The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in festive treats, and what better way to spread joy and cheer than with a batch of homemade holiday cookies? The aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the house, the colorful sprinkles, and the variety of flavors make holiday cookies an essential part of every celebration. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or to share with neighbors, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Here are some delightful holiday cookie recipes that are sure to become favorites this season.

1. Classic Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a holiday staple, evoking images of cozy kitchens and festive gatherings. With their warm spices and slight sweetness, these cookies have a perfect balance of flavor. Whether you’re decorating them as gingerbread men or simply enjoying their flavorful dough, these cookies are always a hit.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla, and mix until smooth.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
  4. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
  6. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack and decorate with icing or sprinkles.

Why It’s Great: These cookies are not only delicious, but they also provide a fun opportunity to get creative with decorations. The spicy, aromatic flavor of gingerbread is synonymous with the holidays, making them an essential part of your holiday cookie collection.

2. Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Peppermint and chocolate are a match made in holiday heaven. These Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies have a rich, fudgy interior with a slight crunch on the outside and a refreshing minty flavor that’s perfect for the season. The powdered sugar coating adds a snowy, festive touch.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy canes
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, oil, and peppermint extract until smooth.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined. Stir in the crushed peppermint candy canes.
  4. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
  7. Place the balls on the baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cookies have spread and the crinkles have formed.
  8. Let them cool completely before serving.

Why It’s Great: The peppermint gives these cookies a fresh, minty kick that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate, creating a decadent yet refreshing treat. Plus, the crinkled appearance makes them look as festive as they taste.

3. Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Sugar cookies are a holiday favorite because of their versatility. You can make them as simple or as elaborate as you like, and they’re perfect for decorating with colorful royal icing. These sugar cookies are soft, sweet, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients for the Cookies:

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Ingredients for Royal Icing:

  • 2 large egg whites
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) and mix until smooth.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
  5. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  6. For the royal icing, beat the egg whites with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Add vanilla extract and mix well. If you want to use different colors, divide the icing and add food coloring as desired.
  7. Decorate the cookies with the royal icing and allow them to dry completely before serving.

Why It’s Great: Sugar cookies are a beloved holiday tradition, and the option to decorate them with royal icing makes them even more special. This is the perfect cookie for those who love to get creative with their holiday baking.