30 Best Simple Christmas Cookie Recipes

Festive Christmas cookie assortment with snowman sugar cookies, wreath cookies, and hot cocoa in a holiday setting.

Get ready to deck your trays with dozens of easy-to-make and beautifully festive cookies! Whether you’re prepping for a cookie exchange or holiday gift plate, this handpicked collection is both adorable and effortless.

  • No fuss, full charm: Many start with cake mix, minimal ingredients, or simple steps.
  • Kid-approved: Lots of decorating fun and easy techniques make these great for family baking time. Simply Recipes+15Southern Living+15Mom On Timeout+15Southern Living
  • Perfect for prep: Most freeze beautifully or can be made ahead—great for busy holiday baking. Southern LivingAllrecipes
  • Timeless classics & modern twists: From sugar-cutouts to peppermint crinkles, there’s something for every taste.
#CookieWhy It’s a Winner
1Snowman CookiesCute, cake-mix based, and kid-decorated.
2Easy Sugar CookiesHolds shape, perfect for frosting and cutouts.
3Peanut Butter BlossomsIconic cookie from 1957—soft peanut butter base topped with a chocolate kiss. Allrecipes+15en.wikipedia.org+15Dreamstime+15bhg.com+6Pinterest+6Southern Living+6
4Spritz CookiesButter-rich and shaped with festive cookie presses.
5Coconut Almond MacaroonsChewy, gluten-free-friendly, with chocolate drizzle.
6Christmas Wreath CookiesBeautiful green shapes that instantly brighten trays.
7Maple SnickerdoodlesA cinnamon classic with maple sweetness twist.
8Andes Mint CrinklesFudgy chocolate cookies with a refreshing minty kick.
9Pan Banging Sugar CookiesChewy centers and crispy edges in festive sprinkles.
10Brownie Snowflake Sugar CookiesChocolatey, crunchy, and snowflake-themed!

This is just a sampling our full post features 30 delightful recipes from bakers across the web!

  • Freeze smart: Stack cookies with parchment between layers and freeze in airtight containers. Defrost in the fridge overnight before serving. Southern LivingAllrecipes
  • Double—or triple—it: Southern Living highlights footprint-friendly recipes that scale—like Thumbprints, Kiss Cookies, and stocking sprinkles. Southern Living
  • Involve little bakers: Recipes like cake-mix cookies and sprinkle-dusted treats are perfect for kids to help with and enjoy together. Southern Living+1
  • Chill the dough: Achieve cookies that bake evenly with perfect texture by chilling dough before baking. lacucinaitaliana.com+5Simply Recipes+5Taste of Home+5.
Festive Christmas cookie assortment with snowman sugar cookies, wreath cookies, and hot cocoa in a holiday setting.

Easy & Festive Holiday Cookies

A handpicked collection of easy-to-make and beautifully festive cookies, perfect for cookie exchanges and holiday gift trays.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 100

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies
  • 1 box cake mix Choose any flavor for the base.
  • 2 large eggs Room temperature.
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup powdered sugar For dusting.
For Decorating
  • 1 cup colored sprinkles Various shapes for a festive touch.
  • 1 cup chocolate chips For some cookies like Peanut Butter Blossoms.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil until well combined.
  3. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Baking
  1. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
  2. Place on a lined baking sheet and flatten slightly.
  3. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
  4. Allow to cool before decorating with sprinkles or drizzling with chocolate.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 100kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 50mgSugar: 8g

Notes

For best results, freeze cookies with parchment paper between layers and defrost overnight in the fridge before serving. Involve little bakers in easy-to-decorate cookies for fun family baking time.

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