25 Christmas Cookies That Slide Right Into Any December Tradition

Need cookies to keep up with your December plans? With 25 festive ideas, there’s plenty to suit holiday parties, gifts, or cozy baking days at home. Some recipes might help with big-batch baking, while others fit perfectly for smaller or last-minute moments. There’s no stress here, just good cookies to keep things cheerful and easy as the holiday season rolls on.

A plate of Spiced Ginger Cookies and a cup of tea.
Ginger Spice Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Peppermint Crunch Oreos

A white plate of Peppermint Crunch Oreos topped with crushed peppermint pieces sits on a white surface.
Peppermint Crunch Oreos. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Add a festive flair to your dessert table with this Peppermint Crunch Oreos recipe. They’re packed with minty holiday vibes and a satisfying crunch in every bite. Whether shared at a party or enjoyed with a cup of cocoa, they’ll be the talk of the dessert table. These are the kind of treats that bring a little extra cheer to any December day.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Crunch Oreos

Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

A hand holding a partially eaten Cranberry chocolate chip cookie in focus, with a blurred background.
Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re searching for something a bit different, this Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe brings a festive twist. The sweet chocolate pairs beautifully with the tart cranberry, creating a chewy cookie that’s balanced and flavorful. They’re great for adding some variety to your holiday cookie swap or impressing guests with something unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake Balls

Six Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake Balls arranged on a black slate serving tray.
Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake Balls. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a dessert that feels indulgent yet effortless, try this Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake Ball recipe. These bite-sized treats offer the unmatched flavor of cookie butter with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. They look impressive on dessert trays but are pleasantly simple to make. The perfect option to upgrade your holiday festivities without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake Balls

Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Chocolate Caramel Cookies with frosting, caramel drizzle, and chopped nuts on a white marble surface.
Chocolate Caramel Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Few treats feel as indulgent as this Chocolate Caramel Cookie recipe. These cookies offer just the right balance of rich chocolate and gooey caramel for a festive bite. Whether you’re craving something decadent or need an easy addition to treat trays, they won’t disappoint. Perfect for dessert tables, holiday swaps, or a cozy December night at home.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

A white plate with seven Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies on a marble surface, surrounded by a cup of coffee, a spoon, a bowl of nut butter, oats, and a striped cloth.
Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Sometimes, you just want a sweet treat without turning on the oven. This Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies recipe is perfect for those moments. With their rich peanut butter flavor and effortless preparation, they’re an irresistible addition to any holiday dessert spread. Make a batch and watch as everyone reaches for them again and again.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies

A close-up of a large chocolate cookie sprinkled with coarse salt, placed on a decorative plate with pink rose patterns.
Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

No December cookie platter feels complete without this Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies recipe. The touch of salt balances the rich chocolate flavor, making each bite unforgettable. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookies are sure to impress guests with their sophisticated yet approachable taste. They’re an easy choice for anyone who loves chocolate.
Get the Recipe: Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies

Butter Pecan Cookies

A hand holds a bitten Butter Pecan Cookie topped with a pecan and chopped nuts, with a blurred background.
Butter Pecan Cookies. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Bring warmth to your holiday baking with this Butter Pecan Cookies recipe. These cookies have that melt-in-your-mouth quality paired with a nutty twist. They’re perfect for cookie platters or as a treat for gifting to neighbors. One bite, and they’ll remind you of everything there is to love about the season.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

A plate of chocolate cookies topped with white icing and green sprinkles. A red and white striped cloth is in the background.
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

December calls for festive flavors, and this Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies recipe delivers in spades. The mix of dark chocolate and cool peppermint makes them a holiday favorite. Each bite feels both refreshing and decadent, perfectly fitting for the season. Pair them with your favorite warm drink for the coziest treat this winter.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Eggnog sugar cookies on a plate with santa claus figurines.
Eggnog Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring the festive flavor of the season straight to the dessert table with this Eggnog Sugar Cookie recipe. Subtle hints of creamy eggnog make them an exciting twist on the usual sugar cookie. With their soft texture and sweet glaze, they’re irresistible for cookie swaps or family gatherings. These will be the ones people keep reaching for.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Hot Cocoa Cookies

A close-up of a cocoa chip cookie with white and dark chocolate chunks resting on a black cooling rack.
Hot Cocoa Cookies. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Cozy up with this Hot Cocoa Cookies recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly December night. Featuring a fudgy texture and winter-inspired flavors, they’re sure to bring the holiday spirit to life. Serve them at your next gathering, and just wait for the compliments to pour in. They’ll have everyone reminiscing about their favorite winter evenings.
Get the Recipe: Hot Cocoa Cookies

Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

Peanut butter cookies with a face made of pretzels and dried cranberries to look like a reindeer.
Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Get in the holiday spirit with this Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With an adorable design and a classic peanut butter flavor, these cookies are perfect for kids and adults alike. They’re sure to brighten every face at your cookie exchange. You might want to double the batch because they’ll go quickly!
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

Bourbon Balls with White Chocolate

Bourbon balls with white chocolate and powdered sugar
Bourbon Balls with White Chocolate. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring something extra special to your holiday dessert tray with this Bourbon Balls with White Chocolate recipe. Decadent, rich, and just a bit indulgent, they’re a sophisticated treat for the adults in the room. The addition of white chocolate adds a creamy sweetness that balances the bold flavors perfectly. They’re a festive touch you won’t forget.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Balls with White Chocolate

Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Rum Glaze

A plate of eggnog cookies with with spiced rum glaze on top.
Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Rum Glaze. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you love eggnog, this Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Rum Glaze recipe is the ultimate holiday treat. The sweet glaze adds a subtle grown-up twist that’s sure to impress guests. Soft and full of those cozy flavors you expect in December, they’re a must-try for the holiday season. These cookies might just become your new party favorite.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Rum Glaze

Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies

Frosted chocolate chip cookie cookies on a wooden cutting board.
Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Why settle for ordinary when this Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe takes things up a notch? Topped with a sweet layer of frosting, they’re a playful twist on the classic favorite. These cookies bring just the right amount of holiday flair with every bite. Share them with friends or keep them as your not-so-secret indulgence this season.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies

Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

Three brown butter snickerdoodle cookies arranged on a white surface, sprinkled with sea salt flakes, with a white cloth and purple flowers on the side.
Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Take your holiday baking to another level with this Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles recipe. The warm, nutty brown butter and gooey caramel make every bite unforgettable. A sprinkle of salt ties it all together for that perfect sweet-salty contrast. Set these out at your next gathering, and just watch them disappear.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies

Gingerbread cookies with candy canes on a table.
Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes tradition gets an upgrade, and this Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookie recipe does just that. Familiar warm spices blend with chocolate for a twist on the classic gingerbread. Watching these little guys come out of the oven might become a new holiday ritual. They’re perfect for decorating with kids or gifting to neighbors.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies

Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

A close-up of peanut butter thumbprint cookies filled with red jelly.
Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Classic flavors meet holiday cheer in this Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprint Cookie recipe. The nostalgic combo of peanut butter and jelly gets a festive makeover. Perfectly bite-sized, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Kids and adults alike will love these playful additions to any Christmas cookie lineup.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

A jar of White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies next to lavender flowers.
White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a touch of elegance to your cookie platter with this White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies recipe. They’re soft, sweet, and dusted to perfection for that snow-kissed look. These are the kind of cookies that feel right at home at any holiday party or as a surprise gift for someone you care about. They’re simple yet so satisfying in every bite.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Avalanche Crunch Cookies

A baking tray lined with parchment paper holds twelve Avalanche Crunch Cookies.
Avalanche Crunch Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

For a sweet treat with texture and crunch, this Avalanche Crunch Cookies recipe fits right into the December spirit. They combine creamy sweetness with a fulfilling bite that’s hard to resist. Perfect for gifting or sharing, they’re bound to be a fun addition to your holiday baking. Sometimes, the simplest cookies are the most memorable.
Get the Recipe: Avalanche Crunch Cookies

Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

A slice of chocolate chip skillet cookie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream sits on a white plate with a spoon.
Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

There’s something so comforting about this Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie recipe during the holiday season. Served warm and gooey, it’s perfect for sharing straight from the skillet. Top it with a scoop of ice cream for an added touch that feels indulgent. This dessert doubles as a centerpiece and a crowd-pleaser for your December gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies

A plate with several Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie cookies topped with a layer of peanut butter and a swirl of chocolate frosting.
Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Chocolate and peanut butter lovers will appreciate this Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookie recipe. Each bite combines fudgy brownie richness with a creamy peanut butter center, making it perfect for indulgent holiday moments. Whether you’re baking for guests or treating yourself, they’re always a hit. This is the dessert people will remember long after they’ve left.
Get the Recipe: Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies

Chocolate Overload Cookies

Chocolate overload cookies on a white plate.
Chocolate Overload Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

When a regular chocolate chip cookie just isn’t enough, this Chocolate Overload Cookies recipe is here to save the day. Packed with chocolate in every bite, they’re pure joy for chocolate lovers. These cookies are ideal for cookie swaps or as a festive treat to bring the holiday cheer. Give them a try, it’s love at first bite.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Overload Cookies

Church Window Cookies

A hand holding a piece of Church Window Cookies, with more pieces blurred in the background.
Church Window Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Few desserts feel as nostalgic as this Church Window Cookie recipe. A combination of colorful marshmallows and sweet chocolate creates a treat that feels just right for the holidays. They’re simple, no-bake, and always festive on any dessert platter. These cookies are a guaranteed conversation starter for parties and potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Church Window Cookies

Double Chocolate Brookies

A plate of chocolate cookies with walnuts and chocolate pieces on the side.
Double Chocolate Brookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

If you’re caught between loving brownies and cookies, this Double Chocolate Brookies recipe is the perfect answer. With the dense chew of a brownie and the crisp edges of a cookie, it’s the best of both worlds. Everyone who tries these will want seconds, so make sure to double the batch. They’re holiday-ready and crowd-approved.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Brookies

Ginger Spice Cookies

A plate of Spiced Ginger Cookies and a cup of tea.
Ginger Spice Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Add a touch of warm, classic flavor to December with this Ginger Spice Cookies recipe. Subtle spices and a comforting sweetness make them feel like the holidays in every bite. Ideal for cozy nights or as a staple on your cookie plate, they capture the season’s essence beautifully. Have these on hand for any wintry occasion, they never disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Spice Cookies

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