100 Best Christmas Cookie and Sweet Recipes

Spread the holiday spirit with sugar, spice, and plenty of icing! We've curated 100 of our favorite Christmas cookie recipes to help you find the perfect treat for your holiday table.

Perfect Christmas treats

The winter holidays are a time when many people take up baking. And it doesn't matter whether you're learning the basics yourself plain cookies or want to try your hand at more advanced recipes, now is the perfect time to treat your loved ones to cozy homemade cookies. Have you noticed that cookies, chocolate and candied nuts always lift your spirits? Bake a batch to wrap and gift to someone special or serve with homemade hot chocolate in the evening… Everyone is happy about cookies! Whether it’s cookies with nuts and spices, with dried fruits Whether it's chocolate or chocolate, we have a hard time narrowing down our favorite recipes (that's why there are at least a hundred of them in this collection!). And topping the list are these giant, saucer-sized cookies filled with red and green candies, peppermint bits, salted straws, and white chocolate chips. These cookies are truly festive.

Recipe: Giant Christmas cookies

Gingerbread men with canes

These gingerbread cookies are sure to please everyone, adding a festive touch to your cups.

Recipe: Gingerbread men for mugs

Poinsettia Cookies

Despite the intricate design, these elegant cookies are easy to make. Cream cheese makes the dough pliable enough to cut, fold, and shape with ease. We decorated the cookies with white, red, and green coarse sugar, sometimes called pearl sugar. Powdered sugar can also be used instead; the cookies will look stunning either way!

Recipe: Poinsettia Cookies

Reindeer Mask Cookies

With these fun cookies, everyone can join in on the holiday games.

Recipe: Reindeer Mask Cookies

Peppermint Christmas Tree Cookies

Arranged in a row on a plate, these cute cookies will create a truly festive atmosphere. They're delicate but hold their shape when baked (you'll end up with real "Christmas trees," not just lumps of dough). Add mint to make them extra special.

Recipe: Peppermint Cookie Christmas Tree with Frosting

Coconut macarons

Aina's coconut macarons are simple and elegant, and they're easy to take on the go in a cookie jar.

Recipe: Coconut macarons

Classic Sugar Cookies

These are familiar cookies with crisp edges (thanks to the superfine sugar) and a slightly soft center. Add a little baking powder to help the dough rise slightly without losing its shape, making it easy to shape into shapes.

Recipe: Classic sugar cookies with icing

Eggnog-flavored almond balls

The secret to these melt-in-your-mouth cookies is powdered sugar, which easily combines with almonds in a food processor. Thanks to rum, bourbon, and nutmeg, these little "snowballs" taste like a favorite Christmas drink. Let's drink to that!

Recipe: Snowball Cookies

Sliced Penguin Cookies

Not all the holiday fun happens at the North Pole. Here are the cutest cookies for winter celebrations—shaped like penguins from the South Pole. You'll love rolling out the colorful dough and shaping it to make each slice look like a penguin.

Recipe: Sliced Penguin Cookies

Citrus Crack Cookies

These bright cookies are bursting with sweet lemon flavor, thanks to plenty of lemon zest, lemon juice, and a thick coating of powdered sugar. Before you begin rolling the dough into balls, it's important to chill it thoroughly. This helps slow down the spreading in the oven, allowing the tops to crack beautifully. Roll the chilled dough balls in granulated sugar before dusting them. This will help the powder adhere better, resulting in cookies that are sweet and crisp on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.

Recipes:
Lemon Crack Cookies
Cracked Key Lime Cookies
Chocolate Orange Cracked Cookies

White chocolate bars

Making candy is quite a complicated process, so Aina prefers making chocolate bars, which are much easier. Tempering white chocolate in the microwave is a reliable and time-saving method. After pouring the chocolate onto a baking sheet, add your favorite toppings and let it set. Aina chose flavors that look elegant and complement each other: pistachios, cranberries, and dried apricots.

Recipe: White chocolate bar with whole pistachios, dried cranberries and dried apricots

Pecan Snickerdoodle Cookies

We filled these cookies with cinnamon, pecans, and toffee bits, then added the finishing touch. Inspired by Sarah Kieffer's famous chocolate chip cookie recipe, we remove the cookies from the oven halfway through baking and slam the baking sheet down on the counter. The cookies will have crisp, wavy edges and a soft center.

Recipe: Pecan Snickerdoodle Cookies

Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies

Classic red velvet cake flavors are packaged into a cookie with cream cheese inside.

Recipe: Red Velvet Cookies with Cheese Filling

Millionaire Shortbread Cookies

Mark Murphy gives shortbread cookies a completely new twist: he adds a layer of dark chocolate and homemade cookie paste to the traditional recipe. Garnish the glossy bars with flaky salt before serving.

Recipe: Millionaire's Cake

Mint meringues

These mint meringues with pink stripes are easy to make thanks to one trick. Use food coloring to draw lines on the inside of a pastry bag, then fill it with meringue—each serving will be a different color. This trick can also be used to decorate cupcakes.

Recipe: Mint meringues

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M&M's Bar Cookies

This quick and easy recipe gets a holiday twist: we've added some of your favorite Christmas candies to the cookies.

Recipe: Christmas dessert with M&M's

Sponge cookies with dried fruits

"Years ago, the wonderful food writer Lee Bailey asked me to make 270 kilograms of these cookies for sale in his shop, and I still love the recipe," says Ina. "Not only is the dessert delicious (it's like a fruitcake in cookie form), but the dough can be rolled into rolls, kept in the refrigerator, and then simply sliced and baked during the holidays."

Recipe: Sponge cookies with dried fruits

Ginger biscotti

These biscotti feature the same warm spices and texture as traditional gingerbread, but require less time and effort! Each cookie is dipped in melted white chocolate and decorated with sugar—a sparkling holiday treat. Recipe by Amanda Neel for Food Network.

Recipe: Gingerbread biscotti

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Use double the peanut butter in Nancy Fuller's traditional cookies. Fold the peanut butter into the dough smoothly, then fold in the peanut butter chips. The intense nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the chocolate candy in the center.

Recipe: Peanut butter cookies with jam and chocolate

Chocolate Mint Swirl Cookies

For holiday cut-out cookies, Alton rolls out two types of dough together: chocolate and mint.

Recipe: Chocolate Mint Swirl Cookies

Gingerbread cookies

Kick off the holiday season—and sweet cookie season—with Alex Guarnaschelli's gingerbread men, flavored with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

Recipe: Gingerbread Man Cookies

Linzer sandwich cookies

Alex sandwiches raspberry jam between two star-shaped butter cookies. This festive treat will take center stage on the dessert table.

Recipe: Linzer Sandwich Cookies Stars

Simple chocolate fudge

Ree's fudge treat is made with just three ingredients in 5 minutes and is refrigerated. Turn the fudge into a holiday dessert by topping it with crushed mints.

Recipe: Quick and easy chocolate milk toffee with mint candies

Butter cookies with jam

It's no coincidence that these cookies have become a favorite holiday classic. The buttery dough melts in your mouth and pairs perfectly with a tart jam (you can choose your favorite!). Plus, they're incredibly cute and evoke fond memories.

Recipe: Homemade shortbread cookies with jam

Blondie with salted caramel

If you're looking for a soft, moist cake with a crispy exterior, filled with wonderful caramel flavor, this recipe won't disappoint! The dark brown sugar and heavy cream sauce added to the batter gives the blondie a fantastic caramel flavor, and for a more intense flavor, you can add a little Scotch tape. The finishing touch and highlight of this cake are the sea salt flakes. Sprinkle them over the blondie while it's still hot and let it cool completely. Salted caramel lovers will love this dessert.

Recipe: Blondie with salted caramel

Neapolitan holiday cookies

Valerie Bertinelli makes a classic Italian dessert the same way her mother used to during the holiday season.

Recipe: Almond cake "Italian Tricolor"

Snickerdoodle cookies

Sprinkle the cookies with sugar and cinnamon and bake until set but still soft in the center.

Recipe: Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookies

Cornflake Christmas Wreaths

Cornflakes mixed with green marshmallow frosting take on a festive look. These cheerful, crunchy, no-bake treats are shaped like candy-adorned wreaths.

Recipe: Sweet Cornflake Snacks "Christmas Wreaths"

Soft chocolate cookies

Miniature chocolate cookies with a soft center (even after cooling!) are a delicious one-bite treat.

Recipe: Super Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies with caramel

Sunny's cookies have a dense, chewy texture. "The ginger and cinnamon in the pumpkin pie spice blend pair beautifully with the mint and chocolate. These spices are a great addition to any chocolate chip cookie for a warm, rich flavor."

Recipe: Chocolate chip cookies with caramel

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Men

For a gluten-free version of traditional gingerbread, Melissa De Arabian uses white rice flour, buckwheat flour, and tapioca flour. Because the dough is gluten-free, there's no need to worry about its texture being ruined when cutting out shapes.

Recipe: Gluten-free gingerbread men cookies

Cream cheese cookies

What makes these fluffy cookies special is the cream cheese frosting, which is added to the dough. We topped the cookies with lime zest and crushed cranberries, but you can use any toppings you like.

Recipe: Curd cookies with snowballs

Oatmeal cookies with icing

"Glazed oatmeal cookies remind me of home, family, and baking on a cold winter day. I love them because they're classic cookies (oatmeal, cinnamon, and raisin) decorated for the holidays—they look like mountains covered in freshly fallen snow."

Recipe: Oatmeal cookies with icing

The best butter cookies

The search is over—these perfect cookies will be a staple in your repertoire for years to come. They're crispy yet tender; serve with tea or leave them on the table for Santa Claus. You can also choose between two options: scoop the dough onto a baking sheet or slice it!

Recipe: The best butter cookies

Chocolate Mint Bark Cookies

The combination of a white chocolate-mint bar and chocolate chip cookies makes a wonderful holiday treat. This recipe makes a large batch and is perfect for cookie exchanges, New Year's celebrations, and even as a sweet gift. It's simple enough for the whole family to make. Instead of shaping individual cookies, you break the giant sheet into pieces—just like with traditional chocolate bars.

Recipe: Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peanut butter cookies with jam

Kathy Lee's cookies can be made entirely in a food processor. Grind unsalted roasted peanuts with oats for a crumbly crust that tastes like your favorite sandwich—just add jam after baking.

Recipe: Thumbprint Cookies with Peanuts and Jam

Two-Tone Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies

Why choose one cookie flavor when you can combine three? Peanut butter, brownie, and sugar cookie dough are swirl-shaped and baked into one large cookie. This batch can be kept in the freezer for weeknight baking or party favors.

Recipe: Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies

Three Chocolate Cookies

These cookies are a chocolate lover's dream. They're soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, and contain chunks of white, dark, and bittersweet chocolate.

Recipe: Three Chocolate Cookies with Carnations

Cookies with dried cherries, almonds and vanilla icing

Tart dried cherries and toasted almonds come together in Giada's sweet holiday cookies.

Recipe: Shortbread cookies with icing, almonds and dried cherries

Gingerbread cookies with garam masala spices

Aarti Sequeira adds a subtle spicy note to gingerbread cookies with garam masala spice blend.

Recipe: Chocolate and gingerbread cookies with garam masala spices

Tricolor Christmas cookies

These fun cookies will brighten up your holiday table—without the hassle of frosting or decorating.

Recipe: Three-colored Christmas cookies from a syringe press

Mint and Chocolate Chip Cookies

This festive treat is perfect for the holidays, thanks to a generous portion of crushed sandwich cookies and refreshing mint candies. Be sure to chill the dough before baking to ensure dense and fluffy cookies. Your family and friends will love this gift.

Recipe: Mint Oreo Cookies

Shortbread cookies with chocolate icing

During the holidays, Aina's favorite thing to make is shortbread cookies. The same dough allows for a variety of variations: serve the cookies as is, half-dipped in chocolate, or add pecans to the dough.

Recipe: Crumbly shortbread cookies "Day and Night"

Snowstorm Cookies with Marshmallows

These festive sugar cookies sparkle like winter snow! Vegan marshmallows are gelatin-free, which is the secret to a chewy center that stays fluffy when baked.

Recipe: Snowstorm cookies with marshmallow filling

Gingerbread cookies

These crispy, spicy cookies are irresistible, but even Alton doesn't know why. "I don't know why I love them so much, but once I start eating them, it's really hard to stop," he says.

Recipe: Gingerbread cookies with fresh ginger

Festive biscotti

Jada loves these crispy, half-white chocolate-covered cookies because they can be enjoyed all day, not just as a dessert. "My favorite thing is dipping them in coffee," she says.

Recipe: Holiday biscotti cookies

Sandwich cookies with cherries, white chocolate and almond filling

Jeff's cookies are inspired by a dessert his wife, Sarah, makes. And since he sandwiches everything, his version features almond paste sandwiched between two cookies.

Recipe: Sandwich cookies with cherries, white chocolate and almond filling

Almond meringues

Anne's cookies are guilt-free to enjoy. She says of her fluffy meringue: "The recipe basically calls for just egg whites and almonds, so it's actually healthy!"

Recipe: Meringue with almonds

Italian Spumoni Cookies

Spumoni is a traditional Italian frozen dessert made with layers of ice cream, nuts, and candied fruit. Jeff makes his own version of the classic recipe as cookies with chocolate chips, pistachios, and dried cherries.

Recipe: Italian Spumoni Cookies

Baskets with chocolates

These basket-shaped cookies have a vibrant hazelnut flavor: the nuts are found not only in the truffles themselves, but also in the dough. Be sure to use non-stick muffin tins, otherwise the cookies will be difficult to remove.

Recipe: Ferrero Rocher cookies

Chocolate sponge cookies with almond cream

These soft sandwich cookies evoke memories of childhood for Alex: "We didn't eat much chocolate during the winter holidays, so I love making desserts like these during the holiday season. Lemon zest and cinnamon—to me, that's the flavor of the holidays."

Recipe: Whoopie Pie Chocolate Biscuit Cookies with Almond Cream

Brownie mix cookies

This 4-ingredient treat is rich and chocolatey, perfect for brownie and cookie lovers. For a festive touch, add crushed candy canes.

Recipe: Brownie mix cookies

Pistachio Melba Cookies

These pistachio biscotti-like cookies are an Australian adaptation of the Eastern European and Jewish Mandelbrot cookie.

Recipe: Australian Melba Toast with Pistachios

Dark chocolate truffles

Tyler knows that the perfect chocolate truffle can transform a holiday dessert into something truly special. "It's a small piece of chocolate that allows you to truly appreciate the flavors and nuances that make a truffle unique and special for the holidays."

Recipe: Dark chocolate truffles

Pignoli cookies

Pignoli are a cookie made in all Italian bakeries. But they're incredibly easy to make at home: the dough is mixed in one bowl, and the whole thing takes less than an hour. Anne Burrell also adds a touch of honey.

Recipe: Pignoli, Italian cookies with pine nuts

Red Velvet Cookie Bars

The classic cream cheese dessert gets a wonderfully gooey texture—just in time for the holiday season.

Recipe: Red Velvet Bars with Soft Cheese Filling

Dry mix cookies with fillings

Dry cake mix is the secret ingredient for quick, airy, light cookies. Cornflakes, pretzels, and dark chocolate chips create a unique combination of soft and crunchy—plus, we've added some fun sprinkles!

Recipe: Biscuit mix cookies with fillings

Chinese almond cookies

These almond cookies resemble coins and are especially popular as a symbol of good luck during Chinese New Year. Traditional recipes call for lard and almond extract. We use butter and almond flour to enhance the nutty flavor and create a crumbly texture similar to pecan cookies. Enjoy this dessert year-round, especially with a cup of tea or coffee.

Recipe: Chinese almond cookies

Three Chocolate Cookies

Bobby's rich cookies are a chocolate lover's dream. They're made with bittersweet, semisweet, unsweetened, and even white chocolate.

Recipe: Three Chocolate Cookies

Cranberry and White Chocolate Cookies

Every Christmas, Trisha hosts a cookie party with her friends. "Everyone comes with their favorite recipe, we bake all day, and then everyone comes home with a wonderful assortment of holiday cookies. My sister, Beth, adapted this recipe from a church cookbook. I like to chop the nuts and cranberries very finely so there's a variety of flavors in every bite."

Recipe: Cranberry and White Chocolate Cookies

Chocolate-coconut balls

Alton says, "Can just five ingredients create true holiday spirit? Yes, when they're chocolate, coconut, macadamia nuts, condensed milk, and almond extract! Treat someone special: hide gift jars of these cookies under the tree."

Recipe: Chocolate-coconut candies

Christmas cookies with decorations

For Ree, these are a favorite cookie from childhood. "The dough is delicate, with a slight citrusy note from the orange zest. It's great for decorating. Mom would make different colored yolk icing in small glass bowls, and we'd cover the cookies with various shapes. The icing would set during baking, slightly reminiscent of stained glass. Then, with white frosting, we'd draw patterns on the cooled cookies and outline the edges. It's a delightfully old-fashioned dessert."

Recipe: Christmas cookies

Chocolate covered sugar cookies

What makes sugar cookies even more delicious? How about cocoa powder and melted semisweet chocolate?

Recipe: Shaped cookies

Chestnut Candies

Who doesn't love nature-inspired sweets? In this case, it's these chocolate-dipped peanut butter truffles that resemble chestnuts.

Recipe: Chestnuts candies

Peppermint cookies in a muffin tin

If you're looking to bake intricate holiday cookies that will impress your guests, this recipe is for you! These cookies are complex in appearance and flavor, but much easier to make than they seem. Using a muffin pan ensures each cookie will be perfectly round. And inside these red and white sugar cookies, everyone will be treated to a chocolate-mint filling. This recipe is perfect for the whole family.

Recipe: Peppermint cookies in a muffin tin

Sliced cookies with jam

This cut-out version makes jam cookies even easier. Instead of making indentations in mounds of dough and filling each one, we form the dough into a log and immediately spread jam in the center. We used raspberry and apricot jam, but you can use whatever you have on hand. Once baked, let the cookies cool, then slice.

Recipe: Thumbprint Cookies: Bake and Slice

Cinnamon Roll Cookies

These charming cookies look like everyone's favorite glazed Cinnabon rolls, but they have deliciously crispy edges and a soft center. They're made using the cut-and-roll method: the dough is rolled out thinly, coated with a layer of cinnamon filling, and then rolled into a log. Once the log has set in the refrigerator, cut into rounds and bake. A perfect treat with tea!

Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Cookies

The best gingerbread cookies

Ina's perfect cookies contain a multitude of spices: cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger, plus bits of crystallized ginger. Coat the cookies with sugar before baking to create a crispy crust.

Recipe: Classic gingerbread cookies

Polvorones (Mexican wedding cookies)

Walnuts are the base of these melt-in-your-mouth cookies, dusted with powdered sugar. It's important to maintain the crisp texture: if you make the cookies ahead of time, chill them before storing them, otherwise they will become soggy.

Recipe: Polvoron (Mexican Wedding Cookies)

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Anne loves dark chocolate, so she chopped it up with walnuts for these cookies. Sprinkle the dessert with a pinch of sea salt for a special touch.

Recipe: Super delicious oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips

Chocolate covered cookie balls

This is Trisha's favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, but she substituted applesauce for the egg—it gives the same wonderful flavor, just without the raw egg. Freeze the dough balls before dipping them in the chocolate-almond glaze; this will help them set faster. If using regular milk chocolate, add a little coconut oil; it will give the same effect.

Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls

Peanut butter fudge

This treat packs a triple punch of flavor: peanut butter chips, peanut butter itself, and chopped salted roasted peanuts. Using sweetened condensed milk, you can easily create a dense, toffee-like texture—no candy thermometer required! Cut the toffee into small squares and give this delicious gift to family and friends.

Recipe: Peanut butter toffee

Puffed rice cookies

For this festive treat, Sunny uses colorful puffed rice cereal (she prefers Fruity Pebbles). The cookies expand in the oven, so leave plenty of space between them. The result is a dessert that's crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

Recipe: Puffed rice shortbread cookies

Eggnog cookies

Alex loves these cookies because they "have the flavor of eggnog without the actual drink." Sandwich the cookies with cream, drizzle with caramel, and sprinkle with spiced sugar.

Recipe: Gingerbread cookies with eggnog and caramel

Hanukkah Cookies with Chocolate Coins

Peanut butter cookies are transformed into the perfect Hanukkah treat. Each cookie is decorated with festive sprinkles, and while still warm, a chocolate coin (a Hanukkah gelt, a traditional gift) is pressed on top. This soft treat with melted chocolate is sure to set the holiday spirit!

Recipe: Homemade Hanukkah money

Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macarons with Pineapple

The chefs have created a versatile cookie: sweet, tart, chocolatey, and gooey all at once. The combination of homemade pineapple jam and bittersweet chocolate makes this dessert the star of your party.

Recipe: Coconut macarons with pineapple and chocolate glaze

Cherry and Pistachio Spiral Cookies

Make a cherry, pistachio, and brown sugar filling for Jeff Mauro's colorful cookies, topped with festive sprinkles. The cookies can be made ahead of time, then sliced and baked just before guests arrive.

Recipe: Spiral cookies with cherry and pistachio filling

Eggnog Cookies with Chocolate Candies

The rich, spiced flavor of eggnog (including nutmeg, cream, and rum) adds a festive touch to this classic cookie. And the striped chocolate candies on top make it even more festive.

Recipe: Eggnog cookies

Gingerbread Reindeer Cookies

Everything is turned upside down here—literally. The upside-down gingerbread man is the perfect shape to decorate and create a reindeer-shaped cookie.

Recipe: Gingerbread Reindeer

Oreo Truffles

A 5-ingredient treat for chocolate sandwich cookie lovers—isn't it delightful? Hidden beneath the chocolate shell is a soft filling. The truffles can be decorated with crumbled cookies or sprinkles, depending on the occasion.

Recipe: Oreo Cookie Truffles

Dutch Spice Cookies

These cookies, bursting with spicy aroma, will become a winter holiday tradition. They contain a whole host of warming, aromatic spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, anise, cloves, ginger, and black pepper. They're perfectly balanced, creating a magical flavor. Cut out shapes from the dough, decorate them with flaked almonds, and bake these crispy cookies.

Recipe: Dutch Spice Cookies

Chocolate Mint Sandwich Cookies

"My grandmother made Whoopie Pies only for special occasions," says Katie. "I always got so excited when I saw them in her kitchen! These cookies are inspired by her recipe and decorated for the holidays with candy canes. By changing the type of candy and flavorings, these cookies can be adapted for any season. Be creative and experiment. They also make a great gift."

Recipe: Chocolate Mint Whoopie Pie Cookies

Christmas Tree Cookies

Give your dessert plate a vertical (and especially dramatic) look with this 3D Christmas tree "forest." After cutting the dough, chill it to help it retain its shape while baking.

Recipe: Coniferous forest made of cookies

Italian chocolate cookies

These soft, crackly cookies are popular in Italian bakeries. Espresso powder subtly complements and enhances the chocolate flavor. Alternatively, try adding 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract to the dough.

Recipe: Chocolate chip cookies

No-bake toffee balls

This easy-to-make treat is inspired by the classic British dessert, toffee pudding. Instead of garnishing with polished sugar, roll the balls in powdered sugar mixed with a generous pinch of cinnamon.

Recipe: No-Bake Caramel Date Balls

Chocolate Gingerbread Hermit Cookies

"These are my favorite holiday cookies because they combine two of my favorite treats: soft chocolate chip cookies and gingerbread," says Jeffrey.

Recipe: Hermit Cookies

Linz Lace Wreath Cookies

To give these Christmas wreath-shaped cookies a realistic look, you'll need a crocheted lace doily. Place it on the dough and roll it out to leave a lace imprint. When you bake the cookies and frost them with green icing, this 3D imprint will look like fluffy fir branches. A paper lace doily isn't suitable, as it doesn't leave a deep enough imprint, but a crocheted one can be washed and reused. Raspberry jam goes well with these almond Linz cookies, but you can use any flavor you like.

Recipe: Linz Lace Wreath Cookies

Dessert “Narkel Naru”

"This is my interpretation of a delicious dessert my guru's wife used to make. In Bengali, 'narkel' means coconut, and 'naru' is a ball-shaped sweet ('laddu' in Hindi). While you can use white sugar, unrefined sugar adds an even better caramel note. I've tried both traditional Indian raw sugar and its Latin American version, panela, and I prefer the latter. Use whatever unrefined sugar you can find."

Recipe: Narkel naru

Sliced Santa Claus Cookies

With Santa's signature red outfit, fluffy white ruffle, and black sash, this cookie is sure to have a blast.

Recipe: Sliced Santa Claus Cookies

Gingerbread cookies with spices

Don't let those angelic faces fool you: these gingerbread cookies are quite spicy from the very first bite. Cayenne and allspice, along with a generous pinch of black pepper, create a complex, spicy flavor that's surprisingly pleasant. Molasses softens the flavor and makes the cookies chewy.

Recipe: Spiced gingerbread cookies

White Chocolate Christmas Cookies

During the holidays, Jeff loves to bake something sweet. He calls these cookies "White Chocolate Dreams." "Just looking at something covered in sprinkles immediately brings a sense of excitement," he says. "The sprinkles add vibrant colors, crunch, and a dose of holiday cheer!"

Recipe: Christmas Confetti Cookies

Cookies with apple filling

A spiced apple filling is spread over buttery cookies: a single bite packs all the flavor of a favorite pie, yet the dessert is easy to make. Vanilla ice cream can be sandwiched between two cookies for a special ice cream pie.

Recipe: Cookies with apple jam

Classic shortbread cookies

These delicious cookies are incredibly simple and perfect for this season. They're crispy, crumbly, and tender all at once, thanks to the addition of a little cornstarch to the flour. Granulated sugar gives the cookies a luxurious golden color.

Recipe: Classic shortbread

The best M&M's cookies

Taking our favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, we added more sugar to give the dessert a moist, soft texture. We then made the cookies larger to make it easier to add your favorite chocolate-covered candies. Save some for garnish before baking. You'll have a treat that looks as wonderful as it tastes!

Recipe: The Best M&M's Cookies

Chocolate Cherry Cookies

This candy-inspired dessert is elegant and has a distinctive flavor. Almond paste complements the rich cherry flavor, and the two-ingredient chocolate glaze is rich and velvety. Maraschino or candied cherries would work well here, but we suggest you indulge in premium varieties like Amarena or Luxardo cherries. After all, it's the holiday season.

Recipe: Almond Cookies "Drunken Cherry in Chocolate"

Italian Rainbow Cookies

We've transformed the classic tricolor dessert into fun cut-out cookies. But don't worry, they retain that almond flavor we all know and love! Dip them in raspberry-infused chocolate icing for extra flavor and flair.

Recipe: Sliced Italian Rainbow Cookies

Nanaimo Peanut Butter Cookies

There are several theories about the origin of these cookies. They are believed to have originated in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada (hence the name), and gained widespread popularity in the 1950s. Whatever their origin, we love them. For a simple, delicious no-bake cookie that's kid-friendly and freeze-safe, we've added peanut butter.

Recipe: Nanaimo Peanut Butter Cookies

Cinnamon Star Cookies

These cinnamon "stars" are a classic German cookie. Almost every German home makes them for St. Nicholas Day. This gluten-free dessert is a cross between a macaron and a meringue, with a spicy, nutty flavor.

Recipe: Traditional cinnamon stars "Zimtsterne"

Santa Claus Cookies in a Skillet

These festive decorated cookies are a unique puzzle. "Where is Santa?" you'll wonder as you pipe circles and triangles onto the giant sugar cookies. And then, suddenly, you finally see them: eight Santa figures!

Recipe: Pan-Styled Santa Claus Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies

Each cookie hides a peanut butter candy within a sweet and salty dough, again flavored with peanut butter. The dough softens during baking, giving you the perfect balance of crispy crust, creamy center, and toasty honey-nut topping.

Recipe: Peanut Butter Bowls