65 Insanely Easy Christmas Cookie Recipe Ideas to Keep You Busy Through the Holidays

Nothing gets you in the Christmas spirit quite like making a mess in the kitchen with sugar, flour, and *all* the sprinkles. That’s right; holiday cookie season is officially underway and we couldn’t be more excited. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a trained pastry chef to create the perfect milk and cookies for Santa. Christmas cookie decorating doesn’t necessarily mean sitting down with fancy tools and buckets of royal icing. It could be as simple as dressing up store-bought treats or hacking cake mix to make the dough. Now that you have the confidence to get started, check out the 65 easy Christmas cookie recipes below and get to baking!

1. Easy Slice ‘n’ Bake Vanilla Bean Christmas Sugar Cookies With Whipped Buttercream Frosting: It’s just not Christmas without frosted sugar cookies. Ditch perfection and top yours with a fluffy buttercream and whimsical decoration. (via Half Baked Harvest)

2. Snowflake Cookies: Just when you thought Oreos couldn’t get any better, you realize you can decorate them to make ’em your own. Roll out a batch of blue fondant and have your tiny sous chef use a cookie cutter to make the circles. Pour the frosting in a Ziplock bag and snip off one of the corners for a quick makeshift pastry bag to easily pipe the snowflakes. (via Cake Whiz)

3. Penguin Cookies: These peanut butter and chocolate penguins will be gone so fast, you’ll think they waddled right off the plate. Looks like you’re just going to have to make another batch. (via Delightful E Made)

4. Easy Reindeer Sugar Cookies: Minimalism was THE trend for 2016, so your Christmas desserts should reflect that. Pipe on eyes and antlers to sugar cookies and pop on a red candy nose to complete your simple Rudolph makeover. (via One Little Project)

5. Reindeer Cookies: Transform chewy chocolate cookies into ridiculously cute reindeer even old St. Nick would approve of. The pretzel antlers add the perfect amount of salt to this sweet treat. (via Your Cup of Cake)

6. Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookies: Red and green are the unofficial colors of Christmas, and these cookies have no shortage of spirit. It’s amazing what you can do with a variety of sprinkles and colored sugars. (via Sally’s Baking Addiction)

7. Gingerbread Reindeer: Bake a bunch of gingerbread men like you normally would, then when it comes time to decorate them, turn the cookies upside down and make reindeer instead. Sprinkle sanding sugar over the antlers and add a red candy nose to finish it off. (via Martha Stewart)

8. Thumbprint Snowman Cookies: Your kids will get a kick out of sticking their thumbs in the sugar cookie dough before you put it in the oven. Once cooled, fill the indentations with royal icing and let it fully harden before adding the buttons and face. (via In Katrina’s Kitchen)

9. Chocolate Coconut Cookies: Everyone dreams of a white Christmas, and these cookies let even those in a high climate have one. Top chocolate cookies with cream cheese frosting and shredded coconut to make it snow. (via Cravings of a Lunatic)

10. Red Velvet Cookies: These red velvet cake cookies have our vote for quickest to fly outta the cookie jar. Perfect this recipe now and you can bust out a second batch for your sweetheart in February! (via Food Fanatic)

11. Cookie Christmas Trees: These towering cookies are sure to wow all your holiday guests, including Santa himself. Plus, it’s way fun to add a twist to the Christmas cookie game with zero baking. (via Brit + Co)

12. Nut-Free Snowball Cookies: It doesn’t get easier than baking with only four ingredients. Break out a box of white cake mix, cream cheese, eggs, and oil, and you’ll have fluffy cookies worthy of any Christmas table. (via Yellow Bliss Road)

13. Hot Cocoa Cookies: Drink your cocoa and eat it too. These cookies are made with dark chocolate chips, black beans, and vanilla balsamic vinegar (yup, you read that right), which means they have a rich chocolate flavor and are super cute to boot. Oh, and did we mention they’re gluten-free? (via Snapguide)

14. Christmas Funfetti Sugar Cookies: Funfetti is a crowd-pleaser all year long, and the holidays are no different. The good news is that they’re SO easy to make and can be adapted to any occasion, based on what color sprinkles you choose to use. (via Sally’s Baking Addiction)

15. Candy Cane Monster Cookies: With ingredients like peanut butter, candy canes, oatmeal, and chocolate, these little babies combine all of our favorite flavors with a dash of festive peppermint cheer. Pair with a cuppa hot cocoa and get to dipping. (via Snapguide)

16. Melting Snowman Sugar Cookies: We’re just melting over these cookie cuties. They’re super easy to recreate, making them the perfect last-minute cookie to prepare with your kids. (via My Frugal Adventures)

17. Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies: Love gingerbread cookies but prefer something less crunchy? These ginger molasses cookies will ease that craving with that chewy texture you love. (via Gimme Some Oven)

18. Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies: These soft-baked thumbprint cookies are so easy, you could make them with your eyes shut (please don’t). The Candy Cane Hershey’s Kiss adds a hint of peppermint flavor without being too overpowering. (via Yummy Healthy Easy)

19. Eggnog Cookies: If you don’t usually love eggnog, give this recipe a try before you write it off completely. There’s a touch of spice, but just enough to keep things interesting. (via Half Full)

20. Santa’s Favorite Cookies: If they’re Kris Kringle’s favorite cookie, they’ve got to be good. That guy has eaten a lot of cookies in his day! (via Crazy for Crust)

21. White Chocolate Covered Gingerbread Oreos: Everyone can appreciate a great DIY hack. These tasty treats take no time at all and are great for a holiday party or wrapped up as little party favors. (via Pies and Plots)

22. Snowball Cookies: The coating of confectionary sugar makes these cookies taste cold and delicious. Just like a real snowball, but tastier and less messy. (via Raquel’s Kitchen)

23. Oreo-Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies: Who knew Oreos were vegan? That’s great news for anyone wanting to include them in a few sweet treats this holiday season. (via The Edgy Veg)

24. Cranberry Christmas Cookies: You can make the cookie dough in this recipe ahead of time and freeze it to save you time during the Christmas rush. When you’re ready to bake, just take them out of the freezer and arrange on a baking sheet, and 14 minutes later you’ll be enjoying warm cranberry white chocolate chunk cookies. (via Brit + Co)

25. Chocolate Covered Strawberry Trees: If you’re going to give your kids a cookie, you might as well hide a strawberry on top to balance it out. Dip the strawberry in green candy melts, add sprinkle ornaments, and let it fully harden before attaching it to the cookie with a blanket of white frosting snow. (via Lovely Little Kitchen)

26. Rudolph Christmas Cookies: The Oreos are at it again. Simple to make and fun to eat, these reindeer cookie pops are a quick way to dress up your dessert table. Just push the pretzel antlers right into the cream center and add a dot of frosting to secure the red candy nose. (via The 36th Avenue)

27. Peppermint Chocolate Puddle Cookies: These cookies may be grain-free, but they’re definitely not lacking in flavor. They’re fudgy, gooey, and chocolatey, with a little crunch from crushed peppermint candies. (via Food Doodles)

28. Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies: So swanky, yet so simple, these cookie sandwiches come together in a snap. Simply stick a marshmallow and crushed candy canes in the middle of two still-warm cookies, allow ’em to fuse together as they cool, and then get ready for some munching. (via Gluten-Free Mom)

29. Coconut Christmas Trees: Here, chewy coconut macaroons take on a whole new shape. Dust your finished trees with powdered sugar to mimic a freshly fallen snow. (via Eyes Bigger Than My Stomach)

30. Salted Pistachio Nutella Cookies: With their finishing sprinkle of bright green nuts, these chocolatey cookies definitely coordinate well with holiday decor. If sprinkles and cookie cutters aren’t your thing, these cookies will be. (via Food Mouth)

31. Melted Snowman Oreo Balls: Do you want to build a snowman? Of course, you do! Stay inside where it’s warm and make these Oreo balls that are *way* more delicious than the real thing. (via The Girl Who Ate Everything)

32. Gingersnap Cookies: You know, these cookies get all (ginger)snappy with us, and we’re somehow totally okay with that. It’s just in their nature to be sassy. (via Against All Grain)

33. Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies: It takes just a few seconds longer to color half of your cookie dough pink to make these fun candy canes. Plus, you’ll get to feel like a little elf in Santa’s workshop while you’re rolling them out! (via Self Proclaimed Foodie)

34. Peppermint Bark Cookies: A batch of these holiday favorites will set you back a mere fraction of what they’d cost you at the store. Pssst… those other ones aren’t even gluten-free. (via Gluten-Free Canteen)

35. Paleo Caramel Apple Gingersnaps: Gingerbread cookies are a mainstay of the holiday cookie table. This recipe is made healthier with dried apples, then drizzled with a Paleo-friendly caramel sauce. (via Food Faith Fitness)

36. No-Bake Christmas Tree Cookies: In the realm of easy Christmas treats, anything no-bake is the way to go. These green tinted coconut trees are fun to decorate and are reminiscent of vintage light-up Christmas trees. (via The Recipe Rebel)

37. Chocolate Chip Pomegranate Cookies: Want a boost of immunity with your cookies this cold and flu season? Pomegranates are full of nutrients like vitamin C and anti-oxidants to help keep you healthy enough to eat more cookies. (via Kiip Fit)

38. Cinnamon Spiced Almond Sugar Cookies: These cookies are made with healthy fats (like coconut sugar, cinnamon, and almonds) and are also grain-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. That means you can gift them to pretty much everyone on your list. (via Cotter Crunch)

39. Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks: You only need two ingredients from the store to makes these cookie cupcakes. For a from-scratch version, just whip up a batch of classic chocolate chip cookies and a bowlful of buttercream. (via Big Bear’s Wife)

40. Gluten-Free Chocolate Turtle Thumbprint Cookies: If you’re making a list of cookies to bake for the holidays, don’t forget these. Chocolate, caramel, and nuts make up a traditional turtle cookie — but these are a deliciously gluten-free version. (via The Skinny Fork)

41. Chocolate Mint Sandwich Cookies: These may look like they would be more difficult to create, but they’re actually far from it. You could even use store-bought cookies in a pinch. (via Sweet Twist of Blogging)

42. Double Chocolate Sandwich Cookies: Olive oil and sea salt provide a savory depth to these decadent and rich chocolate cookies. With flavors so well balanced, it’s hard to stop at just one. (via Will Frolic for Food)

43. Chocolate Mint Sandwich Cookies: Buttercream lovers will rejoice for these frosting-heavy cookies. The combination of chewy chocolate cookies and fluffy mint buttercream is one that you shouldn’t pass up this season. (via Lemons for Lulu)

44. Chewy Molasses Spelt Cookies With Candied Ginger: The nutty flavor of spelt flour is fantastic in these spicy cookies. You’d never even guess that they’re healthier than most. (via Oh She Glows)

45. Chocolate-Cinnamon Snowflakes: Between the cocoa and cinnamon, these cookies are just like a warm cup of Mexican hot chocolate in edible form. Decorate with an easy icing snowflake for a chilly effect. (via Keepin’ It Kind)

46. Gingerbread Men: Not all gingerbread men are created equal. These are slightly crispy, ultra chewy, and OH-SO adorable. (via Sally’s Baking Addiction)

47. Christmas Pecan Snowballs: Not unlike real snowballs, these cookies will practically melt in your mouth. Nut lovers will be hanging out by these all day long. (via Veggie on a Penny)

48. 3D Christmas Tree Gingerbread Cookies: We’ve heard of hanging gingerbread cutouts on the tree, but making them the tree itself is new to us — and we like it. You can fit three cookies together by cutting carefully placed slots in the dough before baking. They may take a bit more time, but they’re still easy peasy. (via Not Martha)

49. Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies: Why choose between cookies and brownies if you don’t have to? This hybrid is the best of both worlds, with a luscious peppermint frosting on top. (via Cooking Classy).

50. Rudolph Cookie Sticks: Use pre-made cookie dough to create the sticks, then have fun decorating your fleet of Rudolphs. (via The Decorated Cookie)

51. Boozy Baileys Cookies: Skip your after-dinner cocktail in lieu of this boozy treat. (via If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen)

52. German Chocolate Chip Cookies: Dig in to holiday indulgence with these pecan-coconut iced cookies. A drizzle of chocolate on top completes the treat. (via Food Lovin’ Family)

53. Honey Oatmeal Pomegranate Cookies: Oatmeal cookies get a seasonal twist in this recipe. Ruby red pomegranate arils dot each one, like ornaments on a tree. (via Truffles and Trends)

54. Speculoos Stars: A blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and other spices make these the kind of sweets that warm you from the inside out. (via Baking With Anastasia)

55. Cinnamon Pastry Hearts: Flaky puff pastry makes the most decadent desserts. This simple recipe calls for the pre-made stuff, along with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar. (via Italian Recipe Book)

56. Ginger Spiced Sugar Cookies: The key here is making a depression in them with the bottom of a glass before baking, so you can fill each one with as much icing as you like. (via The View from Great Island)

57. Chewy Molasses Cookies: Soft and chewy molasses cookies are a hallmark of the holidays. And unlike some, these don’t need to be chilled before baking, so they can go from the bowl to the oven to your mouth in record time. (via A Cookie Named Desire)

58. Chai Shortbread With Ganache: Jazz up your usual shortbread with a few simple additions. Chai spice flavors the dough, and a chocolate ganache and salted pistachio coating make them taste extra fancy. (via My Vibrant Kitchen)

59. Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: Gluten-free, naturally sweetened cookies can be something of a relief if you’ve been surviving on the refined stuff all season. (via Beaming Banana)

60. Nicaraguan Rosquillas: Add a new recipe to your holiday baking repertoire this year. These cookies look like flowers, and are made with masa harina and brown loaf sugar to give them a unique texture and flavor. (via He Needs Food)

61. Chocolate Pizzelles: Buy a used pizzelle iron online and get ready to make these every year. Once they’re cooked, you can dunk them in chocolate, sprinkles, and nuts for a fancy touch. (via Saving Dessert)

62. Cranberry Cherry Ribbon Cookies: Slice-and-bake cookies are always a hit. These are tempered with tangy cherry jam, which keeps them from tasting overly sweet. (via A Salad for All Seasons)

63. Toffee White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies: Buttery toffee, smooth white chocolate, and rich macadamia nuts make these a natural pairing with hot chocolate. (via Lovely Little Kitchen)

64. Sugar Cookies With Crushed Peppermint: Plain sugar cookies are good on their own. But they become holiday heroes when topped with crushed candy canes. (via Beyond the Chicken Coop)

65. Chocolate Chip Toffee Cookies: Gooey dark chocolate and cruchy toffee make each bite of these treats a pleasure. Serve with plenty of ice cold milk for dunking. (via My Kitchen Love)

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Additional reporting by Justina Huddleston