20 Holiday Cookies That Deserve a Spot on Your Tray for Festive Gatherings
The holiday season is all about warmth, joy, and of course, delicious treats. When it comes to holiday baking, cookies are the star of the show, bringing a delightful mix of flavors and nostalgia to our celebrations. I’ve always believed that a well-curated cookie tray can elevate any gathering, making it a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
From classic favorites to unique twists, I’ve gathered 20 holiday cookies that truly deserve a spot on your tray. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or simply indulging in some sweet treats at home, these recipes are sure to impress. So grab your apron and let’s dive into the world of holiday baking that’ll fill your home with delightful aromas and create lasting memories.
20 Holiday Cookies That Deserve a Spot on Your Tray
- Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies offer a soft, buttery texture. Decorate them with colorful icing and sprinkles for a festive touch. - Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies bring warmth with their spicy flavor. These cookies work well for decorating and adding character to any tray. - Peppermint Bark Cookies
Peppermint bark cookies combine chocolate and peppermint for a refreshing taste. They add a delightful crunch and a holiday feel. - Thumbprint Cookies
Thumbprint cookies feature a sweet filling in the center. Fill them with jam or chocolate for a pleasing addition. - Snickerdoodles
Snickerdoodles provide a soft, cinnamon-sugar coating. Their chewy texture makes them a beloved classic. - Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Chocolate crinkle cookies showcase a rich chocolate flavor. The powdered sugar coating creates a striking contrast. - Pecan Sandies
Pecan sandies offer a nutty flavor with a buttery crumb. These cookies pair well with coffee or tea. - Linzer Cookies
Linzer cookies consist of two almond-flavored cookie rounds. The jam filling offers both colorful presentation and fruity goodness. - Almond Crescent Cookies
Almond crescent cookies deliver a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Their powdered sugar finish adds sweetness. - Molasses Cookies
Molasses cookies provide an aromatic, spiced flavor. Chewy and soft, they are perfect for a cozy holiday evening. - Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Oatmeal raisin cookies add heartiness to your tray. They’re chewy and provide a wholesome element. - Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies remain a favorite for all ages. Their gooey chocolate pieces create a rich, satisfying treat. - Russian Tea Cakes
Russian tea cakes feature a delicate, crumbly texture. Their coating of powdered sugar gives them an elegant appearance. - Brandy Snaps
Brandy snaps deliver a crispy, spiced experience. They can be filled with whipped cream for an extra touch. - Nougat Cookies
Nougat cookies combine nuts and fruit for a chewy bite. They’re unique and flavorful, setting your tray apart. - Butter Cookies
Butter cookies stand out with their rich flavor. Their simplicity allows for various decorations. - Candy Cane Cookies
Candy cane cookies provide a fun, festive twist. Their red and white swirl pattern catches the eye. - Chai Spice Cookies
Chai spice cookies offer a warm, aromatic flavor profile. These cookies invite holiday scents into your home. - Brownie Cookies
Brownie cookies create a fudgy texture reminiscent of brownies. They are perfect for chocolate lovers. - Cranberry Orange Cookies
Cranberry orange cookies mix tart and sweet flavors. The bright colors add a seasonal touch to any cookie tray.
Classic Holiday Cookie Recipes
Classic holiday cookies bring warmth and nostalgia to any festive gathering. Here are two essential recipes to include on your cookie tray.
Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are a timeless favorite, known for their soft texture and customizable shapes. I use a simple dough made from flour, butter, sugar, and eggs, which creates a perfect canvas for decorations. After rolling out the dough, I cut them into festive shapes—stars, trees, or candy canes. Decorating with bright icing and colorful sprinkles adds a personal touch, making each cookie unique. These sweet treats not only taste delightful but also add vibrant colors to any cookie display.
Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies capture the essence of the holiday season with their warm spices and rich flavor. I combine flour, brown sugar, molasses, and an assortment of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to create a flavorful dough. After chilling the dough, I roll and cut it into classic gingerbread men or houses. The scent of ginger and spices fills my kitchen while baking, evoking nostalgic holiday memories. Decorating with icing and candy turns these cookies into edible art, and they remain a cherished addition to any cookie platter.
Unique Holiday Cookie Recipes
Explore these unique holiday cookie recipes that bring festive cheer and distinct flavors to your holiday cookie tray.
Peppermint Bark Cookies
Peppermint bark cookies combine the rich taste of chocolate with refreshing peppermint. This recipe layers dark and white chocolate on a base of soft chocolate cookie dough, creating a delightful contrast in flavors. Crush candy canes on top for an extra burst of peppermint and a festive look. Chill before serving to ensure the chocolate sets perfectly.
Eggnog Cookies
Eggnog cookies capture the essence of holiday celebrations. With a soft, cake-like texture, these cookies blend the classic taste of eggnog with warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. For added richness, incorporate a splash of rum extract and top with a drizzle of glaze. These cookies offer an aromatic flavor profile, making them a perfect match for any holiday gathering.
No-Bake Holiday Cookie Options
No-bake cookies offer a quick and easy solution for holiday baking without turning on the oven. These delightful treats pack flavor and are perfect additions to any cookie tray.
Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Chocolate oatmeal cookies combine rich chocolate flavor with chewy oats. I mix rolled oats, unsweetened cocoa powder, peanut butter, and honey to create a deliciously indulgent yet simple treat. After chilling the mixture, I scoop it onto parchment paper to set. These cookies are versatile, allowing me to add ingredients like chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture. They remain a crowd favorite for their satisfying chewiness and decadent chocolate taste.
Coconut Snowball Cookies
Coconut snowball cookies capture the spirit of winter within every bite. I start with shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything binds together. Rolling the mixture into small balls and chilling them creates a soft, chewy cookie. For an elegant finish, I dust them with powdered sugar before serving. These cookies not only offer a tropical twist but also add a beautiful contrast to traditional holiday treats, making them a must-have on my tray.
Healthy Holiday Cookie Alternatives
I enjoy making healthier versions of holiday cookies that still deliver on taste. These alternatives allow everyone to indulge without guilt.
Almond Flour Cookies
Almond flour cookies incorporate nutrient-rich almond flour, offering a gluten-free option. They provide essential vitamins and minerals while maintaining a delicious flavor and texture. I prefer to sweeten these cookies with honey or maple syrup, adding natural sweetness without refined sugar. For flavor, I mix in vanilla extract and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The result is a soft, chewy cookie that everyone loves.
Vegan Snickerdoodles
Vegan snickerdoodles bring the traditional cookie to a plant-based audience. I use coconut oil instead of butter and replace eggs with unsweetened applesauce. Cinnamon sugar coating adds a festive touch, while brown sugar contributes to moisture and rich flavor. These cookies are soft and chewy, perfect for those seeking dairy-free options without sacrificing taste.
Decorating Tips for Holiday Cookies
Decorating holiday cookies adds a fun and festive touch to your tray. With the right techniques and toppings, you can create visually stunning treats that impress guests and delight taste buds.
Icing Techniques
I focus on a few popular icing techniques to elevate my holiday cookies.
- Royal Icing: This icing creates a firm, smooth finish perfect for intricate designs. Mix egg whites or meringue powder with powdered sugar and water until thick but spreadable. I often use this for detailed piping and flooding.
- Glaze Icing: I create a simple glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. This type sets quickly and has a glossy finish. I use it for sugar cookies where I want a sweeter topping without the fuss of piping.
- Marbling: To achieve a marbled effect, I drizzle different colored glazes onto a cookie and swirl them gently with a toothpick. This technique creates unique patterns that catch the eye.
- Spritzing: When I’m in the mood for a textured look, I use a piping bag to spritz various shapes directly onto the cookies. This technique adds dimension and can be topped with colored sugar for extra flair.
Creative Toppings
Adding creative toppings enhances the visual appeal and flavor of holiday cookies.
- Sprinkles: I use a variety of sprinkles, from classic rainbow to themed shapes, to add pops of color and festive spirit. They work well on glazed cookies for added texture.
- Nuts: I chop or slice nuts like almonds or pecans and sprinkle them on wet icing. This adds crunch and complements flavors like chocolate or spice.
- Coconut: Shredded coconut offers a tropical twist. I toast it lightly for an extra depth of flavor before using it as a topping for snowy-themed cookies.
- Candies: I often decorate cookies with mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or M&M’s. These candies provide sweetness and a fun crunch, especially on gingerbread or sugar cookies.
- Edible Glitter: I add a touch of edible glitter to finished cookies for a sparkling effect. Just a pinch can transform a simple design into a celebration-ready treat.
These decorating tips enhance both the visual and flavor aspects of holiday cookies, making them standout additions to any tray.
Conclusion
Baking holiday cookies is more than just a tradition; it’s a way to create lasting memories and bring joy to gatherings. With these 20 delightful recipes, you can craft a cookie tray that dazzles and satisfies everyone. Each cookie offers its own unique flavor and charm, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
Whether you lean towards classic favorites or adventurous new flavors, your holiday cookie tray will surely impress. So roll up your sleeves and embrace the spirit of the season by filling your home with the wonderful aromas of freshly baked cookies. Happy baking and enjoy the sweet moments this holiday season brings!
