Best Christmas Cookie Recipes

The holiday season is upon us, which means you have full permission to curl up on the couch and enjoy some homemade cookies. If you're looking for decadent and scrumptious cookie recipes (or healthier alternatives) to pair with a cup of hot cocoa or cider, these will be perfect. And don't worry, we totally believe that calories don't count during the holidays. You've worked hard all year; it's time to treat yourself. 

Related: Creative Cranberry Recipes for Thanksgiving and Beyond

If you're a fan of Nutella, these cookies were made for you. And the best part is that you need only five ingredients to re-create this recipe. The cookies are decadent, rich, and chewy — sure to be a hit with the kids or anyone who needs sweet tooth cravings quenched.

Recipe: The Pioneer Woman

Related: Get Into The Holiday Spirit With These Festive Cocktail Recipes

Packed with healthy ingredients such as ginger, molasses, and cinnamon, these soft and chewy cookies are perfect to enjoy on a snowy day. The resulting cookies stay soft for days, according to the recipe creators — making them ideal to prep and make ahead of time.

Recipe: Ahead of Thyme

No holiday season would be complete without some classic gingerbread cookies. These are soft and chewy in the center and slightly crispy on the edges. Kids will love icing them in festive and colorful designs.

Recipe: Ahead of Thyme

Use refined sugar to re-create these soft and classic sugar cookies, sure to trigger nostalgic Christmas memories. A bit of baking powder in the recipe ensures that they puff a little while still holding their shape. 

Recipe: The Food Network

Made with rum and bourbon, this slightly more elaborate recipe will remind you of your favorite holiday cocktail. The cookies — which resemble fluffy snowballs after being baked — are also pretty healthy; the recipe calls for almonds and freshly ground nutmeg.

Recipe: The Food Network

This recipe is sure to impress pie lovers of all ages. They're quick and easy to make (as easy as pie, you may say). If apple isn't your favorite, try substituting fruits such as pear and peach; add fresh blackberries or blueberries for an extra touch of tartness. 

Recipe: The Pioneer Woman

Try this recipe for a chocolatey, gooey cookie that provides a kick of caffeine. For an extra touch of creamy sweetness, drizzle melted white chocolate once they're out of the oven. 

Recipe: The Pioneer Woman

This recipe is for those who prefer not to mess with the oven. They're deeply chocolatey with a sweet, rich, and buttery flavor — and super easy to make — while relatively healthy, thanks to the use of oatmeal. 

Recipe: The Pioneer Woman

Made with cinnamon, pecans, and chocolate toffee chunks, this recipe was inspired by blogger Sarah Kieffer's internet-famous crinkled chocolate chip cookies. The trick is pulling them out of the oven midway through cooking and banging the baking sheet against the counter to produce a delicious cookie with crispy edges and a soft, chewy interior.

Recipe: The Food Network

This recipe is for peanut butter-loving adults and kids who love "Frozen." Using marshmallows makes these cookies reminiscent of s'mores, and they can be decorated to look like little snowmen. 

Recipe: The Food Network

Enjoy the classic flavors of red velvet and cream cheese baked into chewy, soft cookies. This recipe will remind you of a red velvet cheesecake and is sure to impress guests at the next holiday dinner party. 

Recipe: The Food Network