Christmas cookies are one of those holiday traditions that never really lose their charm.
The smell of something sweet in the oven, the messy counters covered in sprinkles, and the simple joy of sneaking one (or two) while they’re still warm—it all feels like part of the season.
And when kids get involved, it’s even better. Sure, things take a little longer and the shapes aren’t always perfect, but honestly? That’s what makes them memorable!
PIN FOR LATER 🙂
I’ve pulled together 51 Christmas cookie recipes that are perfect for baking with kids.
Some are quick and no-fuss, others double as decorating projects, and a few are the kind you’ll want to add to your holiday rotation every single year.
Whether you’re looking for simple sugar cookies, no-bake ideas, or festive twists that feel extra special, this list has plenty to keep little hands busy (and little bellies happy).
1. Chocolate Reindeer Cookies
CREDIT: HELLO CREATIVE FAMILY
A chocolate-frosted sugar cookie, pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and a red nose — and suddenly you’ve got Rudolph! These are playful, kid-approved, and guaranteed to disappear quickly from the cookie tray.
2. Christmas Butter Cookies
CREDIT: DRIVE ME HUNGRY
Classic butter cookies get a holiday upgrade with a dip in chocolate and colorful sprinkles.
3. Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies
CREDIT: MY INCREDIBLE RECIPES
Peanut butter blossoms are always a hit, but I think the peppermint-striped kisses and holiday sprinkles make these extra fun.
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4. Red Velvet Macarons
CREDIT: AHEAD OF THYME
Elegant but festive, these bright red macarons filled with vanilla cream are a holiday showstopper. They’re a little more advanced, but if you’ve been wanting to try macarons, Christmas feels like the perfect excuse.
5. Christmas Cookies with Cake Mix
CREDIT: ORGANIZED ISLAND
If you want something quick but still festive, these sprinkle cookies are a win. They’re soft and chewy inside, with a rainbow of red, green, and white sprinkles on the outside.
6. Polish Chocolate-Glazed Gingerbread
CREDIT: BRIT + CO
These chocolate-glazed Polish gingerbread cookies are rich, spiced, and a little nostalgic. I love that you can cut them into hearts or circles, making them feel both festive and timeless.
7. A Cup of Hot Cocoa Cookies
CREDIT: THE KITCHEN MAGPIE
A marshmallow mug with a candy cane handle on top of a cookie base — this one’s almost too clever. It’s a craft and a treat all in one, and kids especially love the mini hot cocoa look.
8. Christmas M&M Cookies
CREDIT: CELEBRATING SWEETS
These are the cookies that disappear first at my house. They’re classic chocolate chip cookies but with red and green M&Ms and sprinkles. They’re simple, familiar, and loved by everyone.
9. Chocolate Christmas Cookies
CREDIT: ERREN’S KITCHEN
Rolled in red, green, and white nonpareils, these chocolate cookies are festive with just the right amount of crunch. They look great on a cookie platter and are kid-approved for decorating duty.
10. Italian Christmas Cookies
CREDIT: ELLA CLAIRE INSPIRED
Soft, tender, and lightly glazed with a sweet icing, these Italian classics are always a hit at cookie exchanges.
CREDIT: RECIPES FROM A PANTRY
These cookies are almost too cute to eat — almost. A marshmallow snowman “melting” on a sugar cookie with candy buttons and frosting arms makes for a sweet little winter scene. Kids will have a blast decorating their own wobbly snowmen.
12. No-Bake Easy Santa Cookies
CREDIT: LIVING WELL MOM
Turn graham crackers into Santa’s jolly face with frosting, marshmallows, and a few red candies. They’re playful, colorful, and an easy project for little helpers who love getting hands-on in the kitchen.
13. Meringue Wreath Cookies
CREDIT: PRINCESS PINKY GIRL
Light, airy, and so pretty, these meringue wreaths are piped into delicate rings and decorated with sprinkles or small candies. They’re a great option if you want something that feels festive but not overly heavy.
14. Espresso Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
CREDIT: BARLEY & SAGE
Fudgy chocolate cookies with a hint of espresso, rolled in powdered sugar for that signature crackled top. They’re rich, chewy, and pair perfectly with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
15. Christmas Star Cookies
CREDIT: MY GORGEOUS RECIPES
Sometimes the simplest designs are the prettiest. These star-shaped cookies are topped with white icing and dotted with colorful sprinkles, giving them a classic, elegant look.
16. Easy Peppermint Cookies
CREDIT: MOM ON TIME OUT
Pretty in pink with white chocolate chips peeking through, these peppermint cookies are sweet, minty, and super easy to whip up for holiday trays or Santa’s plate.
17. Pecan Praline Cookies
CREDIT: AHEAD OF THYME
These Southern-inspired cookies are sweet, nutty, and buttery with a melt-in-your-mouth praline coating.
18. Mint Christmas Cookies
CREDIT: FAMILY COOKIE RECIPES
Bright green, dipped in chocolate, and sprinkled with little tree confetti — these minty cookies are as cheerful as they come.
19. Eggnog Frosted Chai Snickerdoodle Snowmen
CREDIT: HALF BAKED HARVEST
Classic snickerdoodles get cozy with chai spices, then dressed up as frosted snowmen with a creamy eggnog glaze. Cute, festive, and irresistibly spiced!
20. Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
CREDIT: INSPIRED BY CHARM
These swirly red, green, and white cookies are a showstopper. They’re a little more effort, but totally worth it for the fun, candy-cane look. Every time I see them, I can’t help but think of Dr. Seuss!
21. Healthy Ginger Snap Recipe with Caramel Apples
CREDIT: FOOD, FAITH, AND FITNESS
These spiced gingersnaps are made lighter but still pack all the flavor—especially when drizzled with a touch of caramel for an indulgent finish.
22. Christmas Lights Cookies
CREDIT: DESSERT FOR TWO
These cookies are such a fun idea—white icing as the “string” and colorful mini M&Ms for the bulbs. I love that they look impressive but aren’t actually complicated to make. Kids especially get a kick out of them.
23. Grinch Cake Mix Cookies
CREDIT: PRINCESS PINKY GIRL
Bright green, crinkly cookies with a single red heart candy — these are perfect for any Grinch fans in the family. They’re soft, chewy, and instantly recognizable as a nod to the holiday classic.
24. Brown Butter Chai Spice Cookies
CREDIT: BARLEY & SAGE
Warm, spiced, and a little more grown-up, these chai-inspired cookies are cozy perfection.
25. Peppermint Snowball Cookies
CREDIT: MOM ON TIME OUT
These pink, powdery cookies melt in your mouth and look like little snowballs rolled in sugar. They’re dainty and sweet, yet still easy enough for kids to help make.
26. Peppermint Cookies
CREDIT: CULINARY HILL
Soft, red cookies topped with creamy frosting and crushed candy canes — these taste like Christmas in every bite. They’re festive, colorful, and a fun way to use up those extra candy canes.
27. Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups
CREDIT: PRINCESS PINKY GIRL
These cookie cups are as fun to make as they are to eat! Shaped like tiny mugs, they’re filled with chocolate, topped with mini marshmallows, and even finished with a candy cane handle.
28. Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies (Gluten Free)
CREDIT: THE REAL FOOD DIETITIANS
These cookies pack a cozy punch! Inspired by Mexican hot chocolate, they combine rich cocoa with a hint of cinnamon and just a touch of chili heat.
29. Gingerbread Cookies
CREDIT: CLEAN CUISINE
You can’t go wrong with classic gingerbread men and shapes, decorated simply or with icing details. Warmly spiced and endlessly nostalgic.
30. Oreo Ornament Cookies
CREDIT: KATHRYN’S KITCHEN
Transform Oreos into adorable edible ornaments with a little chocolate coating and candy toppers. These are one of those no-bake holiday treats that look way fancier than they are — and they’re always a hit with kids.
31. Stained Glass Window Cookies
CREDIT: AHEAD OF THYME
Classic sugar cookies with colorful candy centers that shine like little ornaments. Hang them up, gift them, or just enjoy eating them — they’re as fun to look at as they are to eat.
32. Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
CREDIT: VIKA LINKA
Fudgy chocolate cookies drizzled with more chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes — decadent, rich, and absolutely irresistible.
33. Gingerbread Christmas Sweater Cookies
CREDIT: BRIT + CO
These cozy gingerbread cookies are decorated like festive Christmas sweaters—fun, colorful, and the perfect mix of tasty and whimsical.
34. Spritz Cookies
CREDIT: PRINCESS PINKY GIRL
Buttery spritz cookies are a holiday classic for a reason. Pressed into festive shapes and decorated with sprinkles or dipped in chocolate, they’re simple but always welcome at any cookie swap.
35. Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
CREDIT: TWO PEAS AND THEIR POD
These oatmeal cookies get a holiday upgrade with tangy cranberries, zesty orange, and creamy white chocolate.
36. Gingerbread Emoji Cookies
CREDIT: BRIT + CO
Add a modern twist to tradition with gingerbread emoji cookies! Kids will love decorating and eating these silly, expressive treats.
37. Easy Slice ‘n’ Bake Vanilla Bean Christmas Sugar Cookies
CREDIT: HALF BAKED HARVEST
These buttery sugar cookies are flecked with real vanilla bean and so simple to prepare—just slice, bake, and decorate to your heart’s content. Perfect for kids to help with!
38. Snickerdoodles
CREDIT: AHEAD OF THYME
You can’t beat a classic! Coated in cinnamon sugar and baked until perfectly soft, snickerdoodles are the ultimate comfort cookie.
39. Red Velvet Cookies
CREDIT: AHEAD OF THYME
Red velvet feels extra festive this time of year, and these cookies are the perfect proof. Soft, chewy, and filled with chunks of white chocolate, they’re as striking to look at as they are delicious to eat.
40. Cinnamon Almond Flour Sugar Cookies
CREDIT: COTTER CRUNCH
These cookies bring warm cinnamon spice with a soft, chewy texture. They’re made with almond flour, so they’re a little different from classic sugar cookies, but I find that they’re especially good with a drizzle of icing or enjoyed plain with coffee.
41. Easy Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
CREDIT: BRIT + CO
Think homemade Oreos with a Christmas twist—rich chocolate cookies hugging a creamy peppermint filling. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat!
42. Vegan Raspberry Almond Linzer Cookies
CREDIT: TWO SPOONS
These Vegan Linzer Cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, with buttery shortbread layers sandwiching a sweet-tart jam filling.
43. Skinny Chocolate Turtle Thumbprint Cookies
CREDIT: THE SKINNY FORK
These cookies bring together chocolate, caramel, and pecans in one delightful bite — all with a lighter twist.
44. Snowman Cookies
CREDIT: BELLE OF THE KITCHEN
These frosted sugar cookies get a playful twist with candy decorations that turn them into little snowman faces.
45. Easy Sugar Christmas Tree Cookies
CREDIT: THE FORKED SPOON
I’ve been making these since I was little — simple sugar cookies cut into trees, decorated with green icing and sprinkles. They’re a tradition in so many households, and for good reason.
46. White Chocolate Peppermint Candy Cane Sugar Cookies
CREDIT: BAKER STABLE
How fun are these? Twisted red and white dough creates a cheerful candy cane shape that looks amazing on a holiday cookie platter.
47. Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies
CREDIT: OUR LOVE LANGUAGE IS FOOD
These cocoa-based cookies are topped with striped peppermint kisses for the perfect balance of chocolate and mint.
48. Christmas Tree Meringues
CREDIT: WE’RE FAR FROM NORMAL
Light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth, these meringues look just like little Christmas trees. I think they’re a great option when you want something sweet but not too heavy after a big holiday meal.
49. Ginger Cookies
CREDIT: PRINCESS PINKY GIRL
These spiced cookies get a festive twist with a half-dip in white chocolate. Simple but elegant, they’re great for when you want something that looks bakery-worthy without being overly complicated.
50. Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
CREDIT: PRINCESS PINKY GIRL
Covered in red, green, and white nonpareils, these cookies are full of holiday cheer. The crunch from the sprinkles makes them extra fun to bite into — and kids will love rolling the dough in the colorful mix.
51. Penguin Oreos
CREDIT: THE SOCCER MOM BLOG
Oreos get a frosty makeover with chocolate coating, peppermint candy earmuffs, and candy eyes. These no-bake treats are quick, fun, and ridiculously cute — kids will want to make an entire penguin colony.