Name: Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup brown sugar (packed) 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon salt 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks; 0.5 cup crushed peppermint candies; 0.5 cup mini marshmallows; 0.25 cup holiday sprinkles 2 cups powdered sugar 2 tablespoons milk Food coloring (assorted)

A colorful platter of Christmas Cookies is like a joyful invitation to celebrate. These cookies aren’t just baked goods; they’re memories in the making. Whether you’re building a festive dessert tray, preparing a cookie swap, or just enjoying some holiday baking with the kids, this collection brings together the best parts of the season: sugar, spice, and everything nice.

The beauty of these cookies is in the variety. From classic sugar cookies decorated with royal icing to peppermint-topped chocolate rounds, candy cane striped cookies, and marshmallow-stuffed delights, there’s something for everyone. It’s a delicious way to add sparkle to your table and warmth to your heart.

What Kind of Cookies Should I Include in My Holiday Platter?

Think variety! Include a balance of textures and flavors: soft and chewy, crispy, chocolatey, nutty, and spiced. Make room for old-fashioned iced sugar cookies, peppermint bark-inspired treats, and chocolate chip variations. Add in festive shapes like trees and candy canes, and you’re guaranteed to have something for every guest.

Ingredients for the Christmas Cookies

All-Purpose Flour: The base for most cookies, giving structure and consistency.

Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: For sweetness and moisture; brown sugar adds chewiness.

Unsalted Butter: A must for richness and flavor in every bite.

Eggs: These help bind the dough and give cookies a soft texture.

Baking Soda or Baking Powder: Essential for leavening and spreading.

Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cookie dough.

Holiday Sprinkles, Peppermint Bits, and Mini Marshmallows: These add festive flair and seasonal flavor.

Icing Sugar and Food Coloring: For decorating sugar cookies in holiday shapes.

Chocolate Chips or Chunks: A non-negotiable for chocolate lovers.

How To Make the Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Doughs

Split your cookie adventure into sections by preparing separate doughs based on the cookie types: sugar, chocolate chip, gingerbread, or peppermint chocolate. Refrigerate the dough if required (especially sugar and cut-out cookies).

Step 2: Shape and Decorate

Roll and cut the sugar cookie dough into trees, stars, or candy canes. Use cookie cutters and sprinkle with colored sugars or decorate after baking with icing. For thumbprint cookies, roll into balls and press the center with a spoon or thumb.

Step 3: Bake by Type

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake each batch according to its recipe: sugar cookies (8–10 minutes), chocolate chip cookies (10–12 minutes), and peppermint chocolate (slightly less to retain chewiness). Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Decorate with Icing and Toppings

Once cooled, use royal icing or melted chocolate to decorate. Add crushed peppermint, sprinkles, or marshmallows. Let icing harden before storing or arranging on your tray.

How To Store and Serve These Festive Treats

Store your Christmas cookies in airtight containers, separating flavors with parchment paper. They can stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature or be frozen for longer shelf life. If you’re serving them for a party, stack them by color or theme for an eye-catching dessert table.

To keep frosted cookies intact, layer wax paper in between. When gifting, use clear bags with ribbon or arrange in cookie tins with tissue paper.

What to Serve With Christmas Cookies?

Hot Cocoa or Peppermint Mocha

Perfect for dunking those peppermint-laced chocolate cookies or marshmallow-topped rounds.

Mulled Cider

The warm spices of cider complement cinnamon or ginger-based cookies.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Pair softer cookies or warm-from-the-oven varieties with a scoop of ice cream.

Whipped Cream or Eggnog Dip

A sweet, fluffy dip for dunking plain sugar cookies or biscotti-style varieties.

Cheese Platter

For adult gatherings, contrast the sweetness with sharp cheddar or brie.

Fresh Berries or Fruit Skewers

For a refreshing bite between sugary cookies.

If you love assembling cookie trays for the holidays, you’ll probably enjoy these other delightful bakes:

Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Cookies for fruity richness.
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies for gooey centers and creamy layers.
Moist and Chewy Banana Oatmeal Raisin Cookies for a nostalgic, chewy twist.
Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for melt-in-your-mouth magic.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies with sweet-tart bursts in every bite.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this festive idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when the holiday season rolls around again.

Tried this cookie spread with a twist? Maybe you added caramel drizzle or went heavy on the mint? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your favorites or questions in the comments!

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next sweet obsession is probably just one pin away.

Christmas Cookies

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 36 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Christmas Cookies are everything you want on your holiday table—colorful, nostalgic, and packed with festive flavor. From soft, buttery sugar cookies to peppermint-topped chocolate rounds and sprinkle-loaded delights, these treats will bring joy to every bite. Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or simply indulging, this is the easy recipe to make your holiday baking unforgettable. Ideal for cookie swaps, dessert trays, and family nights, it’s a holiday must-have and checks every box for quick desserts, easy recipes, and party food ideas.