Holiday baking brings warmth and nostalgia, filling the home with comforting aromas and sweet anticipation. Cookies play a central role in this tradition, offering endless possibilities for creativity, sharing, and celebration. Whether you prefer something classic, spiced, chewy, or indulgent, the season invites experimentation with flavors that evoke family memories and winter coziness. A well-chosen assortment can elevate gatherings, gift boxes, and quiet evenings alike, making each batch an opportunity to enjoy festive cheer through simple homemade treats.
1. Classic Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are a holiday essential thanks to their versatility and timeless flavor. Their buttery base pairs beautifully with vanilla or almond extract, creating a soft and delicate sweetness. They hold their shape well, making them perfect for rolling and cutting into festive shapes. Decorate them with royal icing, colored sugar, or sprinkles for a personalized touch that adds charm to cookie platters and gift boxes.
Try my favorite recipe: The Best Sugar Cookies by Sally's Baking Addiction
2. Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies capture the essence of winter with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Their rich molasses flavor and firm texture make them ideal for shaping into people, ornaments, or snowflakes. They can be chewy or crisp depending on your preference. Icing details bring them to life, turning each cookie into a small edible work of art. Gingerbread also ages beautifully, deepening in flavor after a few days.
Try my favorite recipe: Gingerbread Cookies by Love & Lemons
3. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Even during the holidays, nothing beats the comforting familiarity of a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. They’re universally loved and incredibly adaptable—choose dark, milk, or white chocolate, add nuts, use browned butter, or sprinkle with flaky salt. Whether you prefer them thin and crispy or thick and gooey, they remain a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for pairing with a mug of hot cocoa or leaving as a treat for late-night visitors.
Try my favorite recipe: The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies by Pinch of Yum
4. Snickerdoodles
Snickerdoodles bring a cozy blend of cinnamon and sugar wrapped around a soft, slightly tangy cookie made with cream of tartar. Their crackly surfaces and fluffy interiors give them distinct charm. They’re simple to prepare yet taste nostalgically festive. A touch of nutmeg or cardamom can elevate the flavor, while their warm aroma instantly evokes holiday comfort.
Try my favorite recipe: Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies by Ambitious Kitchen
5. Peppermint Chocolate Crinkles
Chocolate crinkles are already a seasonal favorite with their brownie-like centers and powdered sugar–coated exterior. Adding peppermint transforms them into a refreshing, wintry treat. The contrast between dark chocolate and cool mint creates a balanced sweetness that feels special during the colder months. They look striking on any dessert table thanks to their signature crackle pattern.
Try my favorite recipe: Peppermint Crinkle Cookies by Broma Bakery
6. Linzer Cookies
Linzer cookies offer elegance and delicacy with their shortbread-like texture and fruit-filled centers. Originating from Austria, they are traditionally made with ground almonds or hazelnuts, which contribute a nutty richness. The top cookie usually features a small cutout—often a star or heart—revealing a jewel-like layer of raspberry or apricot jam. Their refined look makes them ideal for gifting or serving at holiday gatherings.
Try my favorite recipe: Linzer Cookies by Sugar Spun Run
7. Oatmeal Raisin or Oatmeal Chocolate Chip
Oatmeal cookies add hearty texture and wholesome flavor to seasonal baking. They can be chewy or crisp depending on fat and moisture levels. Raisins give a burst of sweetness, while chocolate chips add indulgence. Enhance the dough with cinnamon, nutmeg, or toasted nuts for extra warmth. Their rustic, homey feel makes them especially comforting during winter evenings.
Try my favorite recipe: Brown Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies by Half Baked Harvest
8. Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread is simple, rich, and irresistibly buttery. With just a few ingredients—typically butter, sugar, and flour—it delivers melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction. It can be flavored with vanilla, citrus zest, rosemary, or festive spices. Pressing the dough into a baking pan and cutting it into wedges creates a classic presentation, while shaped shortbread cookies offer endless decorative possibilities. Its long shelf life also makes it excellent for gifting.
Try my favorite recipe: Classic Shortbread by King Arthur Baking
9. Thumbprint Cookies
Thumbprint cookies blend tender buttery dough with bright, flavorful fillings. Traditionally made with raspberry jam, they can also be filled with caramel, lemon curd, chocolate ganache, or spiced fruit preserves. Rolling the dough in chopped nuts or sanding sugar before baking adds texture and visual appeal. Their small size and colorful centers make them particularly festive.
Try my favorite recipe: Thumbprint Cookies by Cookie + Kate
10. Biscotti
Biscotti offer crunchy sophistication and pair beautifully with holiday beverages such as coffee, tea, or mulled wine. Twice-baked for crispness, they can include almonds, pistachios, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or citrus zest. Dipping one end in melted chocolate adds a luxurious finish. Biscotti travel well and maintain freshness, making them ideal for thoughtful homemade gifts.
Try my favorite recipe: Double Chocolate Biscotti by Once Upon a Chef
Bake Up a Storm
Holiday cookie baking invites creativity, comfort, and connection. From spiced classics to indulgent chocolate favorites, each variety brings its own charm to the season. Whether you’re assembling a gift tin, preparing for a festive gathering, or simply enjoying a quiet baking day at home, experimenting with a selection of cookie types ensures a flavorful and joyful celebration.