Nothing says Christmas quite like a plate of freshly baked cookies.
Whether you’re leaving them out for Santa, gifting them to friends, or setting up a cookie platter for your party, these festive treats are a must-have for the holidays.
From classic sugar cookies to creative flavor twists, here are 12 Christmas dessert ideas featuring cookies that will bring joy and sweetness to your celebrations.
1. Christmas Sugar Cookies
Soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, these sugar cookies are the ultimate Christmas favorite.
Decorate them with royal icing, festive sprinkles, or edible glitter for a colorful and fun look.
Kids love helping with the cookie cutters — stars, snowflakes, and Christmas trees make them extra magical.
2. Gingerbread Cookies
Spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of Christmas.
Shape them into gingerbread men, reindeer, or snowflakes, and decorate with white icing details.
They make adorable gifts or edible ornaments for your tree.
3. Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Rich chocolate cookies paired with refreshing peppermint make a perfect winter combination.
Top them with crushed candy canes or dip half in melted white chocolate for a festive touch.
They’re ideal for cookie exchanges or cozy nights by the fire.
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4. Linzer Cookies
These delicate sandwich cookies, filled with raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar, look as beautiful as they taste.
The cut-out tops — stars or hearts — give them a snowy window effect, making them perfect for elegant Christmas dessert tables.
5. Eggnog Snickerdoodles
Add a holiday twist to classic snickerdoodles with eggnog and nutmeg.
The cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with festive spice.
They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa during Christmas morning brunch.
6. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries create a lovely balance in these chewy cookies.
Add chopped macadamia nuts for extra crunch.
Their red-and-white color combination fits perfectly with the Christmas theme.
7. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
These vibrant red cookies, rolled in powdered sugar before baking, crackle beautifully in the oven.
The result is a soft, fudgy texture with a hint of cocoa — a stunning and delicious addition to your Christmas cookie platter.
8. Oatmeal Raisin Spice Cookies
Warm, hearty, and comforting, oatmeal raisin cookies get a holiday makeover with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
They’re perfect for anyone who loves a classic cookie with a touch of nostalgia and spice.
9. Hot Cocoa Cookies
Soft chocolate cookies topped with gooey marshmallows and a drizzle of melted chocolate taste just like your favorite winter drink.
Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint for an extra-festive feel.
10. Pecan Snowball Cookies
Also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, these buttery delights are coated in powdered sugar that looks just like snow.
They melt in your mouth and are perfect for gift boxes or cookie exchanges.
11. Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Cookies
Buttery shortbread dipped in dark or white chocolate creates an elegant and simple Christmas dessert.
Sprinkle crushed candy canes or festive nonpareils over the chocolate for a pretty holiday finish.
12. M&M Christmas Cookies
Colorful and cheerful, these cookies feature red and green M&Ms baked into soft dough.
They’re easy to make, kid-approved, and a guaranteed hit at holiday parties.
Perfect for last-minute baking or wrapping up as sweet gifts.
These 12 Christmas cookie dessert ideas bring a mix of nostalgia, flavor, and festive flair to your holiday baking.
Whether you’re making them for Santa, sharing with family, or adding them to your dessert table, these cookies will spread warmth, joy, and a little extra Christmas magic.
