12 Gorgeous Holiday Cookie Recipes That Belong on Pinterest

Written by Joanna in Other

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The holidays are the perfect time to bake up a storm in the kitchen, especially with cookies that brighten up your celebrations. We’ve gathered 12 stunning recipes that not only taste delightful but also look amazing enough to steal the spotlight on Pinterest. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these treats are sure to make your festive season even sweeter!

1. Classic Sugar Cookies

Warm, buttery sugar cookies that are a holiday staple.

Ingredients:

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3-4 tbsp decorated icing

Process:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
  2. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar, then beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
  3. Roll dough into balls, place on baking sheets, and flatten slightly. Bake for 8-10 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Add lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
  • Swap vanilla for almond extract.

2. Gingerbread Cookies

Delightfully spiced cookies that fill your home with holiday cheer.

Ingredients:

  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup molasses

Process:

  1. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and spices.
  2. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar, then add the egg and molasses. Mix well and gradually add dry ingredients.
  3. Roll out the dough, cut into shapes, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Decorate with royal icing or candy canes.
  • Add chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.

3. Peppermint Bark Cookies

A dreamy combination of chocolate and mint for a festive flair.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Process:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine flour, cocoa, and baking soda.
  2. Cream butter and sugar, then mix in the egg and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients.
  3. Fold in white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet, bake for 10-12 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Use dark chocolate instead of white for a richer taste.
  • Swap in almond extract for a different flavor.

4. Cranberry Walnut Cookies

A sweet and nutty cookie that captures the season’s flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Process:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  2. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar, beat in the egg and vanilla, and gradually mix in dry ingredients.
  3. Fold in cranberries and walnuts. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Replace walnuts with pecans for a different nutty flavor.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.

5. Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms

A chocolate delight with a minty twist!

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 24 Hershey’s Kisses
  • 1/4 cup crushed peppermint

Process:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt together.
  2. Cream butter and sugar, then add the egg and vanilla. Gradually mix in dry ingredients.
  3. Roll dough into balls, bake for 10 minutes, and place a Kiss on each warm cookie.

Make it Unique:

  • Use white chocolate Kisses instead of classic.
  • Drizzle melted chocolate on top for extra flair.

6. Almond Joy Cookies

A cookie inspired by the classic candy bar, featuring chocolate and coconut.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds, for topping

Process:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, stir together flour, cocoa, and coconut.
  2. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar, then beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually combine the dry mix.
  3. Drop spoonfuls on a baking sheet, top with slivered almonds, and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Use dark chocolate cocoa for a richer cookie.
  • Add a coconut cream filling for extra flavor.

7. Eggnog Cookies

A soft and chewy cookie that captures the essence of eggnog.

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Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup eggnog
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Process:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and nutmeg in a bowl.
  2. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar. Blend in eggnog, egg, and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients.
  3. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Add chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
  • Substitute eggnog with spiced rum for a richer flavor.

8. Cherry Almond Cookies

Sweet and chewy with a touch of fruitiness!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped

Process:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar, then blend in the egg and almond extract. Gradually mix in dry ingredients.
  3. Fold in cherries; drop spoonfuls on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Use dried cherries for a different texture.
  • Drizzle with chocolate for a delightful finish.

9. Pecan Pie Cookies

All the flavors of pecan pie in a convenient cookie form.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup corn syrup

Process:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, stir together flour and baking soda.
  2. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth, then mix in the egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in dry ingredients.
  3. Mix in chopped pecans and corn syrup. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Add chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
  • Use walnuts instead of pecans for a different nut flavor.

10. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Perfectly sweet and tangy treats ideal for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup dried cranberries

Process:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt together.
  2. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in the egg and vanilla, then gradually incorporate dry ingredients.
  3. Fold in white chocolate chips and cranberries. Scoop onto baking sheets, and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Substitute butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.
  • Add orange zest for a citrusy touch.

11. Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Enjoy the flavor of cinnamon rolls in cookie form!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

Process:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a bowl.
  2. Cream together butter and sugar. Add the egg and mix well, then gradually add dry ingredients.
  3. Roll dough into a log shape, sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar, and slice into cookies. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Roll in chopped pecans for added crunch.
  • Drizzle with maple icing for a special touch.

12. Nutella-Stuffed Cookies

A cookie lover’s dream with a dreamy Nutella center!

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup Nutella

Process:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  2. In another bowl, cream butter with both sugars, then add eggs and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients.
  3. Scoop dough, place Nutella in the center, and roll into a ball. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Blend in hazelnuts for added crunch.
  • Use peanut butter instead of Nutella for a different flavor profile.

As the holiday season rolls in, it’s the perfect time to knead, roll, and bake these beautiful cookie creations. Each recipe offers a delicious treat that’s not only pleasing to the palate but also a feast for the eyes. So why not gather loved ones and try your hand at one (or all!) of these delightful recipes? Happy baking!

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