Christmas is the perfect time to bake cookies that bring warmth, nostalgia, and joy to every bite. These 10 recipes are quick, delicious, and packed with festive flavors like ginger, peppermint, and cinnamon. Using pantry staples, they’re budget-friendly, under 200 calories per serving, and require minimal tools (mixing bowl, baking sheet). Inspired by your love for quick, delightful treats, these align with Harvard Nutrition for mindful indulgence. Perfect for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or cozy nights, let’s bake some holiday magic!
Why These Cookies Are Holiday Favorites
These cookies are easy to make, kid-friendly, and ideal for gifting or sharing. They offer festive flavors, with options for gluten-free or lower-sugar diets, and store well for up to a week. Requiring just a bowl and oven, they keep prep and cleanup simple. Each recipe yields 12-24 cookies, perfect for small or large gatherings. Ready to spread holiday cheer? Let’s get baking!
1. Gingerbread Cookies
Spiced, chewy classics with warm holiday flavors.
Ingredients (Makes 12)
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, salt.
- Beat butter, sugar, molasses; combine with dry mix.
- Roll into 12 balls; bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Tip: Decorate with icing for festive shapes. Calories: 120. Prep time: 20 minutes.
2. Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Soft cookies with a cool peppermint crunch.
Ingredients (Makes 12)
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Beat butter, sugar, egg, peppermint extract.
- Mix in flour, baking powder; fold in candy canes.
- Drop 12 spoonfuls; bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Tip: Add white chocolate drizzle. Calories: 130. Prep time: 20 minutes.
3. Cranberry Orange Shortbread
Buttery, zesty cookies with festive cranberry pops.
Ingredients (Makes 12)
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 tsp orange zest
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Beat butter, sugar, zest; mix in flour, salt, cranberries.
- Roll into log; slice into 12 rounds.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes.
Tip: Use gluten-free flour if needed. Calories: 140. Prep time: 25 minutes.
4. Chocolate Chip Snowballs
Buttery cookies dusted with snowy powdered sugar.
Ingredients (Makes 12)
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Beat butter, sugar, vanilla; mix in flour, chocolate chips.
- Roll into 12 balls; bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes.
- Roll in powdered sugar while warm.
Tip: Add chopped nuts for crunch. Calories: 140. Prep time: 25 minutes.
5. Almond Butter Cookies
Nutty, chewy, gluten-free delights—simple and festive.
Ingredients (Makes 12)
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix almond butter, sugar, egg, vanilla.
- Roll into 12 balls; flatten slightly.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Tip: Press a chocolate kiss in center. Calories: 150. Prep time: 20 minutes.
6. Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Soft, spiced cookies—cozy holiday vibes.
Ingredients (Makes 12)
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Beat butter, sugar, egg; mix in flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt.
- Drop 12 spoonfuls onto baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Tip: Sprinkle extra cinnamon-sugar on top. Calories: 110. Prep time: 20 minutes.
7. Chocolate-Dipped Butter Cookies
Crisp cookies with a rich chocolate coating.
Ingredients (Makes 12)
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Beat butter, sugar, vanilla; mix in flour.
- Shape into 12 rectangles; bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes.
- Melt chocolate with oil; dip half of each cookie. Chill 5 minutes.
Tip: Add sprinkles for festive flair. Calories: 160. Prep time: 25 minutes.
8. Lemon Sugar Cookies
Bright, zesty cookies—refreshing holiday treat.
Ingredients (Makes 12)
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Beat butter, sugar, egg, zest, juice.
- Mix in flour, baking powder.
- Drop 12 spoonfuls; bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Tip: Dust with powdered sugar. Calories: 120. Prep time: 20 minutes.
9. Thumbprint Cookies with Jam
Buttery cookies with sweet jam centers—festive and fun.
Ingredients (Makes 12)
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup raspberry jam
Instructions
- Beat butter, sugar, vanilla; mix in flour.
- Roll into 12 balls; press thumb in center.
- Fill with jam; bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes.
Tip: Use strawberry or apricot jam. Calories: 140. Prep time: 25 minutes.
10. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Fudgy cookies with snowy powdered sugar coating.
Ingredients (Makes 12)
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Mix flour, cocoa, baking powder.
- Beat sugar, oil, egg; combine with dry mix.
- Roll into 12 balls; coat in powdered sugar. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Tip: Chill dough for easier rolling. Calories: 130. Prep time: 20 minutes.
Nutrition Comparison Table
Per serving (approx. values, 1 cookie).
| Recipe | Calories | Net Carbs (g) | Prep Time (min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gingerbread Cookies | 120 | 18 | 20 |
| Peppermint Sugar Cookies | 130 | 16 | 20 |
| Cranberry Orange Shortbread | 140 | 14 | 25 |
| Chocolate Chip Snowballs | 140 | 14 | 25 |
| Almond Butter Cookies | 150 | 8 | 20 |
| Cinnamon Sugar Cookies | 110 | 15 | 20 |
| Chocolate-Dipped Butter Cookies | 160 | 12 | 25 |
| Lemon Sugar Cookies | 120 | 15 | 20 |
| Thumbprint Cookies with Jam | 140 | 15 | 25 |
| Chocolate Crinkle Cookies | 130 | 16 | 20 |
Baking and Storage Tips
Keep your holiday baking stress-free:
- Prep dough ahead; refrigerate for 3 days or freeze for 2 months (USDA storage).
- Bake fresh for best texture; store baked cookies in airtight containers for 1 week.
- Freeze baked cookies for 1 month; thaw at room temp.
- Package in festive tins ($2-5 at craft stores) for gifting.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
Customizing for Holiday Cheer
Make these cookies your own, inspired by your love for quick treats. Swap sugar for stevia or use gluten-free flour for dietary needs. Add festive sprinkles ($3 on Amazon) or edible glitter for sparkle. Adjust spices for kids (less ginger) or adults (more peppermint). Use MyFitnessPal to track calories. Create a cookie platter that shines at any holiday event!
FAQ
Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes! Cinnamon sugar or lemon cookies are simple to start with.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour for shortbread or almond cookies.
How long do cookies last?
1 week in airtight containers; 1 month in freezer.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes! Peppermint and thumbprint cookies are fun for kids.
Where can I find ingredients?
Supermarkets, Walmart, or Amazon; sprinkles at craft stores.
Can I reduce sugar?
Cut sugar by 25% or use substitutes like stevia.
What tools do I need?
Mixing bowl, baking sheet, and oven—no fancy equipment.
These 10 Christmas cookies bring festive joy to every holiday moment. From gingerbread to chocolate crinkles, they’re quick, delicious, and perfect for sharing. Bake ahead, customize, and enjoy the holiday season with these sweet treats. Happy baking!