Discover 10 Must-bake cookies to fill your Christmas tins this year. From classic favorites to festive twists, these cookies are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for gifting or holiday gatherings.

Reindeer Cookies arranged together.
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It’s prime time for cookie baking! Whether you’re hosting a cookie exchange, preparing gifts for loved ones, or just want to fill your own cookie jar, these ten recipes are festive, fun, and absolutely irresistible.

Why We Love These

  • Classic Favorites: Timeless cookies everyone loves, from sugar cookies to chocolate chip.
  • Festive Flavors: Holiday-inspired spices, peppermint, and seasonal treats.
  • Easy to Bake: Recipes that are simple and approachable for any skill level.
  • Perfect for Gifting: Ideal for cookie tins, plates, or holiday dessert exchanges.
  • Variety of Textures: From soft and chewy to crisp and buttery, something for every palate.
  • Kid-Friendly: Fun recipes that kids can help decorate and enjoy.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake in advance to save time during the busy holiday season.

1. Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies

Soft red velvet cookies sandwiched with creamy frosting for a decadent treat. Perfect for holiday cookie trays, gifting, or any special occasion dessert.

Red Velvet sandwich cookies stacked together.
Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies
Soft, chewy Red Velvet Cookies filled with sweet cream cheese frosting. These cookies are a decadent treat perfect for any occasion.
Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies

2. Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

Buttery thumbprint cookies filled with sweet cherry jam and a hint of vanilla. A festive and delicious treat for holiday baking, cookie trays, or seasonal celebrations.

Cherry thumbprint cookies stacked together.
Cherry Thumbprint Cookies
Cherry Thumbprint Cookies are soft, buttery cookies filled with sweet cherry preserves and topped with a light glaze. A festive and easy treat perfect for Christmas cookie trays or any occasion!
Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

3. Shortbread Christmas Cookies

Classic buttery Shortbread Christmas Cookies, shaped for the holidays and lightly sweetened. Ideal for festive cookie trays, gifting, or enjoying with a cup of tea or cocoa.

Shortbread Christmas cookies stacked together.
Shortbread Christmas Cookies
Shortbread Christmas Cookies are light and buttery with festive sprinkles. With only 6 ingredients, these Christmas shortbread cookies are the perfect dessert.
Shortbread Christmas Cookies

4. M&M Christmas Cookies

Chewy cookies loaded with colorful M&M candies for a festive holiday treat. Great for cookie trays, holiday baking, and sharing with family and friends.

M&M Christmas Cookies
M&M Christmas Cookies are festive for the holidays and so delicious. Red and green M&M candy combined with chocolate chips make each bite rich and decadent.
M&M Christmas Cookies

5. Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Recipe

Festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies with a fun swirled design and buttery, tender dough. Ideal for holiday cookie trays, gifting, and adding a playful touch to seasonal baking.

Christmas pinwheel cookies on a platter arranged together.
Christmas pinwheel cookies
Christmas pinwheel cookies are super easy to make. From holiday parties and more, these cookies will be the star and sure to impress.
Christmas pinwheel cookies

6. Reindeer Cookies

Festive Reindeer Cookies made with soft peanut butter dough, pretzel antlers, and candy eyes. A fun holiday treat for parties.

Reindeer cookies arranged on a platter.
Reindeer Cookies
Delicious peanut butter cookies are decorated with adorable Rudolph faces for the best Reindeer Cookies. This easy Christmas cookie recipe is a hit with kids and adults too!
Reindeer Cookies

7. Candy Cane Cookies

Sweet and minty Candy Cane Cookies with a tender, buttery base and festive peppermint swirls. A cheerful holiday treat for cookie exchanges, dessert tables, or seasonal celebrations.

Candy cane cookies arranged together.
Candy Cane Cookies
Candy Cane Cookies have twists of red dough and white dough to make festive Christmas cookies. The peppermint flavor is perfect for the holidays.
Candy Cane Cookies

8. White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Soft, chewy cookies loaded with creamy white chocolate chunks and peppermint candy. A festive and flavorful holiday treat for parties or seasonal snacking.

White chocolate peppermint cookies stacked together.
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a holiday favorite. The peppermint flavor and white chocolate chips taste amazing in these soft and fluffy cookies.
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

9. Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Chewy and flavorful soft gingerbread cookies with warm holiday spices. Enjoy for gifting or enjoying as a cozy seasonal treat.

Stacks of gingerbread cookies.
Gingerbread Cookie recipe
Enjoy this homemade Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe at home with this easy recipe. These are the best gingerbread cookies with molasses. 
Gingerbread Cookie recipe

10. Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies

Buttery shortbread cookies partially dipped in rich chocolate for a decadent treat. Ideal for holiday cookie trays or enjoying with a warm beverage.

Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies
This recipe for Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies is a decadent treat. Shortbread cookies dipped in chocolate and topped with sea salt make the perfect recipe for any occasion.
Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies

More Holiday Treats

Try these 10 must-bake cookies to fill your Christmas tins this year and delight family and friends with festive treats! Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your favorite cookie recipes or decorating tips.

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Desserts on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you create delicious desserts on a budget and do not require a ton of time. Together, we are going to make something sweet that the entire family will love!

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