It's the most wonderful time of the year. Time to whip up a whack of holiday cookies to share with friends, neighbours and dip into while trimming the tree and watching holiday flicks. Holiday baking can be as complicated or as simple as you want. We covered all the bases with these A+ cookie recipes, so no matter what you choose, your holiday noshing will be delicious.
For even more cookie advice, read our Christmas Cookies 101!Classic Jam Thumbprint Cookies
These jam-filled thumbprints are everything you want in a festive cookie. They're simple, buttery and endlessly adaptable. Use whatever jam you have on hand for a treat that feels perfectly seasonal and nostalgic. Get the recipe: Classic Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Vanilla Crescent Cookies
For some, nothing says Christmas like these melt-in-your-mouth vanilla crescent cookies. They get a double hit of vanilla, in the dough and the finishing sugar. Yum. Get the recipe: Vanilla Crescent Cookies
Snowball Cookies
Much like the snowballs you make outside, these cookies are fun to roll up. Once they're baked, they're rolled once again in powdered sugar for that snowy effect! Get the recipe: Snowball Cookies
Whoopie Pies
Whoopie pies are soft, cake-like cookies filled with billowy, whipped frosting. Rolled in sprinkles, they make a great alternative to birthday cupcakes. Get the recipe: Whoopie Pies
Best-Ever Ginger Crinkle Cookies
Subtly sweet and a tiny bit spicy, these chewy ginger crinkle cookies are perfection. They're also a cherished family recipe from our executive editor's grandmother. But recipes are meant to be shared! Get the recipe: Best-Ever Ginger Crinkle Cookies
The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie
The ultimate chocolate chip cookie is dense and chewy, not too cakey, with crisp edges and chocolate chunks throughout. The way it should be. Get the recipe: The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie
Walnut Linzer Cookies
Linzer cookies are simple butter morsels sandwiched with simple jam, with a window to allow a peek of sweet colour and flavour. Get the recipe: Walnut Linzer Cookies
Wonderland Cookies
Much like the excitement and whimsy of the holiday season, these treat-filled cookies are like an exciting adventure. Filled with crunchy pretzels and chewy caramel, they’re so fun to make and eat. This recipe is written for kids to follow and seek help for adult-supervision jobs. Get the recipe: Wonderland Cookies
Cinnamon Bun Crunch Cookies
Icebox cookies are named for their ability to hang out in the freezer until you're ready for them. In this version, roll 'em up for a cinnamon bun angle. Get the recipe: Cinnamon Bun Crunch Cookies
Chocolate Crackle Cookies
Rolling dark chocolate dough in icing sugar before baking allows them to decorate themselves as they spread and crack. Get the recipe: Chocolate Crackle Cookies
Gluten-Free Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
Your favourite buttery shortbread cookie gets a gluten-free makeover and, spoiler alert, it tastes just as good as the original. Get the recipe: Gluten-Free Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
Classic Gingerbread Cookies
‘Tis the season to bake cookies – and if you have kids in the house, gingerbread men are likely on the agenda. Get the recipe: Classic Gingerbread Cookies
Traditional Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread has limitless variations—try adding grated citrus zest, spices or fresh herbs, finely chopped nuts or chocolate for a flavour boost. Get the recipe: Traditional Shortbread Cookies
Lemon-Glazed Snowflake Cookies
A no-fail sugar cookie dough plays it safe as the base, but you can get as elaborate as you like when it comes to decorating these lemon-infused snowflakes. Get the recipe: Lemon-Glazed Snowflake Cookies
Sparkling Blizzard Swirl Cookies
Just like grandma used to make. An easy, no-fail cookie recipe is the base of these whimsical pinwheels. Get the recipe: Sparkling Blizzard Swirl Cookies
Mary Berg's White Sugar Cookies
A good sugar cookie recipe in your arsenal is all you need to get creative and start your holiday baking. Get the recipe: Mary Berg's White Sugar Cookies
Deep-Dish Peanut Butter Cookies
Soft, peanut butter cookie with a milk chocolate morsel sunk right inside? Now, where's that glass of milk? Get the recipe: Deep-Dish Peanut Butter Cookies
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
After a decadent chocolate chip cookie without the gluten? You've come to the right place. No fussy extra steps needed, these are easy and the perfect little treat. Get the recipe: Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Icebox cookies are named for their ability to hang out in the freezer until you’re ready for them; one basic dough can be transformed into a whole array of holiday cookies. Customize enough logs of slice-and-bake cookies to stash away for festive emergencies – the very best kind. Best of all: you can slice a few off each log and bake them together on one sheet, making an assortment of freshly baked cookies in next to no time. Get the recipe: Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Inside-Out Chocolate Chip Cookies
This is one of our favourite cookie recipes—a dark, brownie-like, chocolate chip cookie studded with white chocolate chips (although they’re just as good with dark chocolate, dried cherries or whatever you can find in your cupboards!). Plus, they come together in no time, freeze beautifully and put a smile on a kid’s – and a kid-at-heart's – face in a snap. Get the recipe: Inside-Out Chocolate Chip Cookies
Coconut Shortbread Cookies
This coconut shortbread recipe is fast, easy and uses items you probably have on-hand. You could even whip them up while dinner simmers because they happen to make a perfect finish. Get the recipe: Coconut Shortbread
Breton Brittle
OK, so it's not a cookie. But this holiday classic is a very easy and delicious way to round out your treat tray. Because who knew that crackers, sugar, butter and a few toppings could make something so delicious? Well, clearly we did. Get the recipe: Breton Brittle
Updated in December 2025.
