When December rolls around, you can just picture chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose…and a big ol' batch of Christmas cookies baking in the oven.
Okay, that's not how the song goes—but it should be! Few holiday traditions are as nostalgic as baking (and eating) Christmas cookies. Some of you may choose to decorate them with your kids, or if you're like Ree Drummond, you might like to whip them up as homemade gifts for friends and family.
"I love making Christmas cookies, and usually do it on a day when I’m making cookie platters,” she says. “When I make an assortment of Christmas cookies, I try to make sure each cookie is different: A decorated sugar cookie, some kind of cornflake cookie (like cornflake wreaths), a dipped chocolate cookie sprinkled with crushed peppermints, and so forth. Christmas cookies should be a celebration of color and texture."
Every cookie baker knows that you need more than a few good recipes to get you through the season, so we've put together a month's worth of cookies. Get them all right here. Plus, keep reading to find cookie-baking essentials, instructions on building a great cookie plate, and more.
Happy holidays, and don’t forget to tell us your favorite recipes in the comments!
Try All the Cookies!
It's full-on cookie madness here. Pick out which recipes you want to make below!
Your Christmas Cookie Starter Kit
If you're going to bake up a storm, you'll want to be prepared! Stock up on some of these essentials—they'll make your cookie baking projects so much easier, and more fun too.
- Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop will give you the perfect portion size and shape. You'll get consistently round cookies every time!
- Piping Bags: Once you have these in your baking kit, you’ll use them for all of your icing and decorating projects. A gallon-sized zip-top bag with the corner snipped can work in a pinch.
- Pre-Cut Parchment Sheets: No need to wrestle with cutting a whole roll of parchment paper to size! These sheets are pre-cut to fit a large baking sheet. Bonus: They make for easy cleanup, too.
- Rolling Pin with Handles: The handles take some of the effort out of pressing and rolling, and you'll get an even piece of dough for cut-out cookies.
- Sparkling Sugar: If you only buy one container of sprinkles this holiday baking season, make it sparkling sugar. These sprinkles give any cookie a shimmer and their coarse texture add an irresistible crunch.
Great Value Disposable Decorating Bags
Reynolds Baking Sheets
The Pioneer Woman Rolling Pin With Handle
How to Build the Perfect Cookie Plate
Like what you see? Find out how to make this festive cookie plate right here.
