Discover 100 beloved cookie and bar recipes perfect for Christmas and beyond. These family-friendly favorites are freezer-safe, ideal for last-minute baking, and great for snacking, gifting, parties, or anytime you crave something sweet and comforting.
Looking for fresh cookie ideas this holiday season? You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find a curated collection of classic and creative cookies and bars—everything from soft sugar cookies and chewy chocolate chip variations to no-bake treats and elegant shortbreads. Many recipes are freezer-friendly or can be prepared ahead so you can enjoy stress-free holiday baking and gifting.
Easy Hot Cocoa Cookies
These Hot Cocoa Cookies bring the cozy flavors of hot chocolate to cookie form—rich chocolate, mini marshmallows, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels like a warm hug.
Check out this recipe
Easy Soft Sugar Cookies
A reliable recipe for soft, tender sugar cookies that are excellent plain or decorated. Includes simple royal icing and glaze options for decorating.
Check out this recipe
Christmas M & M Cookie Bars
Soft, gooey cookie bars studded with chocolate chips and festive M&M’s—easy to make and perfect for cookie exchanges and holiday platters.
Check out this recipe
Marlene’s Caramelitas
A rich, gooey bar with a buttery oatmeal crust and a center of caramel, chocolate, and pecans—decadent and ideal for satisfying a serious sweet tooth.
Check out this recipe
Double Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies
Chocolatey cookies filled with peppermint candy pieces and chocolate chips—festive and fast to prepare.
Check out this recipe
Christmas Shortbread Cookies
Buttery shortbread with a touch of brown sugar—simple, tender, and perfect for cut-outs or slice-and-bake, finished with icing and festive sprinkles.
Check out this recipe
Easy Cherry Holiday Squares
A quick, festive bar loaded with cherry pie filling—beautiful, crowd-pleasing, and ideal for last-minute baking.
Check out this recipe
No Bake Christmas Cherry Balls
No-bake cherry balls are easy to make with kids and can be frozen until you’re ready to serve.
Check out this recipe
Lemon Pecan Snowball Cookies
Buttery shortbread-style cookies studded with pecans and rolled in powdered sugar. A bright lemon twist makes these irresistible.
Check out this recipe
German Star Cookies
Zimtsterne—cinnamon-spiced star cookies that are crisp yet chewy and naturally gluten-free, a classic for Christmas.
Check out this recipe
Chocolate Rugelach Recipe
Cream cheese pastry rolled around a chocolate and orange filling. Dough can be made ahead and frozen; both unbaked and baked cookies freeze well.
Check out this recipe
Homemade Grinch Crinkle Cookies
Fudgy crinkle cookies with a brownie-like texture—great for a whimsical holiday platter.
Check out this recipe
Gluten-free Sugar Cookies
A foolproof gluten-free sugar cookie that stays true to classic texture and flavor, with tips to prevent spreading.
Check out this recipe
Italian Anise Cookies
Festive Italian anise cookies make a large batch, ideal for exchanges, gifts, or gatherings—delicious and attractive.
Check out this recipe
Soft Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Buttery soft cookies baked with festive sprinkles—bright, simple, and tasty.
Check out this recipe
Cherry Christmas Cookies
Old-fashioned refrigerator-style cherry cookies you can assemble and freeze until baking time.
Check out this recipe
Easy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Brown butter adds a nutty, bakery-style depth to classic chocolate chip cookies—gooey, rich, and irresistible.
Check out this recipe
Gingersnaps
Chewy, spicy gingersnaps rolled in sanding sugar for a festive finish; they freeze beautifully for prep ahead.
Check out this recipe
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Four-ingredient chocolate crinkle cookies that are soft, chewy, and perfect for holiday trays.
Cranberry and White Chocolate Cookies
Crisp outside, chewy inside, and loaded with tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate—an elegant holiday classic.
Check out this recipe
The Best Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Soft gingerbread cookies that freeze well—ideal for decorating parties, exchanges, and gifting.
Check out this recipe
Best M&M Christmas Cookies
Chewy cookies packed with holiday M&Ms—bright, chocolatey, and perfect for sharing.
Check out this recipe
Biscoff Slice
No-bake bars with a Lotus Biscoff base, chocolate layer, and a Biscoff spread topping—perfect for Biscoff fans.
Check out this recipe
Jam Thumbprint Biscuits (Cookies)
Quick thumbprint cookies filled with jam—great for kids to make and ready in about 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe
How to Make Linzer Cookies
Classic Linzer cookies with a buttery almond base and bright raspberry jam centers—delicate, nutty, and perfect for special occasions.
Check out this recipe
No-Bake Caramel Cashew Bar
Sweet-and-salty no-bake bars combining crunchy cashews and gooey caramel—an easy snack or gift option.
Check out this recipe
Gluten-Free Shortbread Cookies
Rich, buttery shortbread made gluten-free with just a few ingredients—melt-in-your-mouth and perfect for gift boxes.
Check out this recipe
Pinwheel Christmas Cookies
Festive red, white, and green pinwheel cookies with a hint of almond—great for holiday platters or edible gifts.
Check out this recipe
Norwegian Gingerbread Cookies
Pepperkaker—spicy and lightly sweet, these traditional Norwegian cookies bring warm holiday flavor to your kitchen.
Check out this recipe
Amaretti Style Cranberry and Orange Almond Cookies
Light, airy amaretti-style cookies with cranberry and orange for a festive, delicate finish.
Check out this recipe
Chocolate Peanut Butter Krispies
A no-bake favorite combining chocolate and peanut butter with crispy cereal—kid-friendly and party-ready.
Check out this recipe
Cherry Bell Cookies
A retro favorite: cookie dough wrapped around a stemmed cherry, rolled in sugar for a charming, nostalgic treat.
Check out this recipe
Cocoa Cocoa Cream Thumbprint Cookies
Creamy and chocolaty thumbprint cookies that are small bites of pure delight.
Check out this recipe
Spiced Molasses Cookies
Warmly spiced molasses cookies with a chewy texture and classic holiday flavor—always a crowd-pleaser.
Check out this recipe
Coconut Sugar Cookies
Cutout coconut sugar cookies with no chill time, decorated for the holidays and freezer-friendly.
Check out this recipe
2-Ingredient Coconut Macaroons
Simple, chewy coconut macaroons made with only two ingredients—gluten-free and delightfully easy.
Check out this recipe
Pumpkin Chocolate Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Spiced pumpkin cookies swirled with chocolate and topped with tangy cream cheese frosting—a seasonal crowd-pleaser.
Check out this recipe
Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Light, buttery whipped shortbread that practically melts in your mouth—easy and elegant.
Check out this recipe
Hello Dolly Cookie Bars
Layered bars with graham, coconut, pecans, butterscotch, and chocolate—rich, textured, and easy to bake.
Check out this recipe
Best Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies
Soft, gooey chocolate chip sugar cookies made with simple pantry ingredients—comfort food at its best.
Check out this recipe
Maple Pecan Cookies
Buttery cookies flavored with pure maple syrup and crunchy pecans, finished with a maple glaze—decadent and cozy.
Check out this recipe
Christmas Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Colorful sprinkle sugar cookies that are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Check out this recipe
Cherry and Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
Creamy cheesecake bars combining cherries and chocolate for a decadent holiday dessert.
Check out this recipe
Mincemeat Cookies with a Lemon Drizzle
A delightful alternative to mince pies—spiced cookies filled with mincemeat and finished with a bright lemon drizzle.
Check out this recipe
Soft Sugar Cookie Recipe
Soft, chewy sugar cookies with a hint of tang from cream cheese and sour cream—balanced and delicious.
Check out this recipe
Cherry Pie Cookies
Shortbread-style cookies filled with cherry pie filling—pretty, tasty, and surprisingly easy to make.
Check out this recipe
Delicious Scotcheroo Cookies
Butterscotch and peanut butter meet chocolate in these chewy, irresistible Scotcheroo cookies.
Check out this recipe
Mantecaditos (Almond-Flavored Butter Cookies)
Puerto Rican thumbprint cookies with almond flavor and jam centers—festive and beloved by all ages.
Check out this recipe
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
A satisfying hybrid of cookie and cheesecake—creamy, chocolate-studded bars that are easy to make and share.
Check out this recipe
Gluten-Free Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
Crisp-edged, chewy-centered gingerbread cookies that are both gluten-free and vegan—spiced just right for the season.
Check out this recipe
Buttery Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Crisp-edged, tender thumbprint cookies filled with jam—no eggs required and wonderfully simple.
Check out this recipe
Macaroon Kiss Cookies
Coconut macaroon cookies topped with a chocolate kiss—chewy, sweet, and crowd-pleasing.
Check out this recipe
Cranberry Oat Bars
Sweet-and-tart cranberry oat bars with walnut crunch—easily made gluten-free and ideal for sharing.
Check out this recipe
Gluten-free Ginger Molasses Cookies (Soft & Chewy)
Soft, chewy ginger molasses cookies with warming spices—perfect for holiday cookie exchanges.
Check out this recipe
3-Ingredient Nutella Brownies
Fudgy Nutella brownies made with only three ingredients—quick, gluten-free-friendly, and delicious.
Check out this recipe
7 Layer Bars
A nostalgic seven-layer bar recipe that’s easy to make and great for shipping or gifting.
Check out this recipe
Chocolate Mint Cookies
Crisp-edged cookies with a soft center and refreshing chocolate-mint flavor—easy to prepare and festive.
Check out this recipe
Triple Coffee Cookies
Coffee-forward drop cookies that can be scooped and frozen for easy, on-demand baking.
Check out this recipe
Gingerbread Cookies Without Molasses
A gingerbread option that skips molasses while keeping warm spice flavor intact—great for those who prefer a milder profile.
Check out this recipe
Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Loaded with dark and white chocolate chunks, these moist, chewy cookies are a chocoholic’s dream.
Check out this recipe
Fudgy Red Velvet Cake Mix Brownies
Doctored red velvet brownies with white chocolate chips—chewy, rich, and easy to prepare from a cake mix.
Check out this recipe
Candy Cane Blossom Cookies
Classic blossom cookies topped with peppermint candies—gorgeous and gift-worthy.
Check out this recipe
French Butter Cookies
Sablés Breton-inspired butter cookies with deep vanilla and butter flavor—dough can be frozen ahead for easy baking.
Check out this recipe
Dutch Apple Pie Bars
All the flavors of apple pie with a Dutch crumb topping in convenient bar form—easy and comforting.
Check out this recipe
Easy Walnut Snowball Cookies
Traditional walnut snowballs—classic, buttery, and perfect for holiday swaps.
Check out this recipe
Green Tea Cream Cheese Brownies
Matcha swirled into fudgy brownies with a cream cheese layer for a refined, flavorful treat.
Check out this recipe
Classic Linzer Cookies
Nutty almond cookies sandwiched with fruit jam—timeless and elegant for holiday platters.
Check out this recipe
Peppermint Cookies
Cookies loaded with Oreos, white chocolate, and crushed candy canes for a festive crunch and minty finish.
Check out this recipe
Date and Walnut Bars (food for the gods)
Rich, nutty bars known as “food for the gods”—buttery, dense, and perfect with toasted nuts of your choice.
Check out this recipe
Biscoff Butter Cookies
Soft, chewy cookies made with Biscoff spread and chocolate chips—a must for cookie-butter fans.
Check out this recipe
Fresh Cranberry Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Chewy oatmeal cookies with fresh cranberries, chocolate, and warm spice—perfect for Thanksgiving through New Year.
Check out this recipe
Traditional Rolled Sugar Cookies with a New Twist
A family recipe for rolled sugar cookies updated with a fresh twist—ideal for baking with kids and decorating together.
Check out this recipe
Christmas Butter Cookies
Classic Italian-style butter cookies that are simple, buttery, and versatile for holiday decorating.
Check out this recipe
Apple Butter Snickerdoodle Bars
Snickerdoodle bars swirled with apple butter for a soft, spiced treat with a fall-to-winter appeal.
Check out this recipe
Irish Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread with a special twist that keeps them satisfyingly crunchy—double the batch because they disappear fast.
Check out this recipe
White Chocolate Raspberry Bars
Sweet white chocolate paired with tart raspberries creates pretty, festive bars ideal for holiday gifting.
Check out this recipe
Easy Brown Butter Nutella Bars
Nutella-centered bars with browned butter flavor—no mixer needed and out of the oven in about an hour.
Check out this recipe
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
A classic chocolate crinkle that melts in your mouth—timeless and easy to make.
Check out this recipe
Easy Shortbread Cookies
Minimalist shortbread—just butter, sugar, and flour—for a classic holiday staple.
Check out this recipe
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Brownie-style cookies swirled with marshmallow fluff—an indulgent nod to a cup of hot cocoa.
Check out this recipe
Spiced Mincemeat Macaron
A special holiday macaron filled with spiced mincemeat for a refined seasonal treat.
Check out this recipe
Apricot Rosemary Jewels
Buttery cookies studded with apricot and a hint of rosemary for a unique, festive flavor profile.
Check out this recipe
Easy-peasy Caramel Brownies
Fudgy brownies made with cake mix and swirled with caramel—simple, quick, and indulgent.
Check out this recipe
Coconut Lemon Bars
Tangy lemon bars with shredded coconut for added texture and flavor—bright and delightful.
Check out this recipe
Almond Matcha Rice Crispy Bar
A twist on classic rice crispy bars with matcha and almonds—great with tea or milk.
Check out this recipe
Molasses Cookies
Classic molasses cookies with a crackly top and a soft, spiced interior—timeless and comforting.
Check out this recipe
Nutella (Chocolate Hazelnut) Oatmeal Cookies
Oatmeal cookies with Nutella for a chocolate-hazelnut boost—chewy and ready in no time.
Check out this recipe
Crispy Rosemary Chocolate Chip Cookies
Savory rosemary pairs with dark chocolate for an unexpectedly delicious cookie—finished with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Check out this recipe
Nanaimo Bars
A gluten-free, no-bake version of the Canadian classic with a crunchy base, creamy custard layer, and chocolate top—freezable and addictive.
Check out this recipe
Gooey Chocolate Crackle Cookies
Easy crackle cookies made from cake mix and a few pantry staples—soft, gooey, and chocolatey.
Check out this recipe
Old-Fashioned Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Soft, cake-like pumpkin cookies with a cozy texture—great year-round and easy to make.
Check out this recipe
Molasses Cookies
Soft, chewy molasses cookies spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves—classic and comforting.
Check out this recipe
Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Chocolate cookies studded with maraschino cherries and drizzled with chocolate for a festive finish.
Check out this recipe
Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies
Fun and whimsical melted snowman cookies—great to make with kids using royal icing or shortcuts if needed.
Check out this recipe
Chocolate Applesauce Cookies
Tender, egg-free cookies made with applesauce and chocolate—light, flavorful, and satisfying.
Check out this recipe
Christmas Sugar Cookies with Easy Icing
Sweet, buttery sugar cookies flavored with vanilla and almond and paired with an easy, color-customizable icing.
Check out this recipe
Texas Cowboy Cookies
Big-batch cookies loaded with chocolate chips, pecans, oats, and coconut—chewy, buttery, and perfect for sharing.
Check out this recipe
Gingersnaps
Chewy, spicy gingersnaps rolled in sanding sugar for a festive crackle—great for freezing ahead.
Check out this recipe
How to Make Holiday Pinwheel Cookies
Colorful and buttery pinwheel cookies with optional almond or peppermint flavors—festive and eye-catching for holiday trays.
Check out this recipe
Real German Snickerdoodles
Pillowy-soft snickerdoodles with a buttery cinnamon finish—detailed tips included for perfect results every time.
Check out this recipe
