Unwrap Joy: The Ultimate 12 Days of Christmas Cookies Collection for Your Holiday Baking

The holiday season is synonymous with warmth, joy, and, of course, delicious baked goods. Few traditions capture the spirit of Christmas quite like baking a festive array of cookies. Here in our kitchen, the “12 Days of Christmas Cookies” has become a beloved annual event, a delightful countdown from December 1st to 12th where we unveil a brand new, irresistible cookie recipe each day. It’s a tradition we started years ago, and its overwhelming success and the sheer fun of it have ensured it will continue for many holiday seasons to come!

For those who adore the magic of holiday baking, our annual “12 Days of Christmas Cookies” event offers an unparalleled opportunity to expand your repertoire of festive treats. Each year, we dive deep into the world of cookies, bringing you a diverse selection from time-honored classics to exciting new creations. Imagine the aroma filling your home as you bake a different cookie every day, creating a stunning assortment for your holiday platters, gift exchanges, or simply for your family to enjoy. This tradition is not just about recipes; it’s about making memories and spreading cheer through the simple pleasure of homemade cookies.

Elevate Your Holiday Baking: Exclusive Christmas Cookie Cookbooks

Did you miss some of our daily cookie reveals, or simply prefer to have all the delicious recipes at your fingertips? We’ve compiled the very best of our “12 Days of Christmas Cookies” into beautifully curated cookbooks. These aren’t just collections of recipes you’ll find on the blog; they are special editions featuring all the Christmas cookie recipes from both 2019 AND 2020, along with exclusive bonus baking tips and two unique recipes you won’t discover anywhere else! Having these handy guides ensures you’re prepared for any holiday baking challenge, from last-minute gifts to grand festive feasts. Dive into a treasure trove of tested-and-true recipes that will make your holiday season sweeter than ever.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, these cookbooks offer a convenient and inspiring way to explore a wide range of festive flavors and textures. Imagine having a go-to resource filled with reliable recipes, helpful hints, and delightful new ideas to make your holiday baking effortless and enjoyable. Don’t wait to grab your copy and unlock a world of delicious possibilities for your holiday kitchen!

A Baker’s Dozen of Holiday Delights: Our 12 Days of Christmas Cookies Recipes

Baking cookies at Christmas is more than just a tradition; it’s a cherished ritual that brings families together, fills homes with incredible aromas, and creates lasting memories. We’ve baked countless varieties of cookies, fudge, bars, and candies over the years, each one adding to the festive cheer. If you missed out on our exciting “12 Days of Christmas Cookies” journey, fear not! We’ve gathered all the delectable recipes below, making it easy for you to recreate these holiday favorites in your own kitchen. Simply click on each cookie title to get the full recipe and start your own festive baking adventure.

Orange Crinkle Cookies

These delightful Orange Crinkle Cookies are a burst of sunshine, even on the chilliest winter day. Soft, chewy, and wonderfully fragrant with fresh orange zest, they offer a bright, citrusy counterpoint to richer holiday flavors. The signature crinkled, powdered sugar coating makes them look like delicate snowballs, adding a beautiful festive touch to any cookie platter. They’re surprisingly simple to make and quickly become a family favorite, perfect for brightening up your holiday baking collection or enjoying with a warm cup of tea.

Gingersnap Cookies

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of warm, soft Gingersnap Cookies baking during the holidays. These classic cookies strike the perfect balance between chewy texture and a delightful spicy kick from ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch on the outside, yielding to a tender, flavorful interior. They are an absolute must-have for any festive gathering, pairing wonderfully with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. These homemade gingersnaps will transport you back to cherished childhood memories.

Chocolate Mint Cookies

Chocolate and mint are a match made in culinary heaven, and these Chocolate Mint Cookies are no exception. These soft, rich chocolate cookies are infused with a refreshing hint of mint, then elegantly drizzled with a sweet minty glaze. Once the topping has set, they become the perfect candidate for stacking and wrapping with baker’s twine, creating beautiful and delicious homemade gifts. Their sophisticated flavor and charming appearance make them an excellent addition to any holiday cookie swap or dessert table.

Cranberry Orange Spiral Cookies

These Cranberry Orange Spiral Cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them a stunning centerpiece for your holiday dessert spread. With vibrant swirls of cranberry and zesty orange, their festive appearance is matched only by their delightful flavor. While they require a bit of planning due to essential chilling times, the effort is well worth it for these elegant, flavorful cookies. They offer a lovely combination of tart and sweet, and their unique spiral pattern is always a conversation starter at holiday parties.

Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies

Bring a burst of color and fun to your holiday cookie plate with these irresistible Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies. These easy-to-make cookies are generously loaded with classic chocolate chips and festive M&M candies, creating a delightful texture and a joyous visual appeal. We particularly love making them jumbo-sized for an extra satisfying treat! Perfect for kids and adults alike, they’re a crowd-pleaser that adds a playful touch to any holiday celebration or casual family gathering. Who can resist a cookie packed with so much chocolatey goodness?

Butter Cookies

Butter cookies are the epitome of simple elegance and rich flavor. Their delicate texture and buttery taste make them a timeless classic, perfect for any occasion, especially during the festive season. The beauty of these cookies lies in their versatility: you can slice and bake them, use charming cookie cutters to create festive shapes, or pipe them through a star tip for an extra touch of sophistication. They are wonderful on their own, or as a base for elegant decorations, making them a cherished part of any holiday cookie spread.

Thumbprint Cookies

Thumbprint cookies are a delightful holiday classic, known for their soft yet firm texture and the vibrant, fruity surprise nestled in their center. These cookies feature a delicate, buttery dough with a characteristic indentation, lovingly filled with your favorite jam or preserves. The contrast between the rich cookie and the sweet, tangy jam creates an utterly addictive treat. Popular during the holidays, they are also wonderfully customizable, allowing you to experiment with different jam flavors to suit any palate, making them a charming addition to any festive assortment.

Italian Anisette Cookies

For those who appreciate a unique and sophisticated flavor, our Italian Anisette Cookies are a true holiday gem. These traditional Italian cookies are delicately flavored with anise, giving them a distinct and beloved licorice-like taste. Each bite is a journey to an authentic Italian bakery, with a soft texture and a sweet, subtle glaze. While anise is traditional, you can easily customize these cookies by using vanilla or almond extract if you prefer a different flavor profile. They are elegant, flavorful, and perfect for gifting or serving at a special holiday gathering.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are an absolute winter wonderland on a plate. Imagine rich, chewy, brownie-like cookies with a deep chocolate flavor, elegantly coated in powdered sugar that settles into beautiful “snow-topped” crevices. Their striking contrast and decadent taste make them utterly irresistible and a standout on any holiday dessert table. They’re surprisingly simple to make, yet always impress with their festive appearance and intensely satisfying chocolate experience. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all chocolate lovers!

Grandma’s Sugar Cookies

There’s a reason Grandma’s Sugar Cookies are a timeless classic. This recipe brings you those perfectly sweet, delightfully chewy cookies that taste just like childhood memories. They’re incredibly versatile, ideal for cutting into festive shapes, decorating with colorful icing and sprinkles, or simply enjoying plain. Easy to make and always a hit, these sugar cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie decorating sessions with family, or as thoughtful homemade gifts. Recreate the magic of grandma’s kitchen with every delicious bite.

Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread cookies are the epitome of buttery perfection, offering a tender crumb and rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is utterly delightful. This classic slice-and-bake cookie dough yields beautiful, golden-brown cookies that are perfect for enjoying with your afternoon tea or adding to your holiday cookie platters. Their simple yet refined flavor makes them a versatile favorite, easily dressed up with a sprinkle of sugar, a dip in chocolate, or a light dusting of festive spices. An essential recipe for any baker, especially during the festive season.

Gingerbread Cookies

No holiday cookie collection is complete without the warm, aromatic embrace of Gingerbread Cookies. These spicy, wonderfully fragrant cookies are a traditional cornerstone of Christmas baking. Whether you shape them into charming gingerbread men and decorate them with royal icing, or simply bake them in classic rounds, their rich flavor of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses is an absolute must-make. They fill your home with the unmistakable scent of the holidays and offer a comforting, nostalgic taste that everyone adores. Enjoy them soft and chewy, or crisp, depending on your preference.

We absolutely love embarking on the “12 Days of Christmas Cookies” adventure each year, and we’re already buzzing with excitement, planning for next year’s delightful assortment of holiday treats! The joy of creating and sharing these recipes is immense, and we hope you’ll continue to join us in this sweet tradition. In the meantime, don’t forget to explore all of our diverse cookie recipes here, ensuring your cookie jar is always full of delicious options!