Maybe you enjoy traditional Christmas cookies like gingerbread men, frosted sugar cookies, or candy-cane shaped confections. Or maybe you’re the first one to reach for something new and different – like meringues in the shape of Christmas trees. Whatever your sweet tooth desires, we’ve found a recipe for that.

Here are 10 Christmas cookie recipes you’ll want to try.

 

 

 

Who do you make Christmas cookies for? Your co-workers? Your kids’ school parties? The neighborhood Cookie Swap? Wait – what’s a Cookie Swap you ask? According to Martha Stewart, “Invite a group of friends, and have each person make enough of one kind of cookie to share. At the party, sample the treats, then trade and package them in appealing assortments. Everyone leaves with finished gifts — and plenty of new recipes.” Sound fun! Or maybe you’re just looking for a fun activity to do with the kids – an All Day Cookie Baking, anyone?

Reader Colleen finds baking ahead the way to go: “My goal is to always start by Nov 1 as I usually make 8 to 12 recipes with some being tripled or quadrupled. I store them in gallon size freezer bags vs. Tupperware to save freezer room.”

No matter when you find the time to bake, we’ve gathered some recipes – old-fashioned and newfangled – for you to enjoy making this holiday season.

1. Christmas tree meringues. These adorable meringues will captivate guests of all ages. What you need: egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, almond extract, green gel food coloring,
multi color sprinkles, star sprinkles and the frosting of your choice. For step-by-step instructions, visit This Silly Girl’s Kitchen.

 

 

 

 

2. Hedgehog cookies. Cuteness overload! Pecans give their “fur” just the right texture. You’ll find the recipe on allrecipes.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Gluten-free gingerbread men. Just because it’s gluten-free, doesn’t mean it has to taste like a dry, old brick. Gluten Free on a Shoestring has a terrific recipe for soft and chewy gingerbread cookies for family and friends with food allergies.

 

 

 

 

4. Gluten-free sugar cookies. This recipe from Faithfully Gluten Free declares, “These really are the best Gluten Free Rolled Sugar Cookies I’ve ever had. They are better than the ones that I used to make before going gluten-free. That good!” Sounds good to us!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Red velvet Santa hats. These eye-catching cookies will charm your guests – and decorating these cookies is an easy DIY Christmas project for kids. Made with red velvet cake mix. Get the recipe from Target Recipes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Lebkuchen. This traditional German cookie was a favorite from my childhood. They are a round cake-like cookie with slightly crisp edges, full of spice and chopped nuts. The citrus in the dough adds to its intense flavors. You can find the recipe at Lottie + Doof.

 

 

 

 

7. Pfeffernüsse. This is another traditional German Christmas cookie that gets its flavors from molasses, honey and cardamom. Cooled cookies are dusted with confectioner’s sugar. Recipe from allrecipes.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Candy cane cookies. I remember making a version of these when I was a kid. This recipe, from The Food Network, starts with a boxed cookie mix to make your life easier… but no less tastier.

 

 

 

 

9. Double chocolate peppermint cookies. Okay, will someone please call me when these are ready? Recipe from A Pumpkin & A Princess.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. White chocolate ginger cookies. These cookies will be your new holiday favorite. Just imagine the house warmed by the smell of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Mmmm… Recipe from Cooking Classy.

 

What is your favorite holiday cookie recipe?