The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in the sweet, nostalgic tradition of baking cookies. Whether you’re baking to share with friends and family or to bring to holiday parties, cookies are the ultimate treat that spread warmth and cheer. From rich chocolate to cinnamon-spiced delights, here are a few holiday cookie recipes that are sure to brighten anyone’s day.

1. Classic Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a holiday staple. Their warm spices and soft texture make them a favorite among cookie lovers. Plus, they’re versatile—perfect for decorating or just enjoying as they are!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a separate large bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
4. Divide the dough into two portions, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to create shapes (gingerbread men, stars, or other festive designs).
6. Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm. Let them cool on a wire rack before decorating or serving.

These gingerbread cookies are perfect for decorating with icing or just enjoying as a simple, spiced treat. Their cozy aroma and flavor bring the warmth of the holiday season into your home.

2. Peppermint Mocha Cookies

A perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, these cookies are a nod to the classic holiday beverage, peppermint mocha. Their soft, chewy texture and festive flavor will add an extra dose of cheer to your holiday cookie box.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/4 cup brewed coffee, cooled
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and brewed coffee, and mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. Stir in the mini chocolate chips.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Top each cookie with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

These peppermint mocha cookies combine the classic flavors of the holiday season with a fun twist. They’re perfect for coffee lovers and anyone who enjoys a little minty freshness.

3. Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, are buttery, nutty, and coated in powdered sugar, making them look like little snowballs. Their delicate crumb and sweet finish make them a must-have during the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, cream together the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the flour, salt, and chopped nuts, mixing until the dough comes together.
4. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are set but not browned. Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
6. While the cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar to coat. Once completely cool, roll them in powdered sugar again for that snowy effect.

These snowball cookies are simple yet elegant. They’re perfect for gifting, as their sweet and buttery flavor will melt in your mouth, making them a holiday favorite.

4. Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Sugar cookies are a holiday classic, and they’re even more fun when you decorate them with royal icing. These cookies have a crisp yet tender texture, and they provide a blank canvas for creativity when it comes to decorating.

Ingredients for the Cookies:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Ingredients for the Royal Icing:

• 1 egg white (or meringue powder)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 teaspoons water (as needed)

Instructions for the Cookies:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick and use cookie cutters to create festive shapes.
6. Place the cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on a wire rack.

Instructions for the Royal Icing:

1. Beat the egg white or meringue powder with the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough water to achieve a thick but spreadable consistency.
2. Use the icing to decorate the cooled cookies, piping out intricate designs or simply flooding the surface with smooth layers of icing.

These sugar cookies are perfect for holiday decorating parties. Whether you’re making them with the kids or adding your artistic flair, the royal icing brings the fun of the season into the kitchen.