You know what I love most about the holidays?
The cozy moments in the kitchen — music playing, the smell of something sweet baking, and my little boy standing beside me, “helping” with his tiny hands. It’s never perfect, there’s usually flour everywhere and maybe a cookie or two that didn’t survive. But I guess that’s what makes it special.
If you’re a mom looking for easy Christmas cookie recipes that don’t require hours of work (and are toddler-approved), you’re in good company. I’ve got 18 easy Christmas cookie recipes for families that you can try this Holiday season.
How to Properly Make a Christmas Cookie for your Toddler
Start with a simple, soft cookie dough recipe that’s not too sweet and easy for little hands to handle. Let your toddler join in on safe tasks like pressing cookie cutters or adding sprinkles. Bake until lightly golden, cool completely, and enjoy your homemade holiday cookies together.
Classic Christmas Cookie Ideas
1. Traditional Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are the heart of every Christmas baking session. They’re simple, soft, and easy to make with little ones. I love how my toddler gets excited using cookie cutters and decorating them with colorful sprinkles.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Procedure
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients to form dough.
- Roll out and cut shapes.
- Bake 8–10 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Cool before decorating.
2. Gingerbread Men Cookies
Nothing says Christmas like the smell of freshly baked gingerbread cookies. They’re full of warm spices and perfect for decorating with little ones. My toddler loves pressing the cookie cutter and giving each “gingerbread man” a face.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup molasses
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
Procedure
- Mix flour, spices, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar.
- Add egg and molasses; mix well.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients to form dough.
- Chill for 1 hour.
- Roll out, cut shapes, and place on a lined tray.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
- Cool completely before decorating.
3. Soft and Chewy Snickerdoodles
These snickerdoodles are soft, buttery, and covered in cinnamon sugar — a true crowd favorite. I love how quick they are to make, especially when my toddler wants to help. Rolling them in cinnamon sugar is the perfect toddler task.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (for coating)
Procedure
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs.
- Combine all and form small balls.
- Roll in cinnamon-sugar mix.
- Bake 8–10 minutes until slightly golden.
- Cool before serving.
4. Classic Shortbread Cookies
These buttery cookies are simple but taste incredible. They’re crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth, and great for toddlers to help shape. I like making them ahead to keep on hand for guests or quick holiday snacks.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Procedure
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Beat butter and sugar until creamy.
- Add vanilla and flour; mix into dough.
- Roll out and cut shapes or press into a pan.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until light golden.
- Cool before serving.
Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes for Families
5. Peanut Butter Blossoms
These cookies combine peanut butter and chocolate in the best way. My toddler loves pressing the chocolate kiss on top — his favorite job. They’re always a hit at Christmas parties and cookie swaps.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Chocolate kisses
Procedure
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cream butter, peanut butter, and sugars.
- Add egg, milk, and vanilla.
- Mix in dry ingredients.
- Shape dough into balls and roll in sugar.
- Bake 8–10 minutes.
- Press chocolate kiss on top right after baking.
6. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Chocolate crinkles look impressive but are so easy to make. They’re rich, fudgy, and perfect for chocolate lovers. My little one loves rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup oil
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for coating
Procedure
- Mix cocoa, sugar, and oil.
- Add eggs and vanilla.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Roll into balls and coat with powdered sugar.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
7. Oatmeal Raisin Holiday Cookies
These cookies are hearty, chewy, and a bit wholesome — perfect for a family snack. They’re sweetened naturally with raisins and have that cozy, spiced flavor that feels like Christmas.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 cups oats
- 1 cup raisins
Procedure
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
- Add flour, baking soda, and cinnamon.
- Stir in oats and raisins.
- Scoop onto a baking sheet.
- Bake 10–12 minutes.
8. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
These cookies are soft, chewy, and beautifully red — perfect for a festive tray. They’re easy to make and add a pop of color to any cookie platter. I love how they look like you spent hours making them, but really, they take minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup oil
- Powdered sugar for coating
Procedure
- Mix cake mix, eggs, and oil.
- Chill for 15–20 minutes.
- Roll dough balls in powdered sugar.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool before serving.
Fun Christmas Cookies to Make with Kids
9. Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
These cookies are a decorating dream for toddlers. I love giving my little one a small spatula and letting him spread icing (even if it’s messy). They’re perfect for family baking days.
Ingredients
- Basic sugar cookie dough
- Green icing
- Sprinkles or mini candies
Procedure
- Roll out sugar cookie dough and cut tree shapes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
- Cool completely.
- Let your toddler decorate with icing and sprinkles.
10. Snowman Marshmallow Cookies
These cookies are adorable and so simple to make. I like using marshmallows for the “snowman heads,” which makes decorating fun for kids. They’re great for Christmas parties or playdates.
Ingredients
- Sugar or chocolate cookies
- Large marshmallows
- White icing
- Mini chocolate chips or edible markers
Procedure
- Bake plain cookies and cool.
- Add icing on top.
- Press a marshmallow as the head.
- Use chocolate chips or markers for the face.
11. Reindeer Peanut Butter Cookies
These cookies are always a hit because they’re so cute and easy. My toddler loves helping place the pretzel antlers and candy noses. It’s such a fun way to make peanut butter cookies more festive.
Ingredients
- Peanut butter cookie dough
- Mini pretzels
- Red and brown candies for nose and eyes
Procedure
- Shape dough into ovals and bake.
- While warm, press pretzels for antlers.
- Add candies for eyes and nose.
12. Candy Cane Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies combine two holiday favorites — candy canes and chocolate chips. They have the perfect mix of sweet and minty flavors, and they’re great for gifting.
Ingredients
- Basic chocolate chip cookie dough
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Procedure
- Mix crushed candy canes into cookie dough.
- Bake as usual at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool before serving.
No-Bake Christmas Cookies
13. Chocolate Coconut Snowballs
These no-bake treats are my go-to when I don’t feel like turning on the oven. They’re soft, rich, and covered in coconut — the perfect bite-sized indulgence.
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed cookies
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup condensed milk
Procedure
- Mix all ingredients.
- Roll into balls.
- Coat with extra coconut.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
14. Peanut Butter Cornflake Wreaths
I love this recipe because it’s quick, no-bake, and looks so festive. The green wreaths are fun for kids to shape and decorate with red candies.
Ingredients
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup corn syrup
- ½ cup sugar
- 4 cups cornflakes
- Green food coloring
Procedure
- Heat peanut butter, corn syrup, and sugar until smooth.
- Stir in green coloring and cornflakes.
- Shape into small wreaths.
- Let cool until set.
15. White Chocolate Peppermint Clusters
These are one of the easiest treats you can make during the holidays. The creamy white chocolate and peppermint crunch taste like Christmas in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Procedure
- Melt white chocolate.
- Stir in candy canes.
- Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper.
- Chill until firm.
16. Rice Krispies Christmas Treats
This is a must-make in our home — easy, fun, and toddler-friendly. My son loves pressing the mixture into the pan with his little hands. They’re soft, chewy, and always a hit.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Procedure
- Melt butter and marshmallows together.
- Stir in Rice Krispies.
- Press into a greased pan.
- Cool, cut, and enjoy.
Budget-Friendly Christmas Baking Ideas
17. Simple Butter Cookies
Butter cookies are simple, buttery, and so comforting. They’re great for moms who want a quick cookie that still tastes special. I love dipping one in coffee while my toddler munches on his own.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Procedure
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add vanilla and flour; mix well.
- Shape or pipe onto tray.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
18. 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies
This recipe is perfect for busy moms who still want something homemade. It’s buttery, crisp, and comes together in minutes with just three ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
Procedure
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix butter and sugar until creamy.
- Add flour to form dough.
- Shape and bake for 15–20 minutes.
- Cool and serve.
Creative Christmas Cookie Decorating Ideas
- Colorful Icing Outlines – Use red, green, and white royal icing to trace festive shapes like stars, trees, and candy canes. Keep the lines thick so little hands can help without too much mess.
- Sprinkle Borders – After icing your cookies, dip the edges into holiday sprinkles or colored sugar for a simple yet festive touch.
- Snowy Effect – Dust finished cookies with powdered sugar to create a beautiful “freshly fallen snow” look.
- Melted Snowman Design – Spread white icing in an uneven circle, add a marshmallow head, and use mini chocolate chips for eyes and buttons.
- Candy Button Decorations – Replace icing dots with colorful mini candies or M&Ms to add pops of color and texture.
- Marbled Icing Look – Mix two icing colors slightly, then dip the cookie top into the swirl for a stunning marbled pattern.
- Christmas Tree Cookies – Use green icing to pipe tree branches and decorate with tiny sprinkles as ornaments.
- Reindeer Faces – Add chocolate-covered pretzels for antlers, candy eyes, and a red M&M nose for Rudolph.
- Snowflake Details – Use white icing to draw delicate snowflake patterns on blue or silver-frosted cookies.
- Personalized Name Cookies – Write each family member’s name using a fine icing tip — perfect as edible place cards or gift tags.
Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes for Families to Gift
- Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Cookies – Simple, buttery shortbread dipped halfway in melted chocolate and topped with crushed candy canes for a festive finish.
- Holiday Thumbprint Cookies – Soft cookies filled with strawberry or raspberry jam; wrap them in clear bags tied with red ribbons for a charming homemade touch.
- Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies – Sweet, tangy, and chewy — these look beautiful in a mason jar and make thoughtful, delicious gifts.
- Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies – Roll your crinkles in powdered sugar, then sprinkle crushed peppermint on top for a wintry flavor twist.
- Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodles – Their warm, cozy scent makes them perfect for gifting to neighbors or teachers in festive tins.
- Gingerbread Stars – Classic gingerbread with a simple white icing drizzle — stack and tie them with twine for a rustic holiday look.
- Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies – Soft red velvet cookies with a layer of cream cheese frosting in between; elegant and fun to gift.
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies – Comforting and chewy, these make the perfect “from our family to yours” homemade treat.
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls – Quick to make, easy to package, and always a crowd favorite — perfect for last-minute gifts.
- Sugar Cookie Gift Jars – Layer dry ingredients in a jar with a cute tag that says, “Just add butter and eggs!” — a creative gift for families who love to bake together.
Conclusion
Baking Christmas cookies is more than just a holiday tradition, it’s a way to slow down, connect, and create joyful memories with your family. Whether your toddler is helping pour flour, press cookie cutters, or taste-test the dough, these moments become part of what makes the season so special.
From classic sugar cookies to no-bake treats, these easy recipes are perfect for busy moms who want to enjoy the magic of Christmas without the stress.
So grab your mixing bowl, turn up the holiday music, and let the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies fill your home.
