10 Easy Cookie Recipes for Christmas Gifts

1. Classic Sugar Cookies

These classic sugar cookies are a staple during the holiday season and can be easily decorated to suit any festive theme. They are soft, buttery, and perfect for gifting.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups white sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk
  • Decorative icing and sprinkles (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
  4. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased pans. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass, and if desired, sprinkle with decorative sugar.
  5. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.

2. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Who can resist the allure of warm chocolate chip cookies? These cookies are always a favorite and make perfect gifts when packaged beautifully.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
  4. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Stir in the chocolate chips.
  5. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.

3. Peanut Butter Blossoms

These delightful cookies combine the rich flavor of peanut butter with a sweet chocolate kiss on top. They’re sure to be a hit with friends and family!

• Ingredients:
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 36 chocolate kisses, unwrapped
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend into the peanut butter mixture.
  4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 8 minutes.
  5. Remove from the oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Let cool on wire racks.

4. Snickerdoodles

These cinnamon-sugar coated cookies are soft and chewy, making them a perfect holiday treat. Snickerdoodles are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups white sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, 1 ½ cups sugar, and eggs. Blend in the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon. Shape dough into balls, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
  4. Place on ungreased cookie sheets, and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool on wire racks.

5. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Packed with wholesome oats and sweet raisins, these cookies offer a chewy texture and a touch of nostalgia. They’re a healthy yet delicious gift option!

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup raisins
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually stir into the creamed mixture. Mix in oats and raisins.
  4. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool on wire racks.

6. Peppermint Crunch Cookies

These festive cookies are perfect for the holiday season, featuring crushed peppermint candies that add a refreshing minty flavor. They make a great gift for those who love unique treats!

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually blend into the creamed mixture. Stir in crushed peppermint candies.
  4. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on wire racks.

7. Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat, perfect for decorating and sharing. These spiced cookies bring warmth and cheer to any gift box.

• Ingredients:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup molasses
• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and molasses.
  3. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough to ¼ inch thickness and cut into desired shapes. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
  5. Let cool completely before decorating with icing and candies.

8. Almond Biscotti

Biscotti are perfect for gifting, especially when paired with coffee or tea. These almond-flavored treats are crunchy, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons almond extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until fluffy. Beat in the eggs and almond extract.
  3. In another bowl, mix flour and baking powder, then gradually add to the wet mixture. Fold in almonds.
  4. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden.
  5. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Slice logs diagonally into ¾-inch thick slices. Return to baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes until crisp.

9. Caramel Shortbread Cookies

These delectable caramel shortbread cookies combine a buttery shortbread base with a layer of rich caramel and chocolate. They are absolutely irresistible!

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
  2. In a bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar. Gradually mix in flour until the mixture is crumbly.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
  4. In a saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat until caramelized, stirring constantly. Pour over the baked shortbread crust.
  5. Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over the caramel layer. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.

10. Coconut Macaroons

These chewy coconut macaroons are sweet and satisfying. They make a lovely gift, especially for coconut lovers!

• Ingredients:
  • 2 ⅓ cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • ⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large egg whites
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, combine coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla.
  3. In another bowl, beat egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the coconut mixture.
  4. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until lightly golden.
  5. If desired, dip the bottoms in melted chocolate once cooled.

Conclusion

These 10 easy cookie recipes are perfect for Christmas gifts, offering a delightful array of flavors and textures that will surely please anyone on your list. Whether you choose to package them in decorative boxes or jars, each cookie will convey your love and holiday spirit. Happy baking and gifting!