There’s nothing better than spending time in the kitchen, baking cookies for the holiday season. Whether you want to treat yourself with delicious baked goods or are planning on gifting cookies to the neighbors, we’ve gathered inexpensive and easy Christmas cookie recipes. You won’t have to worry about overspending on ingredients, and you’ll be impressed with how delicious they come out.
8. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These dual flavors are iconic during the holiday season. Chocolate peppermint cookies are a classic and easy Christmas cookie recipe. By creaming together butter, brown sugar, and plain sugar, you get the light and fluffy base of the cookie. From there, add egg yolks, peppermint extract, and vanilla. Add in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then combine as well. Fold in your peppermint chips and chocolate chips, and bake. Top with candy cane pieces for the perfect chocolate and peppermint balance.
7. Cranberry Cookies
If you want more fruity sweetness rather than rich chocolate, then cranberry cookies are the next best thing. Simply beat together butter, brown sugar, and sugar, then add in your egg and vanilla. From there, add in your flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. The dough will be soft and thick. Fold in your dried cranberries, and you can even add white chocolate chips for a luxurious bite.
6. Thumbprint Cookies
For a variety of flavors that can make unique cookies each time, try thumbprint cookies, one of the classic, yet easy Christmas cookie recipes. For these, you’ll once again cream together butter and sugar until fluffy, add your egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt. Then add in flour gradually at a low speed. You’ll want to wrap the dough and chill it for 30 minutes before preparing. Once cold, roll into small balls, and use a spoon to press a shallow indentation at the center. From here, spoon in your choice of fruit jam or preserves, whether they’re all strawberry, or you add a variety of flavors.
5. Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Not a fan of the sweet options? Want something a bit savory? Peanut butter is the perfect addition to any cookie and easily balances between sweet and savory. After beating the butter until fluffy, add your sugar and cream together. From there, add your yolk, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Add flour at a low speed until combined. The basic peanut butter cookie will cook in the oven, and once done, will be topped with a Hershey’s Kiss. It’s best not to add them on top of the cookie right out of the oven, as the chocolate will melt.
4. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Chocolate crinkles are delicious and even look impressive; however, they’re one of the many easy Christmas cookie recipes you can make. Start by combining your cocoa, sugar, and oil and mixing, then add your eggs and vanilla extract. Add in your mixture of flour, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder. This dough works best after being chilled for a couple of hours. Before you bake, roll the dough balls in powdered sugar to give that beautiful cracked look at the end.
3. Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies may seem intimidating due to the molasses, but they’re actually quite easy to make. Simply mix your butter and sugar until fluffy, then add your egg and molasses. Add in your dry ingredients, including flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ginger. When everything is combined, roll our balls of dough and bake.
2. Hot Cocoa Cookies
Nothing screams Christmas more than hot cocoa cookies. These ooey-gooey bites will impress anyone this holiday season. Simply start with your first step, beating together butter and sugars, then add eggs and vanilla. Gradually add in your dry ingredients, such as flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and hot cocoa mix, until properly combined. Fold in your chocolate chips and small marshmallows. Chill for a bit, then bake.
1. Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are time-consuming; however, they’re not difficult. Making the dough is simple enough; simply start with your butter and sugar mixture, add your eggs and vanilla, then add in your flour. Once the dough is complete, you’ll want to chill it in the fridge for a couple of hours. From there, you’ll want to roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out shapes with cookie cutters. You can make it festive with cute designs, or keep it simple with circles. You can take this time to add your sprinkles before baking, or let them cook bare. After they’re done cooking and chilled, you can then ice them and sprinkle them.