All the best cookie recipes in one convenient location! This tried-and-true list of family favorites covers all the bases for the most irresistible dessert platters, cookie swaps, bake sales, and holiday gift giving.ย Save

As I was rifling through my recipe box several months ago, it occurred to me that there were many smudged and splattered index cardsโ€”time-honored recipes that had not yet made their way to the pages of the Fountain Avenue Kitchen.

A particular shortcoming was in the cookie department. I counted well over a dozen tried-and-true recipes, and it seemed only appropriate that I share those which had endured generations (along with a few newer additions) with my loyal readers.

Suffice it to say, I have baked dozens of batches of cookies over the last few months. I actually called in reinforcements (thanks Mom and Aunt Peggy!) to get the baking done for one particularly ambitious photo shoot.

As the scheduled day neared, it occurred to me that the notion of photographing 10 different cookies in one day may have been an overstep on my part. But we did it! Clearly, we take our holiday bakingโ€”and that of our readersโ€”very seriously!

So along with my holiday elves, I am delighted to present all the best cookie recipes in one convenient location. This tried-and-true collection of family favorites covers all the bases for the most irresistible dessert platters, cookie swaps, bake sales, and holiday gift giving.

If you have a favorite cookie recipe that you think should be on this list, by all means share it. I plan on adding to this collection over time and would be delighted to try the cookie recipes that have stood the test of time in your family!

The cookie itself is lightly sweet and similar to a pecan sandie. A dusting of confectioner's sugar provides the finishing touch of flavor and looks so pretty, too. (And for those with allergies--no eggs and a gluten-free option!)Save

Snowballs

A classic holiday cookie that mixes up in one bowl (with no eggs), this foolproof recipe tastes like a sugar-dusted pecan sandie and looks so pretty too.
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Destined to be the hit of the bake sale, holiday cookie platter, or potluck, you need not wait for a special occasion to bake these magical bars. Six simple ingredients never tasted so good! ย Save

Magic Six Layer Bars (only 6 ingredients!)

A handful of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy ingredients layer quickly over a crisp graham cracker crust for an irresistibly easy treat thatโ€™s perfect for potlucks, cookie platters, and sharing with friends!
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Perfectly-spiced and crisp with a hint of cakiness, these classic gingerbread cookies hold their shape and are a blank canvas for decorating!Save

Classic Gingerbread Cookies

The only gingerbread recipe you will ever need, these perfectly-spiced cookies have stood the test of time and are as fun to make as they are to eat!
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A popular hostess and holiday gift and a great project for kids to make for friends, Chocolate Chip Cookies in a Jar are fun to bake, give, and eat. Printable tags included!ย Save

Chocolate Chip Cookies in a Jar

A popular hostess and holiday gift and a great project for kids to make for friends, Chocolate Chip Cookies in a Jar are fun to bake, give, and eat. Printable tags included!
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Chewy on the inside with a lightly crisp exterior, this perfectly spiced ginger snap cookie recipe has stood the test of time and is a welcome addition to any cookie platter!Save

Ginger Snaps

Chewy on the inside with a lightly crisp exterior, this perfectly spiced ginger snap cookie recipe has stood the test of time and is a welcome addition to any cookie platter!
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These tender, cake-like cookies are topped with an irresistible glaze andย look beautiful on a cookie platter. Perfect for special occasions from Christmas and Easter to baby showers. Simply change the color of the sprinkles!Save

Italian Ricotta Cookies

These tender, cake-like cookies are topped with an irresistible glaze and look beautiful on a cookie platter.
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Easy to make and quick to disappear, this family-favorite treat is salty, sweet, crispy, buttery, and chocolatey. Aย variety of optional toppings ramp up the flavor and seasonal appeal!Save

Cracker Toffee

This mouthwatering bark is crisp and chocolatey with a buttery toffee finish. Toppings add a festive touch but are optional. (My personal favorite it salted cashews!)
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Tender, chewy, and perfectly spiced, these easy-to-make cookies are just like the ones Grandma used to make and the aroma while baking is heavenly. A delicious way to get your oats!Save

Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Tender, chewy, and perfectly spiced, these easy-to-make cookies are just like the ones Grandma used to make and the aroma while baking is heavenly.
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Lightly spiced, chocolatey, and chockfull of pumpkin and oats, this cookie celebrates pumpkin season in exactly the way you hope!Save

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Lightly spiced, chocolatey, and chock full of pumpkin and oats, this cookie hits all the right notes.
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A holiday staple, these tried-and-true sugar cookies are soft, a little chewy, and hold their shape beautifully.ย Use your favorite cookie cutters and have fun decorating!ย Save

Cut Out Sugar Cookies

A holiday staple, these tried-and-true sugar cookies are soft, a little chewy, and hold their shape beautifully. Use your favorite cookie cutters and have fun decorating!
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This 2-bite cookie is hearty, subtly sweet, and can be filled with a variety of fruit, chocolate, and/or nut fillings.Save

Grandmaโ€™s Rugelach

Call it rugelach or call it strudel โ€“ either way, this recipe is a traditional European Jewish dessert thatโ€™s often served during Hanukkah but can be enjoyed any time of year!
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Nothing is more seasonal than hot chocolate...except maybe peppermint. This recipes combines both for a delicious, brownie-like cookie that may be your new family tradition!Save

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

Nothing is more seasonal than hot chocolateโ€ฆexcept maybe peppermint. This recipe combines both for a delicious, brownie-like cookie that may be your new family tradition!
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Three basic ingredients come together with ease in this flourless, dairy-free cookie that is sure to become a favorite!Save

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

Incredibly easy with a delightful peanut butter flavor, these cookies can be elevated an extra notch with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. For added decadence, dip half the cookie in white or dark chocolate โ€“ or add chocolate chips!
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Three ingredients are all you need for this salty-sweet, crunchy treat that takes mere minutes to make. No baking required!Save

No Bake Butterscotch Haystacks

Three ingredients are all you need for this salty-sweet, crunchy treat that takes mere minutes to make. No baking required!
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Crisp edges, chewy insides, puddles of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a sea salt topping โ€“ plus nutty, caramel notes from the browned butter. These chocolate chip cookies are what dreams are made of!Save

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Crisp edges, chewy insides, puddles of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a sea salt topping โ€“ plus nutty, caramel notes from the browned butter. These chocolate chip cookies are what dreams are made of!
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Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies (low sugar and really easy)

These small bites satisfy a sweet tooth with minimal sugar and the added benefit of wholesome fats and protein from the almonds. Whatโ€™s more, the dough can be quickly mixed by hand with minimal ingredients.
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Low in fat and high in flavor, this crisp Italian cookie is perfect for dipping in coffee, tea, and cocoa. Great for holiday and hostess gifts, too!Save

Snickerdoodle Biscotti

Classic, twice-baked biscotti goes Snickerdoodle-style thanks to an easy cinnamon sugar topping. Low in fat and high in flavor, this crisp Italian cookie is perfect for dipping in coffee, tea, and cocoa!
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Sweet, crisp, and light as a cloud, these classic meringue cookies are easy to make and look beautiful on a holiday cookie platterSave

Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies

Sweet, crisp, and light as a cloud, these classic meringue cookies are easy to make and look beautiful on a holiday cookie platter.
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Peanut Butter Cup CookiesSave

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

The time-honored pairing of peanut butter and chocolate is elevated with more peanut butter and a dusting of sea salt in this super simple, salty-sweet recipe that will delight any time of year!
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Pumpkin Ginger Cookies

The addition of pumpkin supplies moisture and enhances the spices in this otherwise traditional (and utterly delicious!) ginger-molasses cookie.
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All the best cookie recipes in one convenient location! This tried-and-true list of family favorites covers all the bases for the most irresistible dessert platters, cookie swaps, bake sales, and holiday gift giving.ย Save
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8 responses to “The Best Holiday Cookies!”

  1. Alicelynne Watson Avatar
    Alicelynne Watson

    Great selections and beautiful presentation! Am going to try your rugelach recipe this year!!

    1. Thank you, Alicelynne! I think you will enjoy the rugelach!

  2. April Faber Avatar
    April Faber

    Thanks very much for the wonderful recipes, Ann! Beautiful photos, too! Tell me, please, will the meringue cookies store or freeze? Cheers!

    1. Hi April! I have been trying to add storage information to all the cookie recipes and missed this one. Thanks for asking. I have updated the recipe, but for convenience, here are the details: Once cool, store the meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. The meringues may also be refrigerated for slightly longer storage as long as they are in an airtight container. Ultimately, the goal is to protect them from humidity, which will cause them to lose their crispness. Meringue cookies may also be layered between parchment or wax paper in an airtight container and frozen for up to 3 months. Cheers to you, too!

  3. Wow! Fantastic collection of cookies!
    This will keep me busyโ€ฆ.

    1. Thank you, Fezzi! Happy baking!

  4. Great selection of cookies, Ann! Fun, festive and yummy!

    1. Thank you, Mary! โค๏ธ