One of the best things about Christmas is baking and eating cookies! So here is my list of the best Christmas cookies, with 50+ favorites from all over the world. I’ve also included my recipe for traditional ricotta cookies, which are sweet, soft and delicious.
You probably can’t make all the cookies, but I’m sure you can find some that your family, friends and neighbors will love. So add some magic to your Christmas cookie tray this year by trying some new recipes!
Christmas is the perfect time to share the holiday spirit with friends and family by gifting them sweet treats. You can give cookies as gifts, share them with your family or leave them by the fireplace for Santa. We have already started baking and freezing cookies at my house!
This collection has everything from old fashioned favorites like gingersnaps to new treats like Olaf Snowman cookies. There is something for everyone, including gluten free and nut free recipes.
Look through the list and pick out a few to share with your family and friends this year! And leave me a comment and let me know your favorite Christmas cookie!
Classic Christmas Cookies – Ricotta Cookies
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 ¾ cups 15 oz fresh ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs room temperature
Glaze
- ¼ cup ½ stick unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla or almond extract **see notes
- 3 tablespoons milk or heavy whipping cream more if needed to desired consistency
Decoration
- Red and green Nonpareils or sprinkles
Instructions
Cookies
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt
- In bowl of stand mixer or large bowl, beat butter, sugar and lemon zest until light and fluffy.1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Mix in ricotta and vanilla extract until well combined.1 ¾ cups 15 oz fresh ricotta cheese, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Add eggs one and a time, beating after each addition. Gradually add flour mixture and mix well.2 large eggs
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
- Remove from refrigerator and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Scoop the dough using a small cookie dough scoop. Or shape into balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown.
- Cool on wire rack. Don't glaze them until they are completely cool.
Glaze
- In a medium bowl, beat the butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract and milk until smooth.¼ cup ½ stick unsalted butter, melted, 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon clear vanilla or almond extract **see notes, 3 tablespoons milk or heavy whipping cream
- Spread on cookies or dip the tops into the bowl of glaze.
- Add the sprinkles or other decorations right away before the glaze hardens.Red and green Nonpareils or sprinkles
Notes
- Extract – using clear vanilla extract will help to keep the glaze bright white.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
I’m always looking for new Christmas cookie recipes! Thanks for rounding up so many great ones, can’t wait to check them out!
What a great roundup! I love baking during the holiday season, and especially making a variety of delicious cookies for all to enjoy!
how many days prior to Christmas can I start baking cookies and treats?
So many choices! Great roundup. I want those coconut sugar cookies and the egg nog cookies and the …heck, one of each, haha! Thanks for sharing on Merry Monday!
I’m about to get my Christmas cookie groove on this week. Love the looks of those pinwheel cookies. Delicious round-up. Thanks for sharing!