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100 Best Christmas Cookies

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100 Best Christmas Cookies: a complete list of the best and most loved Christmas cookies of all time in order of popularity! Some of these classic cookies won't surprise you, but you may also find a few new holiday cookie recipes to love! They come in all flavors, shapes, and sizes so you will indeed find a few cookies your family will enjoy.

The top 100 Christmas cookies in the United States ranked by popularity and shared in this massive collection of amazing cookies to bake.
The top 100 Christmas cookies in the United States are ranked by popularity and shared in this massive collection of amazing cookies to bake!

The Top 100 Best Christmas Cookies of All-Time

While many of these cookies are well-known to all of us, some regional favorites make this top 100 list here in the United States! Many of these cookies have international roots, coming to the US throughout the years and being adopted by all.

Whether you have certain childhood favorites that you're hoping to find the recipe for, or this is your first year baking Christmas cookies, you'll surely find plenty of cookies to bake this holiday season!

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If baking gets you in the Christmas spirit, be sure to check out all of my holiday baking recipes! There are cookies, cakes, pies, fudge, candy, and so much more to try!

These recipes are for the most loved Christmas cookies from the United States. Many can be decorated or cut into fun holiday shapes and some are simple classics that taste delicious just the way they are. After all, any cookie can be a Christmas cookie!

1. Chocolate Chip Cookies

It should come as no surprise that good old-fashioned chocolate chip cookies come in at the top spot on this list!

Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies (Original 1930's Recipe)
The original 1930's Nestle® Toll House® Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is a great way to bake up perfectly chewy cookies! These easy to make cookies are packed with chocolate chip morsels exactly like they should be! No matter how old you are, it's always the right time to bake up a quick batch of chocolate chip cookies and enjoy them with a big glass of milk!
Check out this recipe
A large square image of chocolate chip cookie on parchment paper square with a light grey wooden grain background and a few scattered chocolate chips with parts of other cookies in the background.

2. Sugar Cookies

Not only are sugar cookies delicious, but they are the ideal cookie for cutting into festive shapes and for decorating!

Vintage Betty Crocker Rolled Sugar Cookies
Rolled, chilled, and cut out sugar cookies from my personal favorite, tried and true, Vintage Betty Crocker Traditional Rolled Sugar Cookies!
Check out this recipe
Rolled, chilled, and cut out sugar cookies from our favorite tried and true Vintage Betty Crocker Traditional Rolled Sugar Cookies

3. Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut butter blossoms are soft peanut butter cookies that are coated in white sugar and top them off with milk chocolate Hershey's Kisses!

Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut butter blossoms are so yummy with their chewy peanut butter cookie base and Hershey's Kisses milk chocolate candies set on top! The added touch of white sugar is part of this classic cookie's charm and deliciousness! Of course, they are the best cookie for peanut butter and chocolate lovers!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of the plated peanut butter blossoms.

4. Christmas Fudge

Maybe fudge isn't technically a cookie, but you sure won't hear any complaints when rich and chocolatey fudge bars are added to your Christmas cookie platter!

Christmas Fudge
This Christmas fudge is ridiculously easy to prepare, tastes absolutely delicious, and is topped with some festive sprinkles! With such a rich and decadent flavor, no one will believe how easy it was to make! In fact, this tasty treat requires just 4 simple ingredients and only takes 5 minutes of prep work!
Check out this recipe
Close up square image of Christmas fudge with sprinkles.

5. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

The irresistible flavor combination of chocolate and peppermint is always a favorite around Christmastime!

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These chocolate peppermint cookies are packed with 3 different types of chocolate and then topped with crushed candy canes! They are incredibly rich, indulgent, and perfect for any winter occasion! Go ahead and add these to your Christmas gift baskets so that everyone can enjoy them!
Check out this recipe
Delicious triple chocolate peppermint cookies on a white plate with festive greenery in the background and a glass of milk.

6. Christmas M&M Cookies

Kids and adults will both enjoy a fresh batch of soft and chewy M&M cookies. Red and green M&Ms make these cookies even more festive!

Christmas M&M Cookies
These Christmas M&M cookies are everything you love about chocolate chip cookies with the colorful addition of red and green holiday candy! The soft and chewy cookies are absolutely delightful with festive candy-coated chocolates we all know and love! They are perfect for any holiday activities or gift baskets!
Check out this recipe
large square overhead image of Christmas M&M Cookies.

7. Shortbread Cookies

Sometimes simple is a good thing, and these buttery, tender shortbread cookies prove it! You'll love their simplicity, and their rich buttery taste is amazing!

Shortbread
These shortbread cookies are buttery, delicious, and so incredibly soft that they will melt in your mouth! Using only 5 simple ingredients these cookies are perfect for even a beginner baker! Plus, they are so simple to prepare that you can easily enjoy them any time of year!
Check out this recipe
Square image of shrtbread cookies on a glass plate.

8. Butter Cookies

Butter cookies are so, well, buttery! These soft cookies are incredibly versatile, but I like to bake them up so they look like the Danish butter cookies in a holiday tin!

Danish Butter Cookies
These Danish butter cookies are a delicious, classic Christmas cookie that everyone already knows and loves! While you can buy them in the iconic blue tin, this homemade version is even better! Not to mention, they only use 4 ingredients!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of Danish butter cookies.

9. Brookies

These indulgent dessert bars are the best of both worlds: brownie on top and cookie on the bottom!

Brookies (Brownie Cookies)
This brookie combines brownie batter and chocolate chip cookie dough to create a decadent half brownie, half cookie bar that’s fun and easy to make.
Check out this recipe
Brookies (Brownie Cookies)

10. Butter Pecan Cookies

Butter pecan cookies are easy, classic cookies with a tender shortbread base full of slightly sweet and nutty chopped pecans!

Butter Pecan Cookies
Butter Pecan Cookies are easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Meltingly tender like traditional shortbread, these Butter Pecan Cookies require only a few steps and take just 15 minutes to bake!
Check out this recipe
Butter Pecan Cookies

11. Sprinkle Crinkle Cookies

These easy-to-make vanilla crinkle cookies are so soft and tender. Toss in some Christmas sprinkles, and they practically decorate themselves!

Sprinkle Crinkle Cookies
My delightfully tasty sprinkle crinkle cookies are super easy to make and a fun way to celebrate the holidays with your family! These tender vanilla cookies are speckled with festive green and red sprinkles that almost look like snow covered confetti, how fun!
Check out this recipe
Square image of sprinkle Christmas cookies on a white plate with a grey background.

12. Gingerbread Cookies

Perfectly spiced gingerbread cookies are a Christmas staple. Gingerbread men are always fun to make, though these cookies can be made into just about any shape!

Gingerbread Men
The trick with Gingerbread Men is to keep the dough cold when cutting out the shapes. So much easier to work with!
Check out this recipe
Gingerbread Men

13. Christmas Snickerdoodles

The only difference between a regular Snickerdoodle cookie and a Christmas Snickerdoodle cookie is the festive green and red sugar! It's still full of the yummy cinnamon sugar goodness we all know and love.

Snickerdoodle Cookies
These snickerdoodle cookies are a classic recipe that everyone already knows and loves, no matter what time of year it is! Tender, buttery cookies are coated in a sweet combination of cinnamon and sugar to make them truly special! Serve them on special occasions (like Christmas) or just because!
Check out this recipe
Tasty snickerdoodle cookies are a holiday classic like these tender cookies stacked in a closeup image.

14. Macadamia Nut Cookies

Macadamia nuts add texture and a somewhat nutty yet buttery flavor to these already delicious cookies!

White Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookies
My white chocolate chip macadamia nut cookies have a tender texture loaded with white chocolate chunks and chopped nuts! They're a fan favorite for great reason, with their deliciously rich flavor that's hard to resist! These are super easy no-chill drop cookies to add to your everyday or holiday baking!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of white chocolate macadamia nut cookies.

15. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

The chewy texture of a homemade oatmeal raisin cookie is a Christmas favorite for many people!

*Fun Fact: Oatmeal raisin cookies are the least-desired cookie at any cookie exchange (though it's hard to see why)!

Oatmeal Molasses Raisin Cookies (World War II Cookies)
These oatmeal molasses raisin cookies (or World War II cookies) are a quick and easy one-bowl cookie that is chewy and flavorful. My grandmother passed down this recipe, so you know they must be delicious. Many people even love them more than regular oatmeal raisin cookies.
Check out this recipe
Square image of oatmeal molasses raisin cookies.

16. German Almond Cookies (or Vanillekipferl)

These vanilla German crescent cookies are delightfully nutty and they are so soft they practically melt in your mouth!

Vanillekipferl (German Vanilla Crescent Cookies)
Vanillekipferl (Vanilla Crescent Cookies) are traditional German Christmas Cookies made with ground nuts! They are tender, nutty and melt in your mouth.
Check out this recipe
Vanillekipferl (German Vanilla Crescent Cookies)

17. Peanut Butter Balls

These sweet and salty chocolate-covered peanut butter balls are so tasty you can't eat just one!

Peanut Butter Balls
Get Peanut Butter Balls Recipe from Food Network
Check out this recipe
Peanut Butter Balls

18. Gingersnaps

These cinnamon ginger cookies are hard to resist because of their subtle sweetness and satisfying crunch!

Gingersnaps
Crisp, spicy molasses-ginger cookies with crackly, sugary tops.
Check out this recipe
Gingersnaps

19. Thumbprint Cookies

Thumbprint cookies are tender shortbread cookies with sweet fruit jam in the center. They are a classic choice for cookie exchanges and holiday party dessert trays!

Thumbprint Cookies
Delicious buttery shortbread cookies filled with raspberry and apricot jam. These Thumbprint Cookies are perfect for the holidays or any occasion!
Check out this recipe
Thumbprint Cookies

20. Coconut Macaroons

The inside of these coconut macaroons is soft and chewy while the outside is wonderfully golden and crisp!

First-Place Coconut Macaroons
These coconut macaroons are chewy and delicious. This recipe earned its contributor a first-place ribbon at her county fair.
Check out this recipe
First-Place Coconut Macaroons

21. Italian Christmas Cookies (Italian Ricotta Cookies)

These Italian Christmas cookies are so decadently moist with a slightly tangy flavor from the ricotta cheese!

Italian Ricotta Cookies (Italian Christmas Cookies)
Italian ricotta cookies are super soft, moist, and an incredibly easy-to-make classic holiday cookie that's also amazingly delicious! Tender, sweet, yet slightly tangy cookies are covered with a bright lemon glaze and then topped with festive sprinkles! Moist, tender, and melt in your mouth – these cookies are going to be a new favorite!
Check out this recipe
Closeuo of the Italian ricotta cookies on white tray.

22. Salted Caramel Cookies

The only thing better than giant sugar cookies is giant sugar cookies filled with chewy caramel and flakes of sea salt!

Salted Caramel Cookies | Giant Christmas Cookies Filled with Caramel!
Giant, bakery style, soft sugar cookies filled with tons of chewy, salted caramel and topped with flaked sea salt! Such an easy Christmas cookie recipe!
Check out this recipe
Salted Caramel Cookies | Giant Christmas Cookies Filled with Caramel!

23. Vanilla Macarons

Vanilla macarons are light and airy cookies that are even more delicious with a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or apple cider!

30+ Macaron Flavors: Vanilla +More Sweet Flavor Ideas!
These macaron flavors are the best of the best options out there to completely satisfy your craving for some sweet macarons! From fruity to decadent to classic, I have a flavor you're going to love! Join me as we take a look at all of the best macaron flavors around.
Check out this recipe
Best macaron flavors to make for every occasion from basic vanilla and chocolate to specialty combinations and holiday themed treats.

24. Molasses Cookies

If you enjoy the warm and sweet flavor of molasses, these chewy cookies will definitely hit the spot!

Molasses Cookies
These molasses cookies are deliciously spicy and chewy. They store well and can be frozen making them great for holiday gift-giving or shipping.
Check out this recipe
Molasses Cookies

25. Snowball Cookies

These buttery cookies are loaded with chopped pecans and coated in powdered sugar. They look just like snowballs, but taste much better!

Snowball Cookies
Snowball cookies are a favorite Christmas cookie recipe, and these pecan-filled cookies are scrumptious all year round.
Check out this recipe
Snowball Cookies

26. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

These have the same soft texture as the classic vanilla crinkle cookies but with all the flavor of red velvet cake!

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
These red velvet crinkle cookies have a beautiful red-and-white contrast and taste even better than they look! They are amazingly tender and moist and are packed with an intensely rich chocolate flavor that is to die for! Bake them for Christmas, Valentine's Day, or just because you are craving a sweet treat!
Check out this recipe
Closeup on the best tender red velvet crinkle cookies with amazingly crackled surface.

27. Oreo Balls

Oreo cookies, cream cheese, and vanilla almond bark together make these more like cake balls than cookies, but you won't hear any complaints!

Oreo Balls Recipe - Food.com
My sister’s co-worker brought these to a party and they were quite a hit. I don’t know where the recipe came from originally.“Bark” is an artificial c
Check out this recipe
Oreo Balls Recipe - Food.com

28. Speculoos Cookies

Also called spekulatius, speculaas, and Biscoff, these gingerbread shortcrust cookies are delightfully crispy and wonderfully caramelized.

Speculoos Cookies & Homemade Cookie Butter Recipe by Tasty
Here’s what you need: cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, ground ginger, ground cardamom, white pepper, ground anise, flour, salt, baking powder, spice blend, butter, dark brown sugar, sugar, egg, cookies, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, butter
Check out this recipe
Speculoos Cookies & Homemade Cookie Butter Recipe by Tasty

29. Christmas Cowboy Cookies

There's a little bit of everything in these cookies: peanuts, oatmeal, M&Ms, white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, coconut; these cookies have it all!

Christmas Cowboy Cookies
These Christmas cowboy cookies are thick and chewy oatmeal cookies that are packed with a ton of different tasty treats! Loaded with coconut, peanuts, milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and festive red and green M&Ms, what's not to love about these sweet cookies? They are the perfect dessert to add to your list of holiday baking!
Check out this recipe
Best Christmas cowboy cookies recipe with festive red and green M&Ms chocolate candies.

30. Whoopie Pies

Two soft cake-like cookies with sweet white cream sandwiched in between. Some people consider whoopie pies cookies while others consider them cake, but no matter what you call them they are delicious!

Whoopie Pies - Cooking Classy
The ultimate Whoopie Pies - perfectly chocolatey, super soft and fluffy and filled with a luscious marshmallow cream whoopie pie filling.
Check out this recipe
Whoopie Pies - Cooking Classy

31. Madeleines

These delicate shell-shaped French spongecake cookies are so buttery and sweet, nobody can have just one!

French Butter Cakes (Madeleines)
Use this recipe for madeleines and follow along with the video to make these beautiful sponge cake French cookies baked in special shell-shaped molds.
Check out this recipe
French Butter Cakes (Madeleines)

32. Christmas Cake Batter Meringues

These cake batter cookies are delectably light and airy, and they can be made in bold Christmas colors if you are feeling extra festive!

Christmas Cake Batter Meringues
These Christmas Cake Batter Meringues are absolutely one of my favorite festive holiday cookies! Bright, colorful, fun, and easy to make, the mini meringues taste like cake frosting in cookie form!
Check out this recipe
large square straight on image of the red green and white Christmas cake batter meringues.

33. Spritz Cookies

Buttery spritz cookies can be made in all colors, shapes, and sizes. They have a light almond flavor, and as long as you don't over-bake them, they are wonderfully soft and a true joy at Christmastime.

Classic Spritz Cookies
Beautiful and buttery, these classic butter spritz cookies are the perfect treat for a cookie exchange or special gathering. Creative mix-ins or decorations will make each batch of spritz cookies one that’s uniquely your own. Drizzle with melted chocolate, mix in chopped nuts or dried fruit, sprinkl…
Check out this recipe
Classic Spritz Cookies

34. Pfeffernusse

Pfeffernusse are traditional German holiday cookies that are spiced with white pepper, allspice, cloves, and cinnamon. On the outside, they can be dusted with confectioners' sugar or coated with a sweet egg-white-based glaze that hardens as it sets.

Pfeffernusse Cookies
Pfeffernüsse are traditional small German Christmas cookies spiced with black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon cloves, ground ginger, and nutmeg.
Check out this recipe
Pfeffernusse Cookies

35. Anise Cookies

Anise cookies are packed with fragrant licorice-like flavor from a double dose of anise extract. The flavor is mellow enough that the sweetness of the cookie shines through and creates a perfectly balanced treat.

Italian Anise Cookies Are a Classic Holiday Favorite
Inspired by the cookies I grew up eating.
Check out this recipe
Italian Anise Cookies Are a Classic Holiday Favorite

36. Fruitcake Cookies

These tender cookies are loaded with tasty fruitcake mixed peel and glace cherries in every bite! They're easy to make and a great festive addition to cookie trays!

Fruitcake Cookies
These fruitcake cookies are soft, chewy, and incredibly tasty making them an irresistible addition to the holidays! With a tender cookie base and lots of chewy mixed fruit peel, candied cherries, and raisins scattered throughout, these cookies are a real treat. They make a fantastic addition to any cookie exchange or gift basket at Christmas time, too!
Check out this recipe
Close up square image of fruitcake cookies on a Santa plate.

37. Christmas M&M Bars

If you love M&M cookies, you'll love these Christmas M&M dessert bars even more! These cookie bars are great for feeding a crowd and you can assemble them in the baking dish without having to roll, drop, or scoop them.

Christmas M&M Cookie Bars
These festive Christmas M&M cookie bars are packed with red and green holiday M&M's, mini chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips! They're a great start to your holiday baking and a delightful treat for cookie swaps and holiday cookie trays!
Check out this recipe
Closeup on the sliced and stacked Christmas MM cookie bars.

Classic rolled-out sugar cookies are the perfect choice for making holiday cut-out cookies! You can make them into Christmas trees, Santa Claus, ornaments, snowflakes, you name it, then decorate your treats with the rest of your family.

Classic Sugar Cookies
Our Classic Sugar Cookies recipe is the best ever at holding their shape and being super easy to roll out for perfect cut out sugar cookies!
Check out this recipe
Classic recipe for traditional rolled sugar cookies.

39. Russian Tea Cakes

The dough of these Russian tea cakes is loaded with bits of chopped walnut, which adds a satisfying texture and light crunch. A quick roll through some powdered sugar finishes off these tasty traditional Christmas treats.

Russian Tea Cakes
Russian Tea Cakes are an easy-to-make holiday classic perfect for your Christmas cookie table and cookie swaps! Tender, buttery cookies are filled with chopped walnuts and rolled in powdered sugar to make an irresistible treat! These are sure to be a new family favorite!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of the Russian tea cakes on white tray with gold holiday decor in background.

40. Kringla

Soft and buttery kringla cookies may not be much to look at, but these doughy cookies are so tender and pillowy that no one will care they don’t have frosting or sprinkles.

Kringla
These easy Kringla cookies are a traditional Scandinavian family favorite that’s perfect for Christmas, or any time of year! With just a few easy ingredients and no special equipment needed, you’ll have the softest, most pillowy cookies that you and your family will adore!
Check out this recipe
Baked kringla cookies served on dustry pink plate.

41. Kolaczki

Kolaczki are Polish cookies made by folding cream cheese cookie dough around a tantalizing fruit filling, or jam. Though they look beautiful, they only require 5 ingredients to make so they are totally beginner friendly!

Kolaczki
These Kolaczki are easy-to-make Polish fruit-filled cookies that are the perfect sweet treat for holidays or any day! It takes just 5 ingredients to make these incredibly delicious cookies, so they’re guaranteed to become a part of your cookie rotation! They make a stunning addition to your Christmas cookie gift baskets too!
Check out this recipe
Kolaczki cookies on a glass plate.

42. Cream Cheese Pecan Cookies

These shortbread cookies are enhanced with the mellow tang of cream cheese and small chunks of pecan dotted throughout!

Cream Cheese Pecan Cookies
Buttery cookies with the tang of cream cheese and studded with chopped pecans.
Check out this recipe
Cream Cheese Pecan Cookies

43. Candy Cane Cookies

To make candy cane cookies, red and white cookie dough is rolled into ropes before being twisted into these undeniably adorable candy cane cookies! They are flavored with peppermint extract, so you get the candy cane flavor, too!

Candy Cane Cookies
Delicious candy cane cookies twist red and white ropes of tender sugar cookie dough together into candy cane shapes! Top off these classic Christmas cookies with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for the perfect holiday treat! Add some peppermint extract to make these traditional sweets extra holiday-rific!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of candy cane cookies on a plate.

44. Mexican Wedding Cookies

Yes, these cookies are often served at Mexican weddings, but the people have spoken, and they made the list of the most popular Christmas cookies! These buttery pecan cookies almost melt in your mouth; they are so delicate and soft.

Mexican Wedding Cookies
These Mexican wedding cookies are melt-in-your-mouth, buttery, and rich cookies that are truly irresistible! The dough itself is loaded with finely chopped nuts and uses no eggs for a texture that is both soft and crumbly. As a perfect finishing touch, the cookies are also rolled in powdered sugar!
Check out this recipe
Best Mexican wedding cookies recipe bakes up tender and tasty like these cookies served on a cutting board with scattered walnuts.

45. Chocolate Blossom Cookies

Peanut butter isn't the only flavor you can make your blossom cookies! Try out this double-chocolate version if you prefer a richer cookie.

Chocolate Blossom Cookies
Chocolate blossom cookies feature rich and soft dark chocolate cookies that are topped with a sweet and tasty Hershey's Kiss! They are easy to make and incredibly delicious. Use your favorite variety of Hershey's Kisses to make these cookies perfect for you!
Check out this recipe
Best chocolate blossom cookies closeup on the satcked cookies from overhead.

46. Nutella Meringue Cookies

These pillowy-soft meringue cookies combine the beloved chocolate and hazelnut flavor of Nutella with sweet vanilla meringue.

Nutella™ Swirled Meringue Cookies
Decadent Nutella™ makes these light and airy meringue cookies extra delicious.
Check out this recipe
Nutella™ Swirled Meringue Cookies

47. Sprinkle Christmas Cookies

If no decorating required is a holiday baking prerequisite for you, then these sprinkled cookies are exactly what you'll love baking this year!

Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies - The Salty Marshmallow
Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies are a super easy holiday sugar cookie - no rolling the dough required! Packed with red and green sprinkles, perfect for the holidays! These sprinkle sugar cookies are the best, easiest, Christmas cookies around! *This recipe was originally published on December…
Check out this recipe
Soft Batch Christmas Sprinkle Cookies - The Salty Marshmallow

48. Poinsetta Pinwheel Cookies

These original cookies are simply stunning in any cookie platter, and they taste amazing too!

Poinsettia Cookies - Sula and Spice
Include some poinsettia cookies on your holiday cookie tray this year! They are festive and customizable to your preferred colors.
Check out this recipe
Poinsettia Cookies - Sula and Spice

49. Chocolate Peppermint No Bake Cookies

Quick and easy no-bake chocolate cookies are wonderfully festive with a vanilla frosting and crushed candy cane topping!

Chocolate Peppermint No Bake Cookies
Our classic chocolate no bake cookie is taken to new levels with these quick and easy to make Chocolate Peppermint No Bake Cookies!
Check out this recipe
Chocolate Peppermint No Bake Cookies are a quick and easy festive holiday cookie for Christmas

50. Christmas Fruitcake Truffles

These cute and tasty truffles are a winning holiday recipe! They're super easy to make, and everyone always wants more!

Christmas Fruitcake Truffles
This Christmas Fruitcake truffles recipe takes a classic fruitcake and turns it into bite sized chocolate desserts in a snap! It only requires a few ingredients and there is no actual baking, you just need to melt the chocolate coating. It's a great way to use leftover fruitcake, too!
Check out this recipe
Tasty Christmas fruitcake truffles on a vintage holiday ceramic platter with a bite taken out.

51. Iced Oatmeal Cookies

Traditional iced oatmeal cookies are a personal favorite! The homemade version is so much better than store-bought!!

Old-Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Soft in the middle and crispy on the edges, sweet, but not overly so, and the cinnamon and nutmeg really shine through. A really terrific cookie!
Check out this recipe
Old-Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies

52. Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies

Cute and wonderfully tasty, these holiday cookies are sure to be a favorite for kids of all ages!

Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies
These melting snowman sugar cookies are a fun holiday project to make by layering icing and marshmallows onto cookies! This tasty winter treat is perfect for baking with the kids and letting them decorate to make snowman faces! Your finished melting snowman cookies are a hit at holiday parties!
Check out this recipe
Wide image showing melting snowman sugar cookies.

53. Cake Mix Gooey Butter Cookies

Cake mix cookies help to make your holiday baking easier, and these gooey butter cookies are a treat you'll be making year after year!

Cake Mix Gooey Butter Cookies
Using Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ yellow cake mix, these gooey butter cookies can be melting in your mouth in under an hour.
Check out this recipe
Cake Mix Gooey Butter Cookies

54. Black & White Cookies

Classic black & white cookies are a holiday favorite just as they are - I would argue that a bit of peppermint would be divine!

Black & White Cookies Recipe
Black & white cookies, half moons, harlequins, or Amerikaner; no matter what you call these incredible cookies they're delicious! These jumbo cakey cookies are coated with chocolate icing on one side and vanilla icing on the other which gives them their signature look. Why settle for one flavor when you can have two?
This recipe yields 12 jumbo-sized black and white cookies. It's an easy recipe to 2x or 3x for larger batches to gift during the holidays or bring to parties.
Check out this recipe
Square image of black and white cookies on a plate.

55. Buckeyes

These easy buckeye candies are an Ohio original that all of your Reese's Peanut Butter Cup fans will love!

Easy Buckeye Recipe
Only a few ingredients are required for this easy Buckeye recipe. These classic peanut butter candies come together in a matter of minutes.
Check out this recipe
Easy Buckeye Recipe

56. Christmas Oatmeal Cookies

Tasty oatmeal cookies studded with festive red and green M&M's chocolate candies for added fun and flavor!

Christmas M&M Oatmeal Cookies
These Christmas M&M oatmeal cookies are fun and festive with a delightfully chewy texture no one can resist! Kids and adults will enjoy the classic flavor of these holiday goodies. They make great gifts and they are a popular addition to any Christmas party dessert spread!
Check out this recipe
Square image showing Christmas M&M oatmeal cookies.

57. Biscotti (Cranberry Pistachio)

The classic biscotti gets a hint of holiday flavor with a cranberry-pistachio blend that will impress all your loved ones!

Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
Crisp cranberry pistachio cookies are flavored with vanilla and almond and made with red cranberries and green pistachios for a festive holiday treat.
Check out this recipe
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

58. Ugly Christmas Sweater Cookies

If you love ugly Christmas sweater fun, then you're sure to love these super cute cookies! They're both tasty and good for a little laugh!

Ugly Christmas Sweater Sugar Cookies
We’re keeping the ugly Christmas sweater tradition alive the Pillsbury™ way—with cookies! Decorate sweater-shaped sugar cookies with your favorite cookie icings, candies, sprinkles and more to make your quirky creations come to life. This is a great time to get the kids in the kitchen and have fun!
Check out this recipe
Ugly Christmas Sweater Sugar Cookies

59. Pecan Tassies

Delicious flavors combine in these easy-to-make pecan tassies! They'll get gobbled up at any time of the year!

Pecan Tassies
A cross between a soft shortbread cookie and a bite of pecan pie, our Pecan Tassies recipe is the perfect everyday fall treat or party dessert. This fall dessert is as simple as a cookie and as decadent as a pie.
Check out this recipe
Pecan Tassies

60. Chocolate Lebkuchen Cherry Balls

A wonderfully tasty spin on a holiday classic that layers so many delicious flavors together that it's sure to be a hit this Christmas!

Chocolate Lebkuchen Cherry Balls
Here’s my twist on the traditional German holiday lebkuchen—with a surprise inside. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Check out this recipe
Chocolate Lebkuchen Cherry Balls

61. German Hazelnut Macaroons (Haselnussmakronen)

These hazelnut cookies are a great classic recipe to add to your holiday baking staples!

Haselnussmakronen - German Hazelnut Macaroons
Haselnussmakronen are German Hazelnut Macaroons. Chewy and sweet, these German cookies are made with only egg whites, ground hazelnuts, cinnamon, and sugar.
Check out this recipe
Haselnussmakronen - German Hazelnut Macaroons

62. Hot Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Get creative with these hot chocolate cookies and top them with your favorite stir-ins for a steaming cup of cocoa!

Check out this recipe

63. Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Pecan shortbread cookies are another great make-ahead cookie that you can whip up then refrigerate or freeze to slice and bake later!

Check out this recipe

64. Rugelach

Tasty rugelach is a holiday tradition in many homes that you simply won't regret trying out this year!

Rugelach
Rugelach is a traditional Jewish treat that features a buttery and flaky crust that is filled with brown sugar, raisins, and walnuts! It is so easy to make that you could even let the kids help out! Simply prepare the dough, add the filling, roll them up, and pop them in the oven!
Check out this recipe
Delicious golden rugelach in a single layer on light background.

65. Lemon Snowdrop Cookies

You had me at Lemon! 🙂 But all of your lemon fans will appreciate these tender lemon cookies coated with confectioners' sugar!

Check out this recipe

66. Christmas Icebox Cookies

Icebox cookies are a wonderful way to get some holiday baking prep done in advance! Plus, they're super tasty too!

Check out this recipe

67. Nanaimo Bars

A favorite of our neighbors to the north, these cookie bars are just so delicious that they have to be included in this list of holiday favorites!

Check out this recipe

68. Italian Rainbow Cookies

One of the most well-known Italian Christmas cookies that is a holiday must-have for families everywhere!

Check out this recipe

69. No-Bake Christmas Wreath Cookies

An easy holiday treat that has become a tradition for many families, this festive no-bake cornflake cookie is fun for everyone!

Check out this recipe

70. Cranberry Cookies

Cranberry fans have made these simple drop cookies a holiday favorite cookie to bake! They are soft and sweet and packed with wonderfully tangy cranberries!

Check out this recipe

71. Kipplens

These classic powdered sugar-coated cookies have many names, but they're all extremely popular during Christmastime!

Check out this recipe

72. Cashew Cookies

Tender, tasty cashew drop cookies are a hit with or without the easy browned butter frosting!

Check out this recipe

73. Cathedral Window Cookies

Also known as church window cookies or stained-glass cookies, these easy cookies are a childhood favorite of mine!

Check out this recipe

74. Butter Tarts

Another wonderful classic Canadian recipe that is heartily embraced by everyone for its amazingly rich taste!

Check out this recipe

75. Amish Buttermilk Cookies

Add some tangy buttermilk to these easy drop cookies to see just what makes them so popular for yourself! The flavor and texture are amazing!

Check out this recipe

76. Jeweled Coconut Drops

I love thumbprint cookies of any kind, and these coconut-coated jewel drops are no exception! Add your favorite fillings to customize your cookies!

Check out this recipe

77. Italian Chocolate Spice Cookies

Italian drop cookies with a tender cake-like consistency that is filled with a perfect amount of warm baking spices!

Check out this recipe

78. Mint Thins (Homemade Thin Mints)

Make your thin mints at home for an even tastier version than anything you can get in the store!

Check out this recipe

79. Kourabiedes

One of my favorite Greek Christmas cookie recipes! These easy-to-make butter cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious!!

Check out this recipe

80. Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Eggnog + Sugar Cookies = something uniquely wonderful for all of your Christmas cookie trays! Keep them simple, or frost and decorate!

Eggnog Sugar Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting
Be prepared for a flavorful treat full of eggnog flavor with a boost of freshly grated nutmeg!
Check out this recipe
Eggnog Sugar Cookies with Nutmeg Frosting

81. Potato Chip Cookies

Did you vote on your favorite Christmas cookies?? Plenty of you shared that this potato chip chocolate chip cookie is a family must-have for all holiday baking!

Check out this recipe

82. Cuccidati (Italian Fig Cookies)

Another great Italian cookie to bake up this Christmas season! The tender cookie is absolutely tasty and pairs perfectly with the fig filling!

Check out this recipe

83. Frosted Christmas Cookies

A super easy drop sugar cookie recipe that's topped with rich and creamy vanilla buttercream frosting and a festive assortment of holiday sprinkles!

Christmas Cookies
These Christmas cookies are a holiday favorite with their festive sprinkle topping and easy-to-make frosting that hardens for stacking! I'm also listing dozens more of my most requested and well-loved Christmas cookie recipes! You'll want to keep baking right on into the new year!
Check out this recipe
large square overhead image of Christmas cookies in ribbons.

84. Peppermint Meltaways

A super simple 5-ingredient cookie that 'melts' in your mouth! Top these dainty cookies with a bit of frosting and a crushed candy cane for a peppermint cookie hit!

Check out this recipe

85. Holiday Rum Balls

One of my childhood faves! I always felt like I was sneaking into the adult goodies when I noshed on these tasty treats!!

Check out this recipe

86. Pistachio Cream Cheese Cookies

Tender, tasty, and pistachio green drop cookies that everyone will enjoy! Add a red Grinch heart if you want to surprise the kids in your life!

Check out this recipe

Everyone's favorite Christmas cookie is baked in a 9x13 pan and topped with plenty of creamy frosting and Christmas sprinkles!

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
These Christmas sugar cookie bars have all the flavor of your favorite sugar cookies but in the form of a 9x13 dessert cookie bar! The ultra-soft sugar cookie dough is baked until fluffy and just slightly golden. They are then topped off with a super simple vanilla buttercream frosting and colorful Christmas sprinkles!
Check out this recipe
Best Christmas sugar cookie bars to bake for the holiday season, stacked on a festive tree shaped serving platter.

88. Red Velvet White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Tender red velvet cookies that are packed with plenty of white chocolate chips! Add some holiday mini M&Ms for more color, or bake them as-is; either way, they're going to be a hit!

Check out this recipe

89. Cranberry Orange Crinkle Cookies

This is another personal favorite since I just love the cranberry-orange combination and making crinkle cookies of all flavors!

Check out this recipe

90. Oatmeal Craisin Cookies

I can never skip these amazing craisin cookies! The dried cranberries are a perfect alternative to raisins and make these classic oatmeal cookies perfect for sharing at Christmastime!

Oatmeal Craisin Cookies
Delicious, chewy oatmeal craisin cookies are easy-to-make and full of fantastic flavors that are sure to make them a new favorite. Loaded with molasses, cinnamon, vanilla, and old fashioned oats that all combine to make the perfect cookie.
Check out this recipe
Oatmeal craisin cookies stacked with wooden grain background.

91. Nutter Butter Snowmen

Time to get crafty! Grab some Nutter Butter cookies to make these fun snowmen without actually doing any baking!!

Nutter Butter Snowmen
Nutter Butter snowmen are easy, fun, and delicious Christmas-themed cookies that are perfect for holiday parties! These festive cookies are prepared in only 10 minutes and don't require any cooking. Try this recipe if need a quick and effortless Christmas treat to share with the family!
Check out this recipe
Close up square image of nutter butter snowmen cookies.

92. Gingerdoodles

Gingerdoodles are an amazingly perfect combination of gingerbread and snickerdoodle cookies! You're sure to love everything about these delicious, easy-drop cookies!

Gingerdoodles
This gingerdoodles recipe combines two classic cookies into one delicious dessert that's perfect for adding to your holiday cookie trays! With ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and molasses these cookies have a warm spiced flavor that will remind you of Christmas. In fact, these cookies will have your house smelling like heaven and your heart full of joy!
Check out this recipe
Square image showing gingerdoodle cookies on a plate.

93. Christmas Gumdrop Cookies

These fun drop cookies are a festive delight for everyone! Soft, chewy cookies pair perfectly with red and green Christmas gumdrop candies!

Christmas Gumdrop Cookies
These fun and festive Christmas gumdrop cookies combine a delightfully tender sugar cookie with fruity gummy-candies to create an irresistible Christmas treat that is sure to become a family tradition! These picture-perfect cookies are so easy to make the whole family can enjoy baking them together!
Check out this recipe
Square image of Christmas gumdrop cookies.

94. Haystack Cookies

Another no-bake treat that is well received on any cookie platter at any time of the year! These sweet and salty haystacks are sure to please everyone!

No Bake Haystack Cookies
No-bake haystack cookies are a tasty vintage no-bake cookie made with peanut butter, peanuts, butterscotch, and salty chow mein noodles! These retro cookies are beyond easy to make, and they have just the right amount of crunch!
Check out this recipe
Closeup on one of the best no-bake haystack cookies.

95. Christmas Eggnog Meringue Cookies

Airy meringue cookies made with eggnog are the perfect holiday treat to bake up this Christmas season! Even people that aren't fans of eggnog rave about them!

Christmas Eggnog Meringue Cookies
These delicious Eggnog Meringue Cookies are a true holiday delight featuring the rich flavors of the Christmas-time favorite spiced Eggnog!
Check out this recipe

An awesome way to bake for the holidays! Make the box, and fill it with treats, or even gift cards for friends and family.

Edible Christmas Cookie Gift Box
This edible Christmas cookie gift box is made from cut-out sugar cookies and assembled into a decorative box that's a gift of its' own! Fill your gift box with candy, meringues, cookies, small gifts, or gift cards to surprise your sugar cookie fanatics in the family!
Check out this recipe
Best edible Christmas cookie gift box a fun idea to make with kids and fill with treats and small gifts.

97. Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

My favorite Christmas treat is cherry cordials - and these easy chocolate chip cookies have that delightful chocolate cherry combo in every bite!

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
So chewy and delicious, loaded with sweet maraschino cherries and chocolate chips!
Check out this recipe
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Tender, tasty cookie cups that are made with chocolate chip cookie dough and baked in mini muffin tins. The Rolos candies are added after baking to make a soft caramel filling!

Chocolate Chip Rolo Cookie Cups
Chocolate Chip Rolo Cookie Cups are a perfect quick dessert. Cookies and desserts paired with candy are always a hit with kids! This chocolate chip Rolo cookie cup recipe is no exception. For chocolate fans out there this is definitely one to print out and try!
Check out this recipe
Square image of chocolate chip rolo cookie cups.

99. Christmas Cake Mix Cookies

Fantastically colorful cake mix cookies that everyone can bake, no matter their baking experience! They turn out beautifully!

Christmas cake mix cookies - christmas sprinkle cookies
Christmas cake mix cookies make an easy and festive treat with only 4 ingredients. They are so light and fluffy for the perfect dessert.
Check out this recipe
Christmas cake mix cookies - christmas sprinkle cookies

100. Polar Bear Paw Print Cookies

These polar bear paw print cookies are quickly becoming one of my most requested cookie recipes so they had to make the list!

Chocolate cookies are topped with a dab of frosting shredded coconut, and the paw prints are made with York peppermint patties and brown M&Ms candies.

Polar Bear Paw Print Cookies
These polar bear paw print cookies are an adorable, fun, and delicious treat that are both kid and adult approved! Dark chocolate cookies are topped with vanilla frosting, shredded coconut, peppermint patties, and M&Ms to make some cute bear paws! These charming cookies are sure to be a hit at any occasion!
Check out this recipe
Close up square image of Polar Bear pawprint cookies.

Before you get to baking, be sure to check out all of the useful information in my various cookie guides.

From proper storage to utilizing every last bit of cookie dough, these tips and tricks will help you get the most out of your Christmas cookies!

Be sure to take a look at my Christmas fudge recipes for more indulgent holiday treats!

🎄 Bonus: Christmas Candy

  • Crock Pot Christmas Crack Candy - Rich chocolatey peanut clusters that you can make with ease using your crockpot or slow cooker!
  • Christmas Crack - Crunchy toffee candy made with saltine crackers, almonds, chocolate, brown sugar, and butter. It's easy to make but hard to resist!
  • Christmas Nougat - A chewy 4-ingredient Christmas nougat speckled with green and red candy gumdrops!
  • Candied Orange Slices - Candied orange slices are sweet and slightly chewy with tons of citrus flavor!

>>>>See all of my recipes here<<<<

🎅 More Christmas Recipes

I hope you enjoyed the recipes on this list of the 100 best Christmas cookies! Let me know which cookies are your favorite in the comments below!

Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Subscribe to the newsletter today (no spam, I promise)! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

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The top 100 Christmas cookies in the United States ranked by popularity and shared in this massive collection of amazing cookies to bake.
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5 from 11 reviews

100 Best Christmas Cookies: Christmas M&M Cookies (Favorite Holiday Baking Recipes!)

100 Best Christmas Cookies: a complete list of the best and most loved Christmas cookies of all time in order of popularity! Some of these classic cookies won't surprise you, but you may also find a few new holiday cookie recipes to love! They come in all flavors, shapes, and sizes so you will indeed find a few cookies your family will enjoy.
Author | Angela Latimer
Servings: 60 cookies
Calories: 93kcal
Prep 10 minutes
Cooking 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup butter (2 sticks unsalted butter - softened, at room temperature)
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 10 oz Christmas M&M candies

(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt.
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, and combine until the mixture is smooth again. Add the all-purpose flour gradually, mixing until all of the flour has been incorporated into the dough. Gently fold in the Christmas M&M candies until the candy is distributed evenly in the cookie dough.
  • Portion out your Christmas M&M cookie dough using a rounded tablespoon amount, or a cookie scooper. Place each portioned dough ball onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inch spacing between each cookie for spreading.
  • Bake on the middle oven rack at 375°F (190°C) for 9-10 minutes, or until lightly golden on the cookie edges. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • One cup of butter is equivalent to 2 sticks. Make sure to set them out ahead of time so they can come to room temperature!
  • For an extra pop of color, reserve a handful of M&Ms and gently press them into the tops of the cookies before baking.
  • If you want to be extra festive, mix in some red and green sprinkles to go with the M&Ms!

Nutrition

Calories: 93kcal (5%) | Carbohydrates: 12g (4%) | Protein: 1g (2%) | Fat: 4g (6%) | Saturated Fat: 3g (19%) | Cholesterol: 15mg (5%) | Sodium: 93mg (4%) | Potassium: 12mg | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 8g (9%) | Vitamin A: 114IU (2%) | Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) | Calcium: 10mg (1%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course Christmas Cookies, Cookies & Bars Recipes, Dessert
Cuisine American
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