Classic Holiday Cookies

One of my favorite holiday traditions is getting together with my family and baking enough holiday cookies to feed an army. Whether you're just baking for the fun of it, or creating an extravagant cookie tray for a holiday party, bake-off, or cookie exchange, these classic holiday cookies are crowd favorites. I've even included a few non-cookie options for those who can't quite get the baking thing down.

Chocolate Chip

Chocolate chip cookies are the perfect comfort food, and even more festive paired with a hot chocolate or peppermint latte. To add some extra holiday flair, throw in some crushed candy canes or sprinkles before baking. 

https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/chocolate-chip-cookie-recipes-ranked

Spritz

These classic holiday cookies have a hint of almond and can be made in so many variations. You can make them with sprinkles, food coloring, in different shapes, or leave them plain. No matter what, they’ll be the perfect addition to your holiday cookie ensemble.

Mexican Wedding (Snowballs)

While these aren't for everyone, they're a classic if you've grown up with them. There are many variations with nuts, but they aren't required. Rolled in powdered sugar, these cute cookies look like little snowballs, and taste like heaven.

Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies have the most creative potential of all holiday cookie options. You can cut out any shape your heart desires and cover them in royal icing or sprinkles to make various designs or patterns. The limitless possibilities make these treats -almost- too cute to eat.

https://spoonuniversity.com/recipe/25-days-christmas-day-1-sugar-cookies

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These classic cookies are my personal favorite, and a peanut butter lover's dream. They can be made on a cookie sheet or in a mini muffin tin, and topped off with Hershey’s Kisses, Reese’s, Rolo's, or almost any other candy. These cookies are even softer and more delicious fresh out of the oven. Just try not to eat them all in one sitting.

https://spoonuniversity.com/recipe/peanut-butter-kiss-cookies

Gingerbread

Gingerbread are classic holiday cookies, but not everyone’s favorite. These festive little guys can be decorated in so many fun ways, and you could even make a gingerbread house (or a whole village if you really want to go all in).

https://spoonuniversity.com/recipe/gingerbread-cookies

Snickerdoodle

Snicker doodles are another classic holiday (or anytime) cookie. Rolled in cinnamon and sugar, these soft cookies are one of the easiest to make and a definite crowd pleaser.

https://spoonuniversity.com/recipe/chewy-snickerdoodles

Other Holiday Treats

If you're all cookie-d out (first of all, what's wrong with you?), these treats are sure to satisfy your sweet-tooth, and fairly simple to make. These anti-cookie treats are the perfect addition to any holiday celebration.

Peppermint Bark

With just a few ingredients, this peppermint bark is one of the easiest and most festive treats for the holiday season. If you like candy canes, you're sure to love this holiday snack.

https://spoonuniversity.com/recipe/peppermint-bark

Take one bite of this delicious and addictive concoction, and you’ll understand how it got its nickname. This simple treat is made with a layer of crackers, caramel, and chocolate. If you make the caramel yourself, be sure not to burn it. Throw some sprinkles on top, and you'll have a super festive snack.

https://spoonuniversity.com/recipe/sweet-and-salty-cracker-treat-recipe-puts-candy-bars-to-shame

M&M Pretzels

These holiday treats are one of the easiest things to make, but one of the most festive. Just throw some Hershey Kiss covered mini pretzels in the oven for a few minutes, and place an M&M on top when they come out. Holiday colored M&Ms make this treat look super festive, and you can use any variety of Kisses to change up the flavor. You could also make these with a Rolo and pecan for a different, but just as delicious option.

I hope this gave you plenty of inspiration to start baking your own assortment of holiday cookies and anti-cookie treats. Keep a tray of these with you at all times and you'll only get smiles in return. Now, get to baking!