41 best Christmas cookies
Christmas is looking a whole lot sweeter with these irresistible baked treats
As the festive fun sets in and twinkling lights adorn homes, there's one more thing that completes the holiday season: the aroma of freshly baked cookies. This Christmas whip up a batch of cookies for friends and family to enjoy. Try this base recipe or choose a couple of recipes below and fill your kitchen with cookie goodness.
01
Christmas cookie stack
Get the kids involved with stacking up these crisp butter cookies with creamy buttercream icing to make cute edible Christmas trees. So much festive fun!
02
Christmas cookie hacks
Enjoy a family fun activity and decorate these Wagon Wheels to make fun Christmas-themed cookies. Easy to make, these cute biscuits will instantly elevate any festive spread.
03
Fruit mince jam drop
Add these melt-in-your-mouth buttery biscuits topped with fruit mince to your rotation of homemade Christmas treats and gifts. They're simple to make and will definitely impress.
04
Pfeffernusse
Perfectly flavoured with warming spices, these small gingerbread-like German cookies make a scrumptious treat for festive occasions or thoughtful gifts for loved ones.
05
Make-ahead sugar and spice shortbread
Preparing for the holidays can be a whirlwind, but with these make-ahead shortbread cookies, you'll always be ready for festive occasions. Infused with sugar and spices, every bite is a reminder of heartwarming Christmas memories. Batch cook and freeze to gift as dough or bake them today.
06
Chocolate crinkle cookies
The holidays aren't complete without a touch of chocolate indulgence. These crinkle cookies, with their cracked exterior and soft fudgy centre, are a visual treat and an explosion of rich chocolate flavours. This simple 25-minute recipe will be a hit at any celebration.
07
Melted snowman cookies
Enchant your guests with these adorable whimsical treats. Evoking childhood memories of building snowmen in the yard, these cookies perfectly capture the playful essence of a cool Christmas and boast a sweet, buttery flavour.
08
Egyptian petit fours
Take a nod to Egyptian culture with these elegant petit fours. Infused with a medley of nuts and aromatic flavours, their delicate size makes them a sophisticated addition to any festive spread.
09
Gingerbread crinkle cookies
Combine the traditional flavours of gingerbread with the distinct texture of crinkle cookies and you get a holiday treat that looks as good as it tastes. You’ll enjoy the fudgy, spiced goodness in each bite.
10
Caramel kisses
Sink your teeth into the soft, chewy centre and taste the melting caramel in every bite. Perfect for those with a sweet tooth and quick to make, these kisses are the ideal Christmas gift or after dinner delight.
11
Shortbread wreath
Not just a feast for the tastebuds, but a treat for the eyes too. These wreath-shaped shortbreads capture the spirit of the season. Its buttery taste and crumbly texture make it a nostalgic classic for festive gatherings.
12
Chocolate gingerbread men
Add a chocolatey twist to the traditional gingerbread man with this recipe that’s sure to be a crowd favourite. A fusion of cocoa and ginger, it's what’s not to love? Get your kids involved in the baking for a family festive experience.
13
Gingerbread scrabble biscuits
A fun-filled treat that combines the joy of baking with games night nostalgia. Spell out festive messages or names, making each cookie a personalised edible note of holiday cheer.
14
Star cookie Christmas tree
Layers of star-shaped cookies come together to form a whimsical Christmas tree, using just four ingredients. A centrepiece on any dessert table, it's a creative and delectable way to usher in the Yuletide spirit.
15
Piano key cookies
A melodious blend of flavours and aesthetics, these treats are a tribute to music lovers. Lemon and chocolate biscuit, these beautiful cookies melt in the mouth. They may seem intricate, but you can get impressive results from a simple dough using this layer, slice, and freeze method.
16
Lemon-drizzle cookies
A burst of citrus amid festivities. These cookies, with their zesty lemon drizzle, bring a refreshing twist, cutting through the richness of the season and adding a tangy surprise.
17
Almond and orange shortbread
Enjoy a cookie full of nuts and citrus with this special shortbread. The almond meal paired with the aroma of orange zest makes it a delightful addition to the Christmas cookie roster.
18
Gingerbread cookies
What’s more festive than gingerbread cookies? Get creative with this easy to make recipe - there’s no limit to the shapes you can cut and the patterns of icing you can create.
19
Shortbread cookies
Sweet, soft and buttery, these classic shortbread cookies will melt in your mouth and are perfect for gifting. Double the quantities and batch cook for any surprise guests.
20
Zesty almond bread biscuits
Thin, crispy and a bit like biscotti! These tangy, orange-infused biscuits are perfect with a cuppa and to share as festive gifts. Keeps in an airtight box for up to four weeks.
21
Salty cookies
Want a dessert that satisfies sweet and savoury flavours? Try these cookies that incorporate the best salty snacks like pretzels, peanuts and potato chips. Use up leftover pantry items or whatever is unused from your festive party.
22
Unicorn cookies
Magical in every sense, these unicorn cookies transport you to a fantasy land. With vibrant colours and a playful spirit, they're bound to be a hit among the young and the young-at-heart.
23
Christmas shortbread
The classic shortbread gets a holiday makeover, turning it into a must-have for any Christmas gathering. Rich and buttery, each bite promises a heartwarming experience.
24
Reindeer gingerbread biscuits
Invite Rudolph and his pals to the party with these adorable reindeer-inspired treats. A delightful merger of gingerbread flavours with whimsical designs makes for a festive treat kids will adore. Adapt the designs to create a fun activity for the little ones.
25
Watercolour Christmas tree cookies
Artistry meets culinary delight. These cookies, adorned with watercolour patterns, stand out as masterpieces on the Christmas table, almost too beautiful to eat... almost.
26
Classic melting moments
As the name suggests, these gluten-free cookies promise a melt-in-the-mouth experience, making them a favourite year after year. The delicate crumb and buttery goodness are simply unparalleled. And you only need five ingredients.
27
Amaretti Christmas biscuits
Drawing inspiration from Italian classics, these amaretti biscuits offer a delightful crunch, punctuated with a rich almond flavour. Have them dipped in espresso, scoop up your gelato or use them as crusts for Christmas cheesecake.
28
Festive snowflake cookies
Let it snow with these elegant snowflake-shaped cookies. Delicate and beautifully adorned, they're sure to be the centrepiece of any holiday table, reminiscent of a magical Christmas evening.
29
Greek almond shortbread
These traditional Greek delicacies made with a rich almond blend are a taste of the Mediterranean holidays. Soft, crumbly, and generously dusted with powdered sugar, they’re the perfect tea companion.
30
Sugar cookies
The quintessential holiday treat, these sugar cookies are a blank canvas for your festive creativity. Decorate with colourful icing, sprinkles, or enjoy them in their simple, sweet glory.
31
Christmas gingerbread
Embrace the season's warmth with these richly spiced gingerbread cookies. Perfectly soft yet slightly chewy, you can decorate cookies with store-bought royal icing, Christmas sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even a simple dusting of icing sugar.
32
Cherry shortbread cookies
Not your average shortbread, this recipe turns up the flavour of summer with the addition of juicy fresh cherries. The delightful burst of fruit combined with buttery shortbread promises a merry and bright treat.
33
Hot-chocolate cookies
Recreate the cosy feeling of sipping hot cocoa in a cookie form. Packed with chocolate chunks and mini marshmallows, there’s nothing like these warm toasty treats.
34
Jammy crumble cookies
The perfect combo of crunchy and gooey, this easy cookie recipe with sensational coconut and oat and a soft jammy centre is the perfect way to surprise santa. Time to stock up the cookie jar!
35
White Christmas funfetti cookies
Kids and grown-ups alike will be charmed by these playful cookies. Adorned with festive sprinkles and a cheerful vibe, they bring a delightful pop of colour to your Christmas spread.
36
Apple and cinnamon snickerdoodles
A delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle. The infusion of dried apple and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar offers a comforting taste of home-baked goodness. Our tip? Enjoy them warm.
37
Rose and pistachio shortbread cookies
An exotic blend of fragrant rose and crunchy pistachios, these shortbread cookies are an elegant and exquisite addition to your festive repertoire.
38
Christmas gingerbread snowflakes
Capture the essence of a white Christmas with these intricately designed gingerbread snowflakes. They're as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the palate. Make them in less than 25 minutes!
39
Mini Christmas cookie houses
Unleash your inner architect with these adorable mini cookie houses. A whimsical treat that makes perfect gifts. This festive activity calls for favourite lollies as decorations and getting the family involved is double the fun!
40
Traditional gingerbread people cookies
Relive fond childhood memories with these classic gingerbread cookies. Perfect for decorating, they’re the embodiment of the joy of the festive season. Just don’t let them run away!
41
Cranberry and white chocolate shortbread
Treat your tastebuds to a luxurious blend of tart cranberries and creamy white chocolate nestled within a soft shortbread. A festive treat that truly celebrates the flavours of Christmas.