12 Holiday Cookies That Will Make You the Undisputed Champion of Cookie Swaps

Welcome to Day 1 of our 12 days of cookies Christmas Cookie Collection for 2024. On each of the next 12 days, we will be highlighting a dozen different cookies you may want to make this year for your annual cookie exchange or another holiday celebration. Note: while most of these are Christmas cookies, there are a few in this 12-day collection that work for Chanukah, too.

Grid of cookies for "12 Days of Cookies" by bagelsandlasagna.com. Includes Snowman, Iced Molasses, Chocolate Cherry Blossoms, and others. Day 1 highlighted. Red and green holiday theme.

Snowman Cookies

A stack of cookies with a white icing layer and red icing center, topped with shredded coconut. Additional cookies are scattered nearby on a light surface. — Snowman Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Snowman Cookies are always a hit in my house! They’re so much fun to make and honestly they’re even more fun to eat. Whether I’m baking with the kids or just want a festive treat for myself, these cookies never fail to bring a smile.
Get the recipe: Snowman Cookies

Iced Molasses Cookies

A stack of four frosted cookies is on a white surface. The top cookie has a bite taken out, and there are crumbs nearby. A small metal bowl is in the background. — Iced Molasses Cookies. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Old-Fashioned Iced Molasses Cookies take me straight back to the cozy, comforting treats I grew up with. They’re perfectly spiced and have just the right balance of sweetness from the icing. If you love soft, flavorful cookies like I do, these are a must-try!
Get the recipe: Old-Fashioned Iced Molasses Cookies

Chocolate Cherry Blossoms

A plate of seven pink cookies topped with chocolate drops. — Chocolate Cherry Blossoms. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Chocolate Cherry Blossoms are one of my favorite treats. The cherry-flavored dough combined with rich dark chocolate kisses on top makes them irresistible. I love how they’re a little different yet familiar enough to please everyone who tries them.
Get the recipe: Chocolate Cherry Blossoms

Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread

Three cookies with dried fruits and nuts on a floral-patterned plate. — Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread is one of those perfect combinations of buttery texture and crunchy, colorful bits. It’s so simple to make and I find myself reaching for one whenever I want a sweet, slightly salty snack. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Get the recipe: Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread

Christmas Sugar Cookies

Christmas-themed cookies shaped like gingerbread men, trees, and a candy cane are on a cooling rack, surrounded by candy canes. — Christmas Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Christmas Sugar Cookies are a classic favorite in my house. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture always makes them a holiday hit. I love how easy they are to make and they’re always the first thing to disappear when I bring them out!
Get the recipe: Christmas Sugar Cookies

Classic Holly Wreath Cookies

A wreath-shaped green cornflake cluster decorated with three red candies rests on a piece of parchment paper. — Classic Holly Wreath Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Classic Holly Wreath Cookies are just a fun way to celebrate the season. I love how they add a pop of color to the holiday spread and their crunchy texture and sweet flavor make them a simple yet charming treat I can’t resist.
Get the recipe: Classic Holly Wreath Cookies

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Colorful pinwheel cookies with red, green, and white swirls, edged with multicolored sprinkles, stacked on a white surface. — Christmas Pinwheel Cookies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a blast to make and they’re just as fun to eat! The vibrant swirl of colors makes them such a festive addition to the holiday table and their sweet, buttery taste always wins people over. I can never make enough of these!
Get the recipe: Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Vegan Pignoli Cookies

A wooden bowl filled with cookies covered in pine nuts and dusted with powdered sugar. — Vegan Pignoli Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Vegan Pignoli Cookies are one of my go-to treats when I’m craving something light, crunchy and nutty. They’re so simple to make but every bite delivers a wonderful flavor that I always love and I know anyone will enjoy—even those with special dietary preferences.
Get the recipe: Vegan Pignoli Cookies

Frosted Pumpkin Cookies

Two stacked cookies topped with white frosting and sprinkled with cinnamon. — Frosted Pumpkin Cookies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Frosted Pumpkin Cookies are a soft, spiced delight with creamy frosting that takes them to a whole new level. I love having them whenever I want something cozy and comforting but a little different from the usual sweets.
Get the recipe: Frosted Pumpkin Cookies

Ginger Snap Cookies

A partially eaten molasses cookie with a cracked surface and sugar granules, resting on a wooden table. — Ginger Snap Cookies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Ginger Snap Cookies are the perfect balance of spicy and sweet. Every bite has that satisfying crunch I love and they bring warmth to any occasion. I always find myself making them when I need a cozy pick-me-up.
Get the recipe: Ginger Snap Cookies

Butter Cookies

Nine embossed round cookies with decorative floral patterns on parchment paper. — Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Butter Cookies are my definition of comfort. They’re simple, melt-in-your-mouth treats that are wonderfully rich and delicate. I love having these on hand whenever I want a sweet, buttery bite that hits the spot. I used my embossed rolling pins to get the beautiful designs here.
Get the recipe: Butter Cookies

Rocky Road Cookies

Four chocolate cookies topped with marshmallows, chocolate drizzles, and nut pieces on a decorative white plate. — Rocky Road Cookies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Rocky Road Cookies are always a crowd-pleaser in any gathering. They’re loaded with chocolatey goodness, a bit of crunch and that irresistible gooeyness. Whenever I need a treat that feels extra special these are my go-to!
Get the recipe: Rocky Road Cookies