6 Christmas Cookie Ideas to Spruce up Your Spread

Nordic Ware

November 15, 2025

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the sweet aroma of sugar, spice, and everything nice drifting from the kitchen. Christmas cookies aren’t just treats they’re tiny works of edible art, a little bit of nostalgia, and sometimes, let’s be honest, a lot of pressure. Between coordinating cookie swaps, impressing the in-laws, and filling the family tins, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry we’ve got your back.

This year, why settle for the same old gingerbread men and sugar cookies? We’re blending classic comfort with a little extra holiday flair, delivering cookie ideas that taste as good as they look. Think festive twists, playful shapes, and flavors that make your kitchen smell like a winter wonderland.

Whether you’re prepping cookie tins, planning a swap, or just want to wow anyone who walks into your kitchen, these six Christmas cookie ideas will add sparkle, flavor, and a touch of magic to your holiday spread.

Table of Contents:

Chocolate Almond Sparkle Cookies
Gluten Free Peanut Butter Star Cookies
Gingerbread Cookies
Brown Sugar & Cardamom Stamped Shortbread Cookies
Peppermint Bark
Strawberry Filled Butter Cookies with Lemon Glaze
Bonus Tips for Holiday Cookie Success
FAQs About Holiday Baking
Shop Cookie Baking Essentials

1. Chocolate Almond Sparkle Cookies

Chocolate Almond Sparkle Cookies are pure holiday magic! They are fudgy, tender, and dusted with just the right amount of shimmer. They’re where rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate meets a warm almond aroma, creating a cookie that feels both cozy and effortlessly elegant. Naturally gluten-free thanks to their nut-flour base, they’re a crowd-pleasing option that everyone at the cookie platter can enjoy. And with their sparkly finish, they look just as festive as they taste. Simple to prepare yet impressive enough for gifting, these cookies deliver that “special treat” moment in every bite. Quick, reliable, and irresistibly chocolatey, they’re the kind of recipe that instantly becomes a holiday tradition.

2. Gluten Free Peanut Butter Star Cookies

Gluten-free never tasted this festive! These Peanut Butter Star Cookies are soft, buttery, and just sweet enough to make your taste buds dance, plus they’re decked out with a chocolate kiss center for the ultimate holiday wink. Rolling them in sugar or sprinkles adds that extra sparkle, making them practically gift-ready straight from your oven. Easy to whip up, they bake in just a few minutes, so you can churn out three or four dozen for cookie swaps, tin gifts, or just keeping the family happy while secretly eating half yourself. Simple, star-shaped, and totally show-stopping, these cookies prove gluten-free can still steal the holiday spotlight.

3. Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are the OG holiday classic—crispy, spiced, and begging to be dunked or drizzled with something sweet. Perfect for gifting (because who doesn’t love a little homemade holiday magic?), these cookies shine on their own or take things up a notch with a white chocolate dip, sugar glaze, or whatever festive frosting you can dream up. Feeling fancy? Try stamping them into shapes with Nordic Ware cookie stamps for that extra “wow” factor. Want to mix it up? Check out the full glazed gingerbread recipe, the celestial Starry Night version or keep it soft and chewy with the soft gingerbread stamped cookies. Either way, these spiced delights scream holiday cheer.

Our Three Favorite Ways to Enjoy Beautiful Gingerbread Cookies:

4. Brown Sugar & Cardamom Stamped Shortbread Cookies

Take your holiday cookie spread up a notch with these Brown Sugar & Cardamom Stamped Shortbread Cookies. The warm, nutty aroma of cardamom paired with rich brown sugar makes them feel elegant, cozy, and totally gift-worthy. Stamp them with festive designs for a little extra flair, or keep it simple and let the flavor do the talking. Want to mix it up? Try swapping cardamom for cinnamon or orange zest, or drizzle with white chocolate for a sweet twist. These cookies are the perfect balance of sophisticated and snackable, basically, the showstoppers that everyone will be sneaking before dessert even hits the table.

5. Peppermint Bark

Peppermint Bark is the ultimate holiday showstopper—chocolatey layers, candy crunch, and peppermint punch all in one. Dark chocolate meets a white chocolate swirl, sprinkled with festive peppermint pieces for maximum “wow” factor. Feeling fancy? Try drizzling extra chocolate on top, adding crushed candy canes, or swapping in your favorite festive sprinkle mix. Easy to make, impossible to resist, and perfect for gifting, cookie exchanges, or sneaky midnight snacking.

6. Strawberry Filled Butter Cookies with Lemon Glaze

Brighten up your holiday spread with Strawberry Filled Butter Cookies with Lemon Glaze that are sweet, tangy, and totally irresistible. Buttery cookie dough hugs a surprise jammy center, then gets a zesty lemon glaze finish that screams festive and fresh. Feeling adventurous? Swap in raspberry or apricot preserves, or add a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for a little crunch and color. These cookies are like a party on your plate. Perfect for gifting, cookie swaps, or just hiding in a secret Tupperware for yourself.

Bonus Tips for Holiday Cookie Success

Nail your cookie game with a few insider tricks, because even the best recipes need a little magic. Think prep, precision, and a pinch of creativity, and you’ll be the undisputed hero of holiday spreads.

Chill dough for firmer, perfectly shaped cookies.
Measure flour correctly, spoon and level for consistent results.
Use room-temperature butter for even mixing and texture.
Don’t overmix! Keep cookies tender, not tough.
Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking for even browning.
Keep an eye on edges as they brown first!
Add a pinch of salt to sweet dough to boost flavor.
Experiment with mix-ins: nuts, chocolate chunks, or festive sprinkles.
Let cookies cool completely before decorating or stacking.
Invest in good bakeware and parchment..

Bake Ahead & Store Smart

Cookies taste amazing fresh, but they can totally hold their own when made ahead. Chill dough for a day or two (or freeze for a month), then bake straight from the freezer for fuss-free freshness. Once baked, store in airtight containers or freeze baked cookies in layers separated by parchment, perfect for last-minute trays or surprise gifts.

Choose the Right Bakeware

Not all sheets are created equal. Nordic Ware baking sheets heat evenly, resist warping, and deliver consistent golden edges every time. Pair with parchment or silicone mat to prevent sticking, keep cleanups simple, and make your cookies shine like the star on top of the tree.

Packaging for Gifting & Swaps

Presentation is half the fun. Wrap cookies in festive tins, clear treat bags tied with ribbon, or cute boxes for an instant “wow” factor. Mix textures and shapes for visual interest, add a sprinkle or a handwritten note, and you’ve got a gift that looks as good as it tastes.

FAQs About Holiday Baking

Q: What are the most popular Christmas cookies?

A: You can’t go wrong with classics. Think gingerbread men, sugar cookies, and chocolate chip, but holiday favorites also include peppermint bark, thumbprint cookies, and snickerdoodles. Basically, anything that smells like cinnamon, chocolate, or peppermint will have a line at the cookie platter.

Q: How far in advance can I make holiday cookies?

A: Most cookies will happily hang out for a week in an airtight container at room temp. For longer planning, many freeze beautifully. Think up to 3 months, so you can bake early and still look like you’ve got your holiday act together.

Q: What cookies freeze best for the holidays?

A: Sturdy cookies with less frosting are your friends here—sugar cookies, shortbread, chocolate chip, and gingerbread all freeze like champs. Decorated or filled cookies can freeze too, just wrap them individually or layer with parchment so nothing sticks or gets smooshed.