Imagine the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home, the gentle hum of holiday music, and the warmth of shared moments with loved ones. That’s the undeniable magic of the holiday season, and nothing captures it quite like a tray of homemade cookies. If you’re planning on doing some festive baking this year, you’re in for an absolute treat! We’ve meticulously curated a collection of 17 irresistible holiday cookie recipes, each designed to make your baking journey wonderful and exceptionally rewarding. Get ready to create delicious memories that will last a lifetime.
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The Ultimate Holiday Cookie Extravaganza: 17 Must-Try Recipes from Top 2019 Bloggers!
We understand that the holiday season can be bustling and busy, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the joy of homemade goodness. That’s precisely why we’ve poured our hearts into gathering this incredible collection of 17 diverse and delectable holiday cookie recipes. Our primary goal is to simplify your festive preparations by bringing together a treasure trove of baking inspiration, all in one convenient place. Here, you’ll find captivating photos, concise summaries, and direct links to full, easy-to-follow recipes from some of the most talented food bloggers of 2019. Prepare to explore a world of flavors, choose your favorites, and embark on a joyous baking adventure that will delight every palate and make your celebrations truly special.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into our ultimate 17-day holiday cookie recipes collection and discover your next festive baking obsession!
1. Irresistible Dulce de Leche Stuffed Snickerdoodles
These aren’t just any snickerdoodles; these are the dulce de leche stuffed snickerdoodles destined to be the undisputed star of your holiday cookie platter. Each bite offers a perfect symphony: a soft, chewy snickerdoodle exterior generously dusted with cinnamon sugar, revealing a luscious, gooey dulce de leche center. This harmonious combination is simply divine, creating a truly unforgettable treat that will have everyone reaching for another and asking for the recipe. For an even easier baking experience, consider making your dulce de leche in a pressure cooker. These cookies offer a sophisticated twist on a beloved classic, making them ideal for holiday gifting or an impressive dessert at any festive gathering.
2. Adorable Santa Cranberry Macarons
Elevate your holiday baking with Monique’s exquisite Santa Cranberry Macarons. These utterly charming, vibrant red macarons are more than just a pretty face; they are a delightful culinary experience. Each delicate macaron shell, with its signature crisp exterior and slightly chewy interior, is generously filled with a tangy and sweet cranberry-lime curd. The zesty lime perfectly balances the sweetness of the cranberries, creating a sophisticated flavor profile that appeals to both children and adults alike. These festive French confections are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your holiday dessert table or as a thoughtful, homemade gift that truly stands out from the crowd.
3. Festive Peppermint Bark Chocolate Chip Cookies
Nothing evokes the spirit of “happy holidays” quite like the refreshing blend of rich chocolate and cool peppermint. These Peppermint Bark Chocolate Chip Cookies from Two Peas & Their Pod are the quintessential festive chocolate chip cookie you’ve been searching for. They take a beloved classic and infuse it with the magical flavors of the season. Made with generous chunks of both white and dark chocolate peppermint bark, these cookies offer a delightful crunch and a cool, invigorating burst of mint with every single bite. They are the perfect treat to get you and your family into the holiday spirit, ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply enjoying by the fireplace with a warm mug of hot cocoa.
4. Decadent Brown Butter Toffee Pecan Cookies
For a cookie that truly embodies the warmth, richness, and comforting essence of the holiday season, look no further than these incredible Brown Butter Toffee Pecan Cookies. The secret to their unparalleled depth of flavor lies in the brown butter, which imparts a nutty, caramelized essence that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Each cookie is generously studded with crunchy toffee pieces and perfectly toasted pecans, offering a delightful texture contrast that keeps you coming back for more. A subtle hint of cinnamon gently elevates the natural nuttiness of the pecans, creating a truly irresistible treat. These cookies are a must-add to your holiday baking list, perfect for those who appreciate sophisticated flavors and rich, comforting textures.
5. Famous Giant Pan-Banging Chocolate Chip Cookies
While classic chocolate chip cookies are a beloved year-round favorite, the holidays often call for something truly extraordinary. Enter the giant Internet Famous Pan Banging Cookies! These are not your average cookies; they are a masterpiece of texture and flavor, celebrated across the web for good reason. The unique “pan-banging” technique creates beautifully thin and crispy edges, while the centers remain wonderfully thick, soft, and impossibly chewy. Each cookie is a delightful contradiction, offering that satisfying snap followed by a melt-in-your-mouth interior bursting with rich chocolate. They are visually impressive and incredibly satisfying, making them a true showstopper for any holiday gathering or a delightful treat for cozy nights in.
6. Exquisite Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
No comprehensive holiday cookie collection would be truly complete without a delightful contribution from the renowned Broma Bakery blog, and Sarah’s Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are undeniably one for the recipe books! These cookies are a magnificent celebration of rich, deep chocolate intertwined with the invigorating zing of cool peppermint. The double dose of chocolate ensures a profoundly satisfying cocoa experience, while generous crushed peppermint candies add a delightful crunch and a burst of minty freshness. Sarah’s recipes are celebrated for their gorgeous presentation and straightforward instructions, making these impressive cookies surprisingly accessible for home bakers of all skill levels. They are the perfect festive indulgence, guaranteed to spread holiday cheer with every delicious bite.
7. Classic Brown Butter White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
For a universally loved classic with a sophisticated gourmet twist, these White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies are an absolute winner in any household. They are a cherished favorite for excellent reasons, offering that perfect balance of sweet, creamy white chocolate and the distinctively buttery, slightly salty crunch of macadamia nuts. The inclusion of brown butter elevates the entire flavor profile, adding a warm, nutty depth that transforms these cookies from simply good to truly extraordinary. When preparing these, always opt for the highest quality white chocolate available; it genuinely makes a significant difference in achieving that luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor. These cookies are ideal for anyone who appreciates a comforting yet sophisticated treat.
8. Quick & Easy Mini Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
If you’re as utterly obsessed with thumbprint cookies as we are, then these delightful Mini Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are about to become your new best friend, especially during the hectic holiday season. What truly makes them shine is their incredible speed and ease – they can be ready to enjoy in less than 30 minutes! These charming, bite-sized beauties feature a tender, buttery cookie base with a perfectly indented center, generously filled with rich, decadent chocolate. They are not only stunningly photogenic but also incredibly quick and simple to whip up, making them perfect for last-minute holiday treats, unexpected guests, or simply satisfying a sudden, intense cookie craving. A true holiday savior!
9. Wholesome Healthy Wanna Be Cookie-Dough Chocolate Balls
Who says holiday treats can’t be both incredibly indulgent and wonderfully wholesome? These ingenious Healthy Wanna Be Cookie-Dough Chocolate Balls are the perfect disguised treat, offering all the delightful flavors and textures of raw cookie dough without any of the guilt. Crafted with nourishing ingredients like creamy peanut butter, wholesome oats, naturally sweet dates, and antioxidant-rich cacao nibs (in place of traditional chocolate chips), they strike an exquisite balance of soft, crunchy, and salty. These no-bake delights are incredibly satisfying and have a remarkable way of disappearing almost as soon as they’re made. They’re an excellent option for those seeking healthier holiday alternatives or a quick, energy-boosting snack amidst the festive rush.
10. Aromatic Chai Snickerdoodle Cookies
Prepare to infuse your holiday baking with an exotic, comforting, and deeply aromatic spice blend with these truly unique Chai Snickerdoodle Cookies. These cookies are a delightful fusion of the classic snickerdoodle’s soft, chewy texture and the warm, fragrant spices characteristic of chai tea. The magic truly comes alive with Spice Tree Organics’ Chai Confection Blend—a 100% organic, carefully crafted blend designed to effortlessly infuse the authentic, complex flavors of chai into all your baked goods. As a brand deeply committed to purity and quality, Spice Tree Organics ensures their spices contain no added sugar, salt, or preservatives. Their mission is to create pure spice products that are free from toxins, irritants, fumigants, or fillers, catering to the health-conscious and those who meticulously monitor what they put into their bodies. These mindful cookies are a testament to deliciousness and responsible sourcing, offering a unique and memorable twist on a holiday favorite that will truly impress your guests.
11. Wholesome Gluten-Free Vegan Tahini Sesame Seed Cookies
For those navigating dietary restrictions during the festive season, or simply seeking a unique and healthier option, these Tahini Sesame Seed Cookies are a truly exceptional find. They are the perfect treat for maintaining clean eating habits without sacrificing flavor or festive indulgence. Boasting a distinct, nutty flavor from tahini and a delightful texture from sesame seeds, these cookies are both gluten-free and vegan, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. Show your loved ones with gluten allergies or vegan preferences that you’ve thoughtfully included them in your holiday baking by presenting these beautiful, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying cookies. They are a delightful reminder that festive treats can indeed be enjoyed by absolutely everyone.
12. Cozy Cinnamon Spiced Apple Oatmeal Cookies
As the holiday season often delightfully bridges the gap from autumn, these delightful Cinnamon Spiced Apple Oatmeal Cookies perfectly capture that cozy, comforting vibe. Apples are a seasonal star, and when combined with warm, aromatic cinnamon and hearty oats, they create a cookie that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a chilly day. These cookies are incredibly simple to make and yield a slightly smaller batch (around 12 cookies), ensuring you always have fresh cookies on hand without worrying about them going stale. They’re perfect for a quiet evening treat, a comforting snack with a cup of tea, or a thoughtful addition to a holiday breakfast spread, bringing the sweet and familiar flavors of apple pie into a convenient and chewy cookie form.
13. Gourmet Brown Butter Pistachio & Chocolate Chunk Shortbread
For many, the holidays simply wouldn’t be complete without the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of classic shortbread. But why settle for ordinary when you can indulge in something truly extraordinary? These Brown Butter Pistachio and Chocolate Chunk Shortbread Cookies are truly a cut above the rest. The brown butter adds an incredible nutty depth and complexity, perfectly complementing the vibrant green of the pistachios and the rich decadence of generously sized chocolate chunks. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of delicately crispy edges and wonderfully tender centers, with delightful bursts of flavor and texture. These unique and sophisticated shortbread cookies are guaranteed to be a showstopper on your holiday dessert table, offering a gourmet and unforgettable twist on a cherished classic.
14. Adorable Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Sugar Cookies
No one should ever have to miss out on the pure joy of decorating festive sugar cookies during the magical holiday season! For our gluten-free and dairy-free friends, these delightful Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Sugar Cookies are an absolute dream come true. They offer all the tender, classic goodness of traditional sugar cookies without the common allergens, making them wonderfully inclusive for everyone at your holiday gathering. The true beauty of these cookies lies in their incredible versatility; you can cut them into any festive shape imaginable – think twinkling stars, charming trees, jolly gingerbread men – and then have endless fun decorating them with your favorite icing and sprinkles. Enjoy them with a steaming cup of hot chocolate for a truly heartwarming and classic holiday experience.
15. Fun & Resourceful Santa’s Trash Cookies
Get ready for a cookie recipe that’s as incredibly fun to make as it is utterly delicious to eat! These ingenious Santa’s Trash Cookies are the ultimate, brilliant solution for when you want to utilize those miscellaneous leftover ingredients from your holiday baking marathon and transform them into something truly uhh-mazing! Think a delightful medley of pretzels, potato chips, colorful M&M’s, festive sprinkles, and rich chocolate chunks – literally anything goes! The undeniable beauty of these cookies lies in their creative chaos, offering a delightful medley of sweet and salty, crunchy and chewy textures in every single, exciting bite. They’re a fantastic way to minimize waste and maximize flavor, creating a playful and unexpectedly delicious treat that everyone will absolutely adore.
16. Chewy Cranberry Oatmeal White Chocolate Cookies
Among this stellar lineup of festive treats, the Cranberry Oatmeal White Chocolate Cookies truly stand out as a personal favorite, proving that sometimes, saving the absolute best for nearly last is a fantastic strategy! Nothing quite encapsulates the spirit of the holidays better than the harmonious blend of tart, vibrant cranberries, wholesome, comforting oats, and sweet, creamy white chocolate. These cookies offer a wonderfully chewy texture, with delightful pockets of juicy cranberries and luxurious melted white chocolate in every single bite. They are comforting, perfectly festive, and incredibly satisfying, making them an ideal choice for thoughtful gifting, joyful sharing, or simply enjoying during those quiet moments of holiday reflection. Their perfectly balanced flavors make them universally appealing and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
17. Iconic Christmas Lights Sugar Cookies
To magnificently conclude our ultimate collection, we present an absolute holiday icon: the utterly charming Christmas Lights Sugar Cookies. These delightful, edible decorations are a fantastic and whimsical way to bring the festive spirit vibrantly to life in your kitchen. You simply cannot go wrong with these playful cookies, which feature classic sugar cookie cut-outs imaginatively adorned with colorful “Christmas lights” meticulously crafted from icing. They are incredibly fun and engaging to decorate, making them a perfect, joyful activity for families and little ones during the holidays. Beyond their undeniable visual appeal, they are deliciously tender and perfectly sweet, guaranteed to put a huge smile on everyone’s face, from the smallest party-goer to the most seasoned adult. These cookies are pure, unadulterated holiday joy in its most edible and enchanting form.
The Magic of Holiday Baking: Essential Tips for a Sweet Season
Beyond the utterly delicious outcomes, holiday baking is so much more than just a culinary task – it’s an experience, a cherished tradition that brings warmth, immense joy, and delightful aromas into our homes. To make your festive baking marathon even more enjoyable, less stressful, and incredibly rewarding, consider incorporating these helpful tips:
- Plan Ahead Thoughtfully: Take a moment to look through your chosen recipes a few days before you plan to embark on your baking adventure. Make a comprehensive shopping list for all ingredients, and double-check if you have all the necessary kitchen tools and equipment. This foresight prevents last-minute dashes to the store.
- Embrace Quality Ingredients: Especially for simpler recipes where flavors truly shine, the quality of your butter, chocolate, and extracts can make a truly significant difference in the final taste and exquisite texture of your cookies. Invest in the best you can afford for superior results.
- Get Creative with Gifting: Homemade holiday cookies make the most wonderful and heartfelt gifts. Package them beautifully in decorative tins, clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, or charming small boxes. Don’t forget to include a little handwritten tag with the cookie name and perhaps a small holiday message!
- Prep Components in Advance: Many cookie doughs, particularly those for cut-out cookies or bar cookies, can be prepared a day or two ahead of time and safely refrigerated. Some, like certain shortbread varieties, even benefit from chilling as it deepens their flavor. This smart strategy allows you to spread out your baking tasks and reduce last-minute stress.
- Involve the Entire Family: Baking together is a fantastic way to create lasting holiday memories. Let children help with simple tasks like mixing dry ingredients, cutting out shapes, decorating cookies, or even just taste-testing. It adds to the fun, fosters a love for culinary arts, and creates precious bonding time.
- Master Storage Solutions: Knowing how to properly store your freshly baked cookies is crucial for maintaining their optimal freshness and flavor. Airtight containers are always key, but remember that different types of cookies may require specific storage conditions. Some cookies, like certain ginger snaps, actually get better with age, while delicate treats like macarons require more careful handling to retain their texture.
There’s an undeniable magic that gracefully accompanies holiday baking, transforming simple ingredients into cherished tokens of love, generosity, and vibrant celebration. We sincerely hope this comprehensive collection inspires you to create beautiful, incredibly delicious memories this season, filling your home with warmth and sweetness.
As always, if you found this ultimate collection of 2019’s best holiday cookie recipes inspiring, useful, and absolutely mouth-watering, please make sure to pin it for later! Keeping this extensive list handy will ensure you have a wealth of festive baking ideas and delicious inspiration at your fingertips for many wonderful seasons to come. Share the joy and spread the deliciousness with your fellow baking enthusiasts!
Which of these festive delights caught your eye first, or which one did you try out and love the most? We’d absolutely love to hear about your holiday baking adventures and delicious discoveries in the comments below!