17+ Holiday Cookies From Scratch Recipe Cook Up Something Special!

Published on: Mar 5, 2024

When it comes to the holiday season, there is nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. From classic favorites like chocolate chip to more festive options like gingerbread, cookies are a staple for any holiday celebration. While store-bought cookies may be convenient, there is something special about making them from scratch. Not only does it allow for customization and creativity, but it also fills the kitchen with warmth and love. Follow this professional and well-organized guide to learn how to make the perfect batch of holiday cookies from scratch.

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Holiday Cookies

Main Ingredients: Swans Down R Cake Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted

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The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in delicious, homemade cookies. And what better way to spread holiday cheer than with a batch of freshly baked holiday cookies? From classic sugar cookies to unique and festive flavors, there's a holiday cookie recipe for everyone's taste buds. So grab your apron and get ready to bake up some holiday magic with these top 20 holiday cookie recipes.

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Buttery Holiday Cookies

Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla Extract, All Purpose

These Buttery Shortbread Cookies Won't Last 10 Minutes In Your House ...

Christmas Butter Cookies - My Country Table | Recipe | Christmas butter ...

These soft, sweet, and buttery shortbread cookies only require 4 ...

Nothing beats the rich and buttery flavor of a classic holiday cookie. These cookies are perfect for any holiday occasion, whether it's a family gathering or a holiday cookie exchange. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a sprinkle of powdered sugar, these cookies will become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.

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Krumkake - Norwegian Holiday Cookies

Main Ingredients: Eggs, Granulated Sugar, Unsalted Butter, Cold Water

Norwegian Krumkake Cookies - Finding Lovely | Holiday baking recipes ...

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If you're looking to add some international flair to your holiday cookie collection, try out these traditional Norwegian holiday cookies. Made with a special krumkake iron, these delicate cookies are rolled into a cone shape and filled with whipped cream or jam. They're a beautiful addition to any holiday dessert table.

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Spiced Iced Chocolate Holiday Cookies

Main Ingredients: Cocoa Powder, All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt

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For all the chocolate lovers out there, these spiced iced chocolate holiday cookies are a must-try. With a blend of warm spices and a rich chocolate flavor, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. And the drizzle of icing on top adds the perfect touch of sweetness.

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Doggie Holiday Cookies

Main Ingredients: Pumpkin Puree, Egg, Whole Wheat Flour, All Purpose

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Don't forget about your furry friends this holiday season! These doggie holiday cookies are made with dog-friendly ingredients like peanut butter and whole wheat flour. They're a fun and delicious treat for your four-legged family members to enjoy during the holidays.

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Gingerbread Man - Single Serving Holiday Cookies

Main Ingredients: Butter, Brown Sugar, Egg, Molasses, All Purpose Flour

Gingerbread Cookies - Cooking Classy

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For those who love the classic gingerbread flavor but don't want to make a whole batch of cookies, these single serving gingerbread men are the perfect solution. Made in a mug and topped with a dollop of whipped cream, these cookies are a fun and festive treat for one.

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Ultimate Double Chocolate Chunk Holiday Cookies

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Soda, I Can T Believe It S

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Indulge in double the chocolate with these ultimate double chocolate chunk holiday cookies. Packed with both chocolate chips and chunks, these cookies are a chocolate lover's dream. And the addition of sea salt on top adds the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness.

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Knockout Holiday Cookies

Main Ingredients: Softened Butter, Brown Sugar, Large Eggs, Whole Milk

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These knockout holiday cookies are sure to impress with their beautiful marbled design. Made with a combination of vanilla and chocolate dough, these cookies are rolled together to create a stunning pattern. They're almost too pretty to eat.

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Paleo Holiday Cookies

Main Ingredients: Cashew Meal, Shredded Coconut, Sweetener, Vanilla

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For those following a paleo diet, these holiday cookies are a must-try. Made with almond flour and coconut sugar, these cookies are a healthier alternative to traditional holiday treats. And they still have that delicious, buttery taste we all love in a holiday cookie.

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Italian Holiday Cookies

Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Large Egg, Vanilla Extract, All Purpose

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Take a trip to Italy with these traditional Italian holiday cookies. Also known as "biscotti di natale," these cookies are made with almonds, lemon zest, and a touch of anise extract. They're perfect for dunking in a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

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Minty Holiday Cookies

Main Ingredients: Cake Flour, Salt, Baking Powder, Unsalted Butter

Gluten Free Minty Sugar Cookies - Fearless Dining | Best gluten free ...

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Add a refreshing twist to your holiday cookies with these minty treats. Made with peppermint extract and topped with crushed candy canes, these cookies are a festive and tasty addition to your holiday dessert spread. Plus, they make your house smell amazing while baking.

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Easy Holiday Cookies

Main Ingredients: Butter, Dark Brown Sugar, Flour, Sprinkles

80+ Easy Christmas Cookies - Best Recipes for Holiday Cookies—Delish.com

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Easy Christmas Cookie For Cookie Exchange | The Foodie Affair

Short on time but still want to make some holiday cookies? These easy holiday cookies are the perfect solution. Made with a store-bought cake mix, these cookies are quick and simple to make. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.

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Spring Holiday Cookies

Main Ingredients: Sorghum Flour, Brown Rice Flour, White Rice Flour

Bright Spring Cookies {and Spring Desserts} - Glorious Treats

10 Festive Holiday Cookies Recipes - Jessica Gavin

Pumpkin Pie Cookies, Fun Cookies, Decorated Cookies, Cookie Frosting ...

Who says holiday cookies have to be limited to the winter season? These spring holiday cookies are a fresh and fun twist on traditional holiday flavors. Made with lemon zest and topped with colorful sprinkles, these cookies are sure to brighten up any holiday celebration.

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Whipped Shortbread Holiday Cookies

Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Powdered Sugar, All Purpose Flour

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For a melt-in-your-mouth texture, try these whipped shortbread holiday cookies. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these cookies are light, buttery, and absolutely delicious. They're a classic holiday cookie that never gets old.

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Easy Keto Butter Cookies (Keto Holiday Cookies)

Main Ingredients: Almond Flour, Softened Butter, Erythritol, Vanilla

Quick & Easy Keto Butter Cookies - Delightfully Low Carb

Keto Butter Cookies | Simple, Easy & Low Carb - The Diet Chef | Recipe ...

Don't let a keto diet stop you from enjoying holiday treats. These easy keto butter cookies are made with almond flour and erythritol for a low-carb, sugar-free option. They're perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while staying on track with your diet.

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Chai Snickerdoodle Holiday Cookies

Main Ingredients: Sugar, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Allspice

These Chai Snickerdoodles are a fun twist on this classic cookie! A ...

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Give the classic snickerdoodle cookie a chai twist with these chai snickerdoodle holiday cookies. The addition of chai spice adds a warm and cozy flavor to these already delicious cookies. They're perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee on a cold winter day.

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Vanilla Kipferl Holiday Cookies

Main Ingredients: Flour, Powdered Sugar, Egg Yolk, Vanilla Extract, Salt

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These traditional German holiday cookies, also known as vanilla crescents, are a must-try for any cookie lover. Made with ground almonds and dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies have a delicate and crumbly texture. They're a beautiful addition to any holiday cookie platter.

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Mint Stuffed Holiday Cookies

Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar, Stevia In The Raw, Large

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If you can't get enough mint during the holiday season, you'll love these mint stuffed holiday cookies. Made with a chocolate cookie dough and filled with a creamy mint filling, these cookies are a delicious combination of chocolate and mint flavors. Plus, they're perfect for cookie exchanges.

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Slice & Bake Holiday Cookies

Main Ingredients: Flour, White Whole Wheat Flour, Baking Powder, Salt

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Simplify your holiday baking with these slice & bake holiday cookies. Made with a sugar cookie dough, you can prepare these cookies ahead of time and slice and bake them whenever you're ready for some fresh, homemade cookies. They're a time-saving and delicious option for the busy holiday season.

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Cake Box Holiday Cookies

Main Ingredients: Yellow Cake Mix, Butter, Shortening, Egg, Vanilla, Sugar

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For a unique and easy holiday cookie recipe, try these cake box cookies. Made with just a box of cake mix and a few simple ingredients, these cookies are quick and delicious. You can also customize the flavor by using different cake mix flavors or adding in your favorite mix-ins.

Ingredients and Tools You Will Need

Flour, Sugar, and Butter

To make delicious cookies, you'll need a few key ingredients. Make sure to use fresh and high-quality flour, sugar, and butter. These are the base of your cookie dough and will greatly affect the taste and texture of your final product. You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or almond flour, to add a unique twist to your cookies.

Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Eggs are a crucial ingredient in cookie dough as they provide structure and moisture. Make sure to use room temperature eggs for best results. Vanilla extract is also a key ingredient as it adds depth of flavor to your cookies. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.

Mixing Bowls and Electric Mixer

Having the right tools can make all the difference when making cookies from scratch. Use large mixing bowls to ensure there is enough room to mix all the ingredients. An electric mixer will also make the process much easier and ensure that all the ingredients are evenly combined.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential as it creates air pockets in the dough, resulting in a softer and more flavorful cookie.

Step 2: Add in the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 3: Gradually Add in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. You can also add in any additional ingredients at this point, such as chocolate chips or dried cranberries.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

To prevent the cookies from spreading too much, it's important to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will also allow the flavors to develop and result in a more flavorful cookie.

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy!

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to the specified temperature in the recipe. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and scoop the dough onto the sheet. Bake for the recommended time, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now that you have the perfect holiday cookie recipe, get creative and have fun with different flavor combinations. Your friends and family will be impressed by your homemade treats and the love that went into making them from scratch. Happy baking!