‘Tis the season during which it is acceptable to pack on a little extra padding, and we couldn’t be more excited. While everyone wants to get in on some cheery, heart-warming holiday baking, some of us are a bit more culinarily challenged. But never fear — we’ve got all skill levels covered with these foolproof recipes that’ll have you rollin’ (dough) in holiday spirit in no time.
3-Ingredient Peppermint and Candy Cane Oreos
Photo by Kelly McAdam
Because who doesn’t want more Oreos in their life? These cookies couldn’t be easier with just three ingredients and no real baking, and they make for a very festive addition to your cookie plate for Santa.
4-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Covered Rice Krispie Bites
Photo by Anna Hirschorn
These treats are another great cookie-like candy to make this holiday season. And with only 4 ingredients, even the noobiest of noobs can pull these off.
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Photo by Charlotte Close
These holiday classics can be whipped up in a cinch and are sure to please a crowd. Again, no shame in skipping the first few steps and buying a big ol’ roll of peanut butter cookie dough and going from there.
Peanut Butter Cookies
Photo by Kristine Mahan
Unless you have a peanut allergy, you know the true magic of these simple yet satisfying cookies, and with this recipe, you can make them vegan AND gluten-free.
Holiday Bite-Sized Tagalong Cookie Cakes
Photo by Sarina Raman
If you love girl scout cookies and find yourself wishing you could get a box for Christmas, this recipe is for you. It’s easy, it’s festive, and it will have you on the nice list for sure.
Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
Photo courtesy of bromabakery.com
No worries if you can’t make it to the iconic NYC bakery this holiday season, this killer copycat recipe has you covered, and they’re shockingly straightforward.
Monster Cookies
Photo courtesy of sallysbakingaddiction.com
This recipe for these sweet and salty cookies will have you addicted at first bite, and they’re a breeze to make: a standard dough and then throw in all the extras! Bonus points for using red and green M&Ms.
Oreo-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Photo courtesy of picky-palate.com
You’ve surely seen pictures of these bad boys floating around, and now it’s your turn to give them a try. This recipe provides detailed instructions so there’s no need to be intimidated, but if you’re really getting in touch with your inner lazy, just use store bought cookie dough… I won’t tell.
Brown Butter, Oatmeal and Butterscotch Toffee Chip Cookies
Photo courtesy of picky-palate.com
Browning the butter is probably the most difficult part of these cookies, and I promise there’s nothing to be scared of there — just a little love and patience… and the result is pretty freaking great. Recipe here.
Peppermint Patty Fudge Cookies
Photo courtesy of sallysbakingaddiction.com
Shouts out to those of you who still have peppermint patties lying around from Halloween, and for those of you who don’t, go buy a bag immediately and whip up these tasty cookies.
Double Chocolate Almond Cookies
Photo courtesy of foodnetwork.com
You should probably make these cookies immediately, because the Barefoot Contessa knows that you don’t have time to fuss with complicated recipes since you’re too busy hosting glamorous parties in East Hampton like her.
Funfetti Sugar Cookies
Photo courtesy of sallysbakingaddiction.com
These cookies are super simple and have no wacky ingredients. Plus, they give you a perfect reason to use up those Christmas sprinkles that have inexplicably been in your cupboard for three years.
Buckeyes
Photo courtesy of foodnetwork.com
Ok, ok, these buckeyes may not technically be cookies but they are a holiday crowd-pleaser; and what’s even better, you don’t have to go near the oven.