Nothing says Christmas quite like the heavenly aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering, gifting loved ones, or simply enjoying some cozy moments with family, festive cookies are the perfect treat. Here are five delightful Christmas cookie recipes — from creamy eggnog cookies to rich chocolate peppermint delights — that will bring a little extra holiday magic to your kitchen.

1. Eggnog Cookies

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/3 cup eggnog
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
  3. Using a mixer, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
  4. Blend in the egg yolks, eggnog, and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
  8. Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar and a pinch of nutmeg for a festive touch.

For extra flair, drizzle with a simple eggnog glaze (made from powdered sugar and eggnog) to up the sweetness and give them a glossy finish.

2. Classic Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Set aside.
  2. Beat the butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until soft and creamy.
  3. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
  4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until the dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
  5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes using festive cookie cutters.
  7. Place the shapes on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes.
  8. Allow cookies to completely cool before decorating with your favorite icing.

For a burst of color, sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar or edible glitter while the icing is still wet.

3. Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
  • 3 tbsp milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a medium bowl.
  3. Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
  4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk, mixing until fully combined.
  5. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until the dough is well mixed.
  6. Roll the dough into small balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar.
  7. Place the cookies on prepared baking sheets and press down slightly with the bottom of a glass.
  8. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Add festive shapes and colors by using cookie cutters and royal icing. It’s perfect for family decorating parties!

4. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium-sized bowl.
  3. Beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
  4. Blend in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips.
  6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets.
  7. Sprinkle each cookie with crushed candy canes before baking for 10–12 minutes.
  8. Cool completely on a wire rack so the candy canes harden into a sweet, crunchy topping.

For even more chocolatey goodness, dip half the cookie in melted dark or white chocolate and sprinkle with additional crushed candy canes.

5. Cranberry Orange Cookies

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 tbsp orange juice
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
  3. Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy.
  4. Add the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
  5. Gradually add the dry mixture, then fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
  6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets.
  7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden.

Add candied orange peel as a garnish for extra flair and flavor.

From the warm spices of gingerbread to the bright, citrusy flavor of cranberry orange cookies, these recipes are sure to spread joy and deliciousness throughout the holiday season. Whether you're nibbling on eggnog cookies with a cup of cocoa or sharing chocolate peppermint treats during a festive gathering, each cookie brings a dose of holiday cheer. Happy baking!