18 Insanely Festive Christmas Cookies You’ll Bake On Repeat

Christmas is the perfect time to whip up some festive cookies, and we’ve got a variety of delightful ideas to spark your creativity! From classic sugar cookies to gingerbread treats, there’s something for everyone. Short, useful, and a little cheeky. Below are classic crowd-pleasers with fun twists, plus easy vegan swaps where they make sense.

Pro tips as you go: chill dough for cleaner shapes, bake one test cookie to check spread, and always cool trays before reusing so your second batch doesn’t over-spread.

1. Delight In The Classics: Sugar Cookies With A Festive Twist

Sugar cookies are a holiday favorite, and adding a festive twist makes them even better. Decorate them with colorful icing and sprinkles for a cheerful touch. These cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa!

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 to 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
3. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass, and sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles.
4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.
5. For icing, mix confectioners’ sugar with milk and food coloring to desired consistency. Decorate cooled cookies with icing and sprinkles.

Tip: For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. Enjoy your festive baking!

2. Gingerbread Magic: Crafting The Perfect Spice Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a holiday classic that everyone loves. They’re fun to decorate and even more fun to eat! Gather your friends and family for a gingerbread cookie decorating party this season!

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
2. Beat Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla, mixing well.
3. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
4. Roll and Cut: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
5. Bake: Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are firm. Let cool before decorating.

Tip: For a softer cookie, reduce baking time slightly. For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.

3. Chocolate Chip Joy: A Holiday Favorite With A Peppermint Kick

Chocolate chip cookies are a classic, but adding a peppermint twist makes them festive and fun! These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with chocolate and mint flavors. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips: For extra peppermint flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough. To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.

4. Nutty Delights: Hazelnut Cookies For The Holiday Season

Hazelnut cookies are a tasty treat that brings warmth to your holiday gatherings. These cookies are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a perfect snack with coffee or tea. Plus, they are easy to make and will impress your friends and family!

Ingredients

• 1 cup hazelnut flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together hazelnut flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture until combined. Fold in chopped hazelnuts if using.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tip: For a vegan version, substitute the butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Enjoy your baking!

5. Fruity Fun: Cranberry Orange Cookies For A Zesty Treat

These cranberry orange cookies are a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats. The zesty orange flavor pairs perfectly with tart cranberries, making each bite refreshing and fun. They’re easy to make and will brighten up your holiday cookie platter!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
• 1 cup orange icing (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and orange zest, mixing well.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. Fold in the chopped cranberries.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
5. Let them cool, then drizzle with orange icing before serving.

6. Coconut Bliss: Tropical Christmas Cookies To Brighten The Season

These coconut cookies are a fun twist for your holiday baking! They bring a taste of the tropics right to your Christmas table, making them a delightful treat for everyone. Plus, they’re super easy to make and will surely impress your guests!

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (for drizzling)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
3. Using a spoon, scoop out small amounts of the mixture and shape them into mounds on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool completely.
5. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler. Drizzle over the cooled cookies before serving.

Tips:For a lighter version, use unsweetened coconut and adjust the sweetened condensed milk to taste. If you want a vegan option, substitute the sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream and add a bit of maple syrup for sweetness.

7. Chocolate Peppermint Crunch: A Sweet Holiday Indulgence

Chocolate peppermint crunch cookies are a festive treat that everyone will love. The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint makes them perfect for the holiday season. Top them with crushed candy canes for an extra crunch and a pop of color!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.
4. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set.
5. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Classic Snickerdoodles: A Cinnamon Sugar Sensation

Snickerdoodles are a holiday favorite that never disappoints! These soft, chewy cookies are rolled in cinnamon sugar, giving them a delightful sweetness and spice. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a glass of milk, they bring a warm, festive vibe to any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
3. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for rolling. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll them in the cinnamon sugar, and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips: For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them. You can also use vegan butter and flax eggs for a vegan version!

9. Lavender Infusion: Unique Cookies For A Holiday Twist

Looking for a fun twist on holiday cookies? Lavender-infused cookies bring a unique flavor that’s sure to impress your guests. These beautiful treats not only taste great but also look stunning on any dessert table!

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons culinary lavender, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Royal icing for decoration (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and chopped lavender. Mix until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely before decorating with royal icing if desired.

10. Molasses Magic: Rich Cookies For A Cozy Celebration

Molasses cookies are a holiday favorite that bring warmth and comfort to any gathering. Their rich flavor and chewy texture make them perfect for sharing with friends and family. Try these delightful cookies topped with a sweet glaze to make your celebration even more special!

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
2. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg, mixing well.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
5. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies before serving.

11. Almond Joy: Deliciously Nutty Cookies For The Holidays

These Almond Joy cookies are a delightful treat for the holiday season. With a perfect blend of almond and chocolate, they’ll surely bring joy to your gatherings. Plus, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped almonds
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
2. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add to the wet mixture.
3. Fold in the chopped almonds and chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, and sprinkle with sliced almonds on top.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

12. Red Velvet Cookies: A Festive Treat For The Eyes And Palate

Red velvet cookies are a fun twist on the classic holiday treat. Their vibrant color and creamy frosting make them a showstopper at any gathering. Plus, they taste as good as they look!

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, food coloring, and vanilla, mixing well.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
5. While the cookies cool, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Frost the cooled cookies and enjoy!

Tips:For a festive touch, sprinkle some edible glitter on top of the frosting. If you’re looking for a vegan option, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.

13. Pumpkin Spice Bliss: Embrace The Flavors Of Fall

These pumpkin spice cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the season. Soft, spiced, and topped with creamy frosting, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Get ready to enjoy the warm flavors of fall with every bite!

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until smooth. Add the egg and mix well.
2. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring until combined.
3. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are set. Let cool completely.
4. For the frosting, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the cooled cookies before serving.

Tip: For a vegan version, substitute the butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. These cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying with a warm drink!

14. Matcha Magic: Green Tea Cookies For A Unique Holiday Flavor

These matcha cookies bring a fun twist to your holiday baking. The vibrant green color and unique flavor will impress your friends and family. Plus, they’re super easy to make!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
4. Shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten slightly and bake for 10-12 minutes.
5. Let them cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tip: For a vegan version, substitute the butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).

15. Peanut Butter Bliss: A Nutty Treat For Everyone

Peanut butter cookies are a classic holiday treat that everyone loves. Their nutty flavor and soft texture make them perfect for sharing with friends and family. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up!

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Chopped peanuts for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, baking soda, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern. If desired, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips: For a vegan version, substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce. These cookies can also be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them a great make-ahead treat!

16. Caramel Pecan Treats: Decadent Cookies With A Crunch

Caramel pecan treats are a delightful twist on classic cookies. The combination of crunchy pecans and gooey caramel creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. These cookies are sure to impress at any holiday gathering!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup caramel bits

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until well combined.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans and caramel bits.
3. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
4. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips: For a richer flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the dough. If you want a vegan version, substitute the butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.

17. S’Mores Cookies: Bring The Campfire To Your Kitchen

These S’mores cookies are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat. With gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate sandwiched between sweet cookies, they bring the cozy vibes right to your home. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, these cookies are sure to be a hit this holiday season!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

18. Triple Chocolate Delight: Indulging In Chocolatey Goodness

These triple chocolate cookies are a chocolate lover’s dream! With rich cocoa, chocolate chips, and a drizzle of melted chocolate on top, they are perfect for the holiday season. Bake a batch and watch them disappear!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted (for drizzling)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the semi-sweet and white chocolate chips.
3. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
4. Once cooled, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cookies for an extra touch of chocolatey goodness.

Tip: For a vegan version, substitute the butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Enjoy these cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite plant-based alternative!

FAQs

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes. Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze solid, then bag. Bake from frozen at the same temp, add 2–3 minutes.

Which doughs must be chilled?
Sugar cookies, gingerbread, and red velvet benefit from at least 1 hour. If a dough feels soft or sticky, chill it.

How do I stop cookies from spreading too much?
Use cool trays, weigh flour, and bake a test cookie. If it spreads, chill longer or add 1–2 tbsp flour to the batch.

How do I keep cut-outs sharp?
Roll between parchment, chill the sheet of rolled dough 10–15 minutes, then cut and bake.

What’s the best way to ship or gift these?
Choose sturdy cookies (gingerbread, snickerdoodles, macaroons, molasses). Stack with parchment between layers in a snug tin.

Gluten-free swaps that actually work?
Use a 1:1 GF baking blend for most doughs. For macaroons, they’re naturally GF. Add ½ tsp xanthan only if your blend lacks it.

Egg-free options?
Try flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 2½ tbsp water) for drop cookies like chocolate chip, peanut butter, and molasses.

Dairy-free options?
Use vegan butter sticks (not spread) and dairy-free chips. For glazes/frostings, swap milk with oat or almond milk.

How long do these keep?
Most stay fresh 3–4 days airtight. Gingerbread and molasses improve on day 2. Freeze baked cookies up to 2 months.

Any make-ahead icing tips?
Use a simple powdered-sugar glaze for quick sets, or royal icing for detailed work. Let decorated cookies dry overnight before stacking.

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