Tis the season! A list of 20 must-have holiday cookies to help you celebrate the holidays to their fullest.
TIS THE SEASON.
For cookies. For gifting. For love. For sugar.
Every year I bake and give away homemade treats. A carefully chosen dozen conveys warmth and thoughtfulness in a way few gifts can match. Below are 20 of my favorite holiday cookie recipes from the past five years of Eats Well With Others—classic flavors, cozy textures, and a few unexpected twists that make them perfect for sharing during the holidays.
These selections cover crisp, chewy, nutty, chocolaty, and spiced cookies so you can assemble a varied holiday box that will delight everyone on your list. If you’re planning to bake for gifts or a cookie swap, pick a handful from this list to balance flavors and make a memorable assortment.
Cornflake Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Peppermint Cookies
Crunchy cornflakes, melty marshmallows, and peppermint bits make these festive and fun.
Italian Rainbow Cookies
Layered almond cake with jam and chocolate—elegant, colorful, and rich.
Chocolate-Glazed Almond Horns
Buttery, nutty crescents dipped in chocolate—delicate and classic.
Chewy Cinnamon White Chocolate Chip Coconut Cookies
Warm cinnamon and tropical coconut pair with creamy white chocolate for a chewy treat.
Brown Butter Basil Shortbread
Rich brown butter and a hint of herb elevate this tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread.
Linzer Cookies
Jam-filled sandwich cookies with a cutout top—timeless, sweet, and slightly tart.
White Chocolate Buttered Popcorn Cookies
Sweet, salty, and playful—these cookies combine popcorn crunch with white chocolate for a crowd-pleaser.
Speculoos Cookies
Spiced and fragrant, these cookies bring warming flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar to the season.
Blue Bottle Double Chocolate Cookies
Intensely chocolatey and fudgy—perfect for chocoholics and elegant gift boxes alike.
Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Creamy peanut butter filling between tender cookies—nostalgic and satisfying.
Peppermint Crinkles
Soft, crackled cookies with bright peppermint flavor—festive and refreshing.
Salt-n-Pepper Sandwich Cookies
A savory-sweet twist: peppery bite balanced by sweet sandwich filling for an unexpected favorite.
Soft and Chewy Snickerdoodle Sprinkle Cookies
Classic snickerdoodle cinnamon sugar with joyful sprinkles for a playful finish.
Brown Sugar Cookies
Deep, caramel-like flavor and a tender crumb—simple but deeply satisfying.
Peppermint Macarons
Light, airy shells with festive peppermint filling—delicate and elegant for gifting.
Roasted Almond, Chocolate Chip, Cacao Nib Cookies with Smoked Sea Salt
Nutty roasted almonds and bitter cacao nibs are lifted by a touch of smoked sea salt for a sophisticated bite.
Snickerdoodle Macarons
All the cozy cinnamon notes of snickerdoodles transformed into a light macaron sandwich.
Sprinkle Cookies
Colorful and cheerful, these cookies add a playful touch to any holiday platter.
Chocolate Brownie Cookies with White Chocolate and Macadamia Nuts
Brownie-like centers studded with white chocolate and toasted macadamias for a luxe cookie experience.
Ginger Macarons with Pumpkin Bourbon Buttercream
Spiced ginger shells paired with a rich pumpkin-bourbon filling—seasonal and sophisticated.
Happy cookie-ing! These recipes offer a mix of flavors and textures to make your holiday baking both dependable and exciting. Pack a few varieties together to create an irresistible gift box that shows you care.
Giveaway note: A KitchenAid stand mixer was highlighted with this collection. Check the original source or archive for the complete giveaway details.