The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in delicious homemade cookies that bring warmth and joy to every gathering. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting sweet treats to loved ones, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these festive cookies will make your season even sweeter. From classic sugar cookies to rich chocolate delights, here are some must-try recipes that capture the magic of the holidays.

1. Classic Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Sugar cookies are a holiday staple, loved for their soft texture and beautiful decorations. With royal icing, you can create festive designs that add a special touch to your holiday treats.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Royal Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp meringue powder
• 3-4 tbsp water
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients.
4. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F and roll out dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to shape cookies.
6. Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool.
7. To make icing, mix powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
8. Decorate cookies using a piping bag or small brush, then let icing set before serving.

Why They’re Great:

• Perfect for decorating with kids or friends.
• Customizable with different shapes and colors.
• Can be made in advance and stored for up to a week.

2. Chewy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Nothing says holiday cheer like the combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint. These chewy cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• ¼ cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy. Add egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet. Slightly press each ball down.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then sprinkle crushed candy canes on top while cookies are warm.
7. Let cool and enjoy!

Why They’re Great:

• Rich and chocolaty with a festive peppermint twist.
• Stay soft and chewy for days.
• Great for holiday cookie platters or gifting.