Home » Holidays » Christmas

50+ Classic Christmas Cookies – Traditional and Family Favorites

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure policy.

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

50+ recipes for all your favorite holiday favorites.

Yield: 55

Classic Christmas Cookies - Ricotta Cookies

classic ricotta cookies on a cutting board

Make the holidays better by baking all your family's favorite classic Christmas cookies! Get 50+ delicious cookie ideas, including these ricotta cookies which are glazed and decorated with sprinkles.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes

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 sifted powdered sugar
  • 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

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.
  2. In bowl of stand mixer or large bowl, beat butter, sugar and lemon zest until light and fluffy. 
  3. Mix in ricotta and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Add eggs one and a time, beating after each addition. Gradually add flour mixture and mix well.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
  6. Remove from refrigerator and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  7. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  8. Scoop the dough using a small cookie dough scoop. Or shape into balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
  9. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown.
  10. Cool on wire rack. Don't glaze them until they are completely cool.


Glaze

  1. In a medium bowl, beat the butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract and milk until smooth.
  2. Spread on cookies or dip the tops into the bowl of glaze.
  3. Add the sprinkles or other decorations right away before the glaze hardens.

Notes

Extract - using clear vanilla extract will help to keep the glaze bright white.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

55

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 87Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 70mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 0gSugar: 11gProtein: 2g

Nutrition facts are estimates.

anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

5 thoughts on “50+ Classic Christmas Cookies – Traditional and Family Favorites”

Leave a Comment

Skip to Recipe