Get Your Cookie Game On With 13 Holiday Treats That Will Steal the Show

Welcome to day two of the 12 days of Christmas cookies, sure to elevate your cookie game. Today’s roundup is actually a baker’s dozen — or 13 — holiday treats. Of course, I’m sharing a dozen unique cookie recipes. Plus, I’ve added in an extra holiday treat if you’d like to try your hand at a non-cookie recipe, too.

Grid of 12 different Christmas-themed cookie images on a decorative background labeled "12 Days of Cookies: Day 2".

Christmas Shapes Sugar Cookies

A variety of frosted sugar cookies in holiday shapes, including stars, hearts, and candy canes, are arranged on a white surface. — Christmas Shapes Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Christmas Shapes Sugar Cookies are a holiday tradition I can’t resist. Whether I’m cutting out stars, trees, or snowflakes, decorating them is always a joy. Their soft texture and buttery sweetness make them the perfect treat to share with friends and family.
Get the recipe: Christmas Shapes Sugar Cookies

Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies

Frosted cookies topped with crushed peppermint candies on parchment paper. — Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies are the essence of holiday cheer! The cool, minty flavor adds a festive twist to the classic sugar cookie. They’re delicious on their own or topped with a swirl of peppermint frosting for extra holiday magic.
Get the recipe: Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies

Raspberry Pinwheel Cookies

Stack of sugar-dusted pastry rolls filled with a reddish filling on a wooden surface. — Raspberry Pinwheel Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Raspberry Pinwheel Cookies are as beautiful as they are tasty. I love how the buttery dough wraps around the sweet, fruity jam in a spiral of flavor. They’re elegant enough for a special occasion but simple enough for everyday snacking.
Get the recipe: Raspberry Pinwheel Cookies

Star-Shaped Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Star-shaped cookies with white icing and sprinkles, arranged on a white plate. — Eggnog Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Eggnog Sugar Cookies are my go-to treat for cozy winter evenings. The soft, spiced dough is infused with the creamy flavors of eggnog, and a sprinkle of nutmeg on top makes them truly irresistible. They taste like the holidays in every bite!
Get the recipe: Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Yellow Cake Mix Cookies

Four different cookies, each on a white surface: chocolate chip, colorful candy, multi-colored sprinkles, and another chocolate chip. — Yellow Cake Mix Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Yellow Cake Mix Cookies are perfect when I’m short on time but still want something delicious. They’re soft, chewy, and just sweet enough, with the nostalgic flavor of classic yellow cake. Add sprinkles, chocolate chips, or frosting to make them your own!
Get the recipe: Yellow Cake Mix Cookies

Cherry Surprise Cookies

A pile of cookies on a plate, with one cookie broken open to show a red filling. — Cherry Surprise Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cherry Surprise Cookies are always a fun treat! The buttery cookie shell hides a juicy cherry inside, and a drizzle of sweet icing makes them extra special. I love watching people’s faces light up when they discover the hidden surprise.
Get the recipe: Cherry Surprise Cookies

Red Velvet Crinkles

Red velvet cookies with powdered sugar on top, one cookie is partially eaten, on a cooling rack with a red ribbon next to them. — Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Red Velvet Crinkles are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Their deep red color and powdered sugar coating make them stunningly festive, while the rich, chocolatey flavor keeps everyone coming back for more.
Get the recipe: Red Velvet Crinkles

Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

A plate of oatmeal cookies with red cranberries and chocolate chips. — Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the best of sweet and tart flavors. The juicy cranberries and rich chocolate chips make every bite a delightful surprise. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings or as a snack with a warm cup of tea
Get the recipe: Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Reindeer Sugar Cookies

A round cookie decorated with chocolate antlers, eyes, and a red candy nose sits in front of a glass bottle of milk. — Reindeer Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Reindeer Sugar Cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat! With a little creativity and candy decorations, these cookies turn into adorable holiday characters. They’re perfect for kids or anyone who loves a whimsical holiday treat.
Get the recipe: Reindeer Sugar Cookies

Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies

A stack of chocolate cookies with melted marshmallow centers on a white plate, surrounded by chocolate chips and marshmallows. — Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies are a quick and cozy treat I can whip up anytime. With a gooey marshmallow topping and a rich chocolatey base, they taste just like a warm cup of cocoa. Plus, the air fryer makes them so easy to bake!
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies

No-Bake Rainbow Cookie Balls

No Bake Rainbow Snowcone Chocolate Balls featured image — No-Bake Rainbow Cookie Balls. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

No-Bake Rainbow Cookie Balls are colorful, fun, and perfect for when I don’t want to turn on the oven. They’re chewy, sweet, and packed with sprinkles, making them a hit with kids and adults alike at any party or gathering.
Get the recipe: No-Bake Rainbow Cookie Balls

Norwegian Berlinerkranser Cookies

Green-sprinkled cookies shaped like fish with red candied cherries on a white plate. — Norwegian Berlinerkranser Cookies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Norwegian Berlinerkranser Cookies bring an elegant, buttery richness to my holiday table. With their delicate texture and pretty wreath shape, they’re a classic treat that feels like a warm hug from Scandinavian tradition.
Get the recipe: Norwegian Berlinerkranser Cookies

Yellow Cake Mix Banana Bread

Slices of banana bread on a red plate, with two bananas and a glass of milk in the background. — Yellow Cake Mix Banana Bread. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

With this recipe for Yellow Cake Mix Banana Bread, you literally dump all of the ingredients in the pan you’ll be baking your banana bread in. Then you mix all the ingredients together, pop it in the oven and you get easy peasy banana bread.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Cake Mix Banana Bread

Day 1 of 12 Days of Christmas 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.

Did you miss Day 1 of our roundup of 12 days of Christmas Cookies? It included 12 recipes that were sure to make you the undisputed champ of your annual holiday cookie exchange.
Get the recipe: 12 Holiday Cookies That Will Make You the Undisputed Champion of Cookie Swaps