“15 Delicious Recipes for Festive Christmas Cookies”

# 15 Delicious Recipes for Festive Christmas Cookies

The holiday season is synonymous with twinkling lights, cheerful carols, and, of course, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked Christmas cookies. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, preparing gifts for loved ones, or simply indulging in some festive cheer, Christmas cookies are a must-have treat. From classic sugar cookies to creative modern twists, here are 15 delicious recipes to make your Christmas extra sweet.

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## 1. **Classic Sugar Cookies**
No Christmas cookie platter is complete without the timeless sugar cookie. These buttery, soft cookies are perfect for cutting into festive shapes like stars, trees, and snowflakes. Decorate them with royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter for a personalized touch.

**Tip:** Chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to handle and to help the cookies keep their shape.

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## 2. **Gingerbread Men**
Gingerbread cookies are a quintessential holiday treat, with their warm spices and adorable shapes. Use a classic gingerbread recipe with molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, and decorate your gingerbread men with icing and candy for a playful look.

**Pro Tip:** Add a pinch of black pepper for an extra kick of spice.

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## 3. **Peppermint Pinwheels**
These eye-catching cookies are as festive as they are delicious. Made by layering red and white dough and rolling them into a spiral, peppermint pinwheels are flavored with a hint of peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday twist.

**Serving Idea:** Pair these cookies with a mug of hot cocoa for the ultimate winter treat.

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## 4. **Thumbprint Cookies with Jam**
Thumbprint cookies are a simple yet elegant addition to your cookie tray. Fill the center of each cookie with your favorite jam—raspberry, apricot, or strawberry work beautifully. The fruity filling adds a burst of flavor and color.

**Variation:** For a festive touch, use red and green jams or sprinkle the cookies with powdered sugar.

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## 5. **Chocolate Crinkle Cookies**
These fudgy, brownie-like cookies are rolled in powdered sugar before baking, creating a beautiful crackled effect. Chocolate crinkle cookies are rich, decadent, and perfect for chocolate lovers.

**Tip:** Chill the dough for at least an hour to make it easier to handle.

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## 6. **Snowball Cookies**
Also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, these buttery, nutty cookies are rolled in powdered sugar to resemble snowballs. They’re melt-in-your-mouth delicious and a holiday favorite.

**Ingredient Highlight:** Use finely chopped pecans or walnuts for the best texture.

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## 7. **Linzer Cookies**
Linzer cookies are delicate sandwich cookies made with almond flour and filled with jam. Cut out festive shapes like stars or hearts in the top cookie layer to let the jam peek through.

**Flavor Pairing:** Raspberry or blackcurrant jam pairs beautifully with the nutty flavor of the cookies.

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## 8. **Candy Cane Cookies**
These whimsical cookies are shaped like candy canes by twisting red and white dough together. Flavored with peppermint extract, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat.

**Pro Tip:** Be gentle when twisting the dough to avoid breaking it.

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## 9. **Spritz Cookies**
Spritz cookies are buttery, delicate, and made using a cookie press to create intricate shapes like wreaths, trees, and snowflakes. Add food coloring to the dough for a festive touch, and decorate with sprinkles.

**Serving Suggestion:** These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.

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## 10. **Peanut Butter Blossoms**
Peanut butter blossoms are a crowd-pleaser, featuring a soft peanut butter cookie topped with a Hershey’s Kiss. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is irresistible.

**Variation:** Swap out the Hershey’s Kiss for a mini peanut butter cup for a fun twist.

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## 11. **Stained Glass Cookies**
These stunning cookies are made by cutting out shapes in the center of sugar cookies and filling them with crushed hard candies. As the cookies bake, the candy melts to create a beautiful stained-glass effect.

**Decoration Idea:** Hang these cookies on your Christmas tree as edible ornaments!

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## 12. **Molasses Cookies**
Molasses cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Their deep, rich flavor makes them a comforting holiday treat.

**Serving Suggestion:** Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk or eggnog.

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## 13. **Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread**
Shortbread cookies are a buttery classic, and dipping them in melted chocolate takes them to the next level. Sprinkle crushed candy canes, chopped nuts, or festive sprinkles on the chocolate before it sets.

**Tip:** Use high-quality chocolate for the