variety of flavors to satisfy every palate
  • Beautifully decorated for a festive touch
  • Perfect for sharing with friends and family

The Joy of Baking Cookies

Baking cookies during the holiday season is a cherished tradition that brings families together. The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house sets a warm and festive atmosphere that everyone can enjoy. Whether you are an experienced baker or just starting out, these easy Christmas cookie recipes are designed to be fun and accessible for all skill levels. Get ready to create sweet memories as you bake and share these delightful treats with loved ones.

Each cookie you make has a story to tell, from the first whisk of the dough to the final sprinkle of decorations. This holiday season, take the time to experiment with different flavors and designs, allowing your creativity to shine. Not only will you have delicious cookies to share, but you'll also create lasting memories with your family and friends.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Christmas cookies aren't just for holiday parties; they are perfect for any occasion! From cookie exchanges to festive gatherings, having a variety of beautifully decorated cookies on hand can elevate any celebration. Their vibrant colors and fun shapes will delight both children and adults alike, making them a hit at any event.

Consider packaging these cookies as thoughtful homemade gifts. With a little creativity, you can create beautiful gift boxes or jars filled with an assortment of cookies, making for a personal and heartfelt present. Your friends and family will appreciate the effort and love that went into each treat.

Tips for Cookie Decorating

Decorating cookies can be an enjoyable and creative process. Start by preparing your royal icing to achieve the perfect consistency for outlining and flooding your cookie shapes. Use different piping tips to create various designs, from simple outlines to intricate patterns. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment!

In addition to royal icing, colored sugars and sprinkles can add an extra touch of holiday cheer to your cookies. You can also crush candy canes and chocolate chips for added flavor and texture. Let your imagination run wild as you create festive designs that reflect your personality and style!

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 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs

Decorations

  • Royal icing
  • Colored sugars
  • Sprinkles
  • Chocolate chips
  • Candy canes, crushed

Feel free to mix and match flavors and decorations!

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then gradually blend in the flour mixture.

Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.

Shape Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place on baking sheets.

Bake

Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool on wire racks.

Decorate

Once cool, decorate the cookies with royal icing, colored sugars, and other fun toppings!

Enjoy your festive cookies!

Storage and Freshness

To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to preserve their crispness, consider placing a slice of bread in the container; the moisture from the bread will help maintain the right texture. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies, ensuring they remain a delightful treat for weeks to come.

When freezing, make sure to layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. You can also freeze the cookie dough itself for quick baking later. Simply roll the dough into logs, wrap them tightly, and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

Perfect Pairings

These festive cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. For a classic choice, serve them with a glass of cold milk. The creaminess complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully. For a more adult twist, consider pairing your cookies with a warm cup of spiced cider or a festive latte.

You can also create a fun cookie and beverage tasting party! Offer a selection of cookies alongside different drinks, encouraging guests to find their favorite combinations. This interactive experience will add an extra layer of fun to your holiday gatherings and will surely become a new tradition.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.

→ What can I use instead of royal icing?

You can use store-bought icing or melted chocolate for decorating.

→ How should I store the cookies?

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

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are fully cooled before freezing.

30 Pretty Christmas Cookies Easy Recipes

Discover a delightful array of 30 beautiful Christmas cookie recipes that are not only easy to make but also perfect for the holiday season!

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Lucinda Price

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 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  6. 1 cup packed brown sugar
  7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  8. 2 large eggs

Decorations

  1. Royal icing
  2. Colored sugars
  3. Sprinkles
  4. Chocolate chips
  5. Candy canes, crushed

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then gradually blend in the flour mixture.

Step 02

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.

Step 03

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place on baking sheets.

Step 04

Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool on wire racks.

Step 05

Once cool, decorate the cookies with royal icing, colored sugars, and other fun toppings!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 1g