This Christmas Cookie Roundup has everything you could possibly want. I love Christmas cookie season and honestly can’t get enough of it! In fact, there’s nothing better than transforming your kitchen into a cozy baking Christmas card. Moreover, warm spices like cinnamon and ginger just hit different during the holidays. Every year I get so excited to dive into my favorite cookie recipes.
As a result, this Christmas Cookie Roundup has become total must-makes in my house. Some are classic recipes that never go out of style. Meanwhile, others are fun new takes that keep things interesting. Beyond that, I love how cookies create the best moments with family and friends. They’re perfect for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or just treating yourself. For example, think buttery shortbreads, gorgeously decorated bar cookies, and decadent chocolate options. Plus festive gingerbread that actually tastes amazing. Now, I’ve posted these recipes before but thought it would be fun for you to have them all in one post. Overall, this collection is packed with my absolute favorite holiday flavors. Can’t wait for you to try them and make your own delicious memories!
Cranberry Bliss Bars are incredible orange-flavoured blondies that I can’t stop making. I load them with white chocolate chips and tart dried cranberries. The base delivers soft, chewy perfection with bright citrus notes in every bite. Then comes the best part: I slather on a luscious orange cream cheese frosting. This tangy, creamy topping brings the most amazing orange flavour to the party. I sprinkle chopped dried cranberries on top for extra tartness and texture. Fresh orange zest adds another layer of that vibrant citrus punch I love. And wait for it—I drizzle melted white chocolate all over the top!
Those beautiful white chocolate stripes add even more sweetness to each square. Every single holiday season, Starbucks releases these bars. Their bakers create an irresistible seasonal treat that haunts my dreams. I crave them constantly throughout November and December without fail. But I can’t justify running to the coffee shop every single day. Plus, I want to enjoy them fresh from my oven whenever cravings strike. So I created my own copycat version that rivals the original perfectly. Now I bake these legendary bars whenever my heart desires!
Crosby Molasses Icebox Ginger Cookies are hands-down one of my favorite holiday treats ever. My mother-in-law Maxine Hooton used this recipe for years and graciously shared it. These cookies pack serious ginger flavour with the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. I use Crosby’s Molasses because it creates that deep, rich flavour you can’t replicate. The dough comes together so easily and then chills in the fridge for a couple of hours. That’s where the “icebox” part comes in—it’s old-school baking at its finest. Once chilled, you simply slice and bake them to golden perfection in minutes. Every bite delivers warm notes of ginger, cinnamon, and that distinctive molasses depth.
These ginger cookies absolutely had to make my Christmas Cookie Roundup this year.
These cookies are perfect for making ahead during the busy holiday season rush. You can keep the dough logs in your fridge for up to a week. Or freeze them for even longer if you want to plan way ahead! Just slice and bake whenever you need fresh cookies in a hurry at home. The aroma that fills your kitchen is absolutely intoxicating and screams Christmas cheer. Maxine’s treasured recipe never fails to create the most perfect nostalgic holiday cookies.
For over 40 years, I’ve tested recipes chasing the world’s best shortbread cookie. I wanted that perfect blend of buttery richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Every single batch has taught me something valuable about this classic treat. I’ve tweaked ratios, adjusted temperatures, and experimented with different mixing methods endlessly. I’ve learned exactly how butter temperature affects the final texture of each cookie. The right amount of sugar creates sweetness without overpowering that pure butter flavour.
For my Christmas Cookie Roundup, I’m sharing what I believe to be the ultimate shortbread recipe with you.
This version delivers everything you want in a perfect shortbread cookie every time. These cookies celebrate simplicity and elegance in the most delicious way possible. They’re absolutely perfect for festive holiday gatherings with family and friends throughout December. This recipe has become my absolute go-to for impressing guests at every party.
Amaretti are absolutely perfect for my Christmas Cookie Roundup with the elegance they bring.
These Italian almond cookies deliver incredible flavour with their crispy exterior and chewy center. I love how they’re naturally gluten-free, making them perfect for guests with dietary restrictions. The almond flavour is bold and nutty without being overwhelming at all. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or even a glass of dessert wine. I dust mine with powdered sugar for that gorgeous snowy appearance that screams Christmas. They’re surprisingly easy to make despite their fancy bakery appearance and taste. Amaretti cookies store well too, so you can bake them ahead of time. They bring a touch of Italian tradition to your holiday celebrations this year.
I’m always on the lookout for a new Christmas cookie to add to my collection. My friend Diana Alexander is a Christmas cookie baker extraordinaire who creates pure magic. For years, she’s been creating stunning cookie baskets for friends and family. Diana hosts an afternoon Christmas Cookie Party every year. She bakes the most stunning collection of festive cookies I’ve ever seen! Thirty different plates of gorgeous holiday cookies cover her entire dining room table. Each plate tagged with the cookie’s name and a short, tempting description. It is absolutely breathtaking. Her Jasmine Orange Meltaways are melt-in-your-mouth perfection that you absolutely have to try this season.
Salted Caramel and Chocolate Covered Shortbread Bars are the ultimate indulgent holiday treat. I layer buttery shortbread with rich homemade caramel and smooth chocolate on top. That sprinkle of flaky sea salt takes these bars to another level entirely. They’re decadent, sophisticated, and disappear from cookie platters in minutes every single time!
Dark Chocolate Shortbread cookies are my go-to when I want something rich and sophisticated. They have an incredible balance of sweet buttery goodness and deep chocolate flavour. These cookies aren’t overly sweet, making them perfect for adult palates and coffee pairings. The dark chocolate creates beautiful contrast against the golden shortbread base too. They’re elegant, delicious, and always impress guests at holiday gatherings this time of year.
I hope this Christmas Cookie Roundup inspires you to create something delicious in your kitchen! If you love these recipes as much as I do, please share this post with friends. Tag me on social media when you bake these cookies so I can see them! Additionally, I’d love to hear which recipe becomes your new holiday favorite this year. Furthermore, sharing helps other bakers discover these tried-and-true recipes for their own celebrations. Don’t forget to pin your favorites for easy access throughout the entire season! Most importantly, your support means the world to me and helps keep Bite by Michelle growing. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with sweet, delicious moments together!
