Holiday Cookies to Bake | Classic Christmas Cookie Guide

The Best Holiday Cookies to Bake: A Guide to Classic Christmas Favorites

The holidays bring more than twinkling lights and cozy nights, they bring cookies. 🍪
And not just any cookies. We’re talking about the ones that spark traditions, fill gift boxes, and somehow disappear faster than you expect.

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cookie swap, holiday gifting, or a quiet night in, choosing which cookies are actually worth making can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly why our Holiday Cookie Class focuses on a carefully curated lineup of timeless, crowd-pleasing favorites, each chosen for its flavor, texture, and holiday staying power.

If you’ve ever wondered “What cookies should I bake for the holidays?” this guide has you covered.

No-Bake Avalanche Cookies

Best for: Last-minute bakers, busy schedules, and kid-friendly fun

Not every holiday cookie needs an oven and this one is proof.

Makes: About 24 cookies

Ingredients

• 12 oz white chocolate chips

• 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1½ cups mini marshmallows

• 3 cups crispy rice cereal

• Optional: ½ cup mini red & green M&M’s

Instructions

1. Set up a double boiler (a heat-safe bowl over a pot of gently simmering water, do not let the bowl touch the water).

2. Melt the white chocolate chips and peanut butter together, stirring until smooth.

3. Remove from heat and gently fold in marshmallows and cereal. (You want the marshmallows intact, that’s the “avalanche.”)

4. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheets.

5. Sprinkle with M&M’s if using, then refrigerate for 5–10 minutes to set.

Pro tip: These are perfect when your oven is already working overtime during the holidays.

Classic Gingersnap Cookies

Best for: Traditionalists and lovers of warm holiday spice

If the holidays had a signature flavor, it would be ginger.

Makes: About 30 cookies

Ingredients

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 2 tsp ground ginger

• ½ tsp ground cloves

• ½ tsp ground cardamom

• ½ tsp salt

• ¾ cup dark brown sugar

• 12 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• ¼ cup molasses

• 1 large egg (room temperature)

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For rolling:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt in a bowl.

3. Cream butter, brown sugar, and molasses until light and fluffy.

4. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until combined.

5. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.

6. Scoop dough into 1½–2″ balls, roll in cinnamon sugar, and space 2″ apart.

7. Bake 12–13 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft.

8. Cool on the baking sheet before transferring.

Linzer Cookies

Best for: Gifting, entertaining, and serious “wow factor”

Makes: About 17 sandwich cookies

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 large egg yolk

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup almond flour

• ¼–½ cup favorite jam

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Cream butter and powdered sugar until smooth.

2. Add egg yolk, salt, cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon juice.

3. Mix in flours until just combined.

4. Wrap dough and chill at least 1 hour.

5. Roll dough ⅛–¼” thick and cut into rounds.

6. Cut centers out of half the cookies.

7. Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Cool completely.

8. Spread jam on solid cookies, top with cut-out cookies, and dust with powdered sugar.

Scottish Shortbread

Best for: Butter lovers and fans of simple, classic baking

Simple doesn’t mean boring and Scottish shortbread proves it.

Makes: About 15 cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• Optional: 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 320°F. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix butter and sugar until just combined (do not cream).

3. Add flour, salt, and optional zest. Mix gently until dough forms.

4. Press dough evenly into pan and prick with a fork.

5. Bake 25–35 minutes until edges turn lightly golden.

6. Cool for 1 hour, then slice while slightly warm.

Why These Cookies Work So Well Together

The magic of this lineup is variety:

• No-bake and baked options

• Soft, crisp, and crumbly textures

• Chocolatey, spiced, fruity, and buttery flavors

Together, they create a holiday cookie collection that feels balanced, intentional, and approachable, whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro.

A Hands-On Holiday Experience Worth Sharing

Our Holiday Cookie Classes aren’t just about recipes; they’re about learning by doing. You’ll gain practical techniques, timing tips, and insider tricks that make holiday baking less stressful and a lot more fun.

It’s a perfect fit for:

• Girls’ night out

• Date night with a twist

• Family-friendly holiday activities

• Anyone looking for something different to do this season

Whether you’re joining us in St. Louis, Nashville, Fort Myers, or Naples, our cooking classes offer a hands-on experience that turns holiday baking into a shared memory, not just another item on your to-do list.

Because the best holiday memories usually start in the kitchen.