Delightful Holiday Cookies Recipes for Festive Cheer

Name: Delightful Holiday Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Holiday
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles

Published: December 1, 2025

by Clara Harper

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These holiday cookies recipes are incredibly simple to prepare, making them great for busy bakers.
Each cookie offers a delightful explosion of flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Their vibrant colors and fun shapes add visual excitement to any festive spread.
Perfect for gifting or sharing at parties, these cookies spread joy wherever they go.

My friends couldn’t stop raving about the cookie platter I made last year; it became the highlight of our holiday party!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:

All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation for your cookies; choose high-quality flour for the best texture.
Sugar: A combination of granulated and brown sugar gives a perfect balance of sweetness and moisture.
Baking Powder: Essential for giving your cookies that fluffy rise; don’t skip this ingredient.
Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness in your dough.
Eggs: Eggs bind everything together and contribute to the chewy texture we all love in cookies.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm aroma and sweet flavor that makes every bite feel special.
Chocolate Chips or Sprinkles: Choose dark chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles based on your mood or occasion!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you gather your ingredients—this ensures optimal baking conditions.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined—this helps distribute the leavening evenly throughout the dough.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it aerates the mixture for airy cookies.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract. Look for a smooth consistency—this adds richness to your cookie dough.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; be careful not to overmix as this can lead to tough cookies.

Add Chocolate Chips or Sprinkles: Gently fold in your chocolate chips or sprinkles using a spatula until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Scoop and Bake Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain slightly soft.

Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly before transferring them to wire racks—this helps them set perfectly while keeping their delightful chewiness intact.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these holiday cookies recipes! Don’t forget to share them with family and friends—they’ll definitely want seconds!

You Must Know

Use room temperature butter for better creaming, This helps cookies become fluffy and light.
Chill your cookie dough before baking,This prevents spreading and creates thicker cookies.
Experiment with mix-ins!
Dried fruits or nuts can elevate classic flavors.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create scrumptious holiday cookies, start by creaming the butter and sugar well, then gradually mix in dry ingredients while rotating to maintain an even texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or even butterscotch chips for a unique twist. Adding spices like cinnamon can also bring more holiday cheer.

Storing & Reheating

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them warm later, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds.

Chef's Helpful Tips

When baking holiday cookies, line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up and perfect browning.
Always measure flour correctly; too much can lead to dry cookies.
Lastly, don’t skip the cooling rack step; it ensures the perfect texture!

Sometimes, I’d bake these cookies to cheer up friends during tough times. The smiles they brought me were priceless—cookies truly are magic!

FAQ

Try classic gingerbread, sugar cookies with icing, or festive snickerdoodles for variety.

How do I prevent my holiday cookies from spreading?

Chill the dough before baking to maintain thickness and control spreading.

Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months before baking fresh cookies.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card