The Best Holiday Cookies To Make This Season

When it comes to holiday cookies, everyone has their "tried and true" signature bakes. Maybe it's your tia's bizcochitos or nana's Scottish shortbread or pops' M&M cookies...make them! Nothing can compete with family favorites but if you're looking for something that will pleasantly surprise everyone, make one of these tasty treats your signature holiday cookie.

Modern Classics

Pfeffernusse Cookies
Spiced with cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and a pinch of black pepper, these delightful bites are like bold gingerbread. Serve coated in powdered sugar and make a double batch--once you eat one, it's hard to stop!

Spritz Cookies
This buttery sugar cookie can be shaped and decorated for any holiday or special occasion. And yes, staying up until 1 AM watching made for tv holiday movies definitely counts as a special occasion.

Orange Spice Cookies
Choose your own cinnamon adventure with these chewy, sweet-spiced cookies.

Mint To Be

Candy Cane Cookies
Candy cane cookies are a unique addition to any holiday cookie platter--cute enough for the kids and tasty enough for the adults! You can make them classic peppermint or add a twist of mint chocolate.

Chocolate Peppermint Snowballs
Snowballs are a holiday tradition - both the outdoor activity and the cookie! This year give them a flavor upgrade with rich cocoa and cooling mint. These easy cookies are great to make with kids.

Chocolate Peppermint Pralines
Classic pecan pralines get a holiday makeover with chocolate and peppermint. These smooth, fudgy chocolate pralines are as easy to make as they are to eat.

Not Quite Cookies

Cookies & Cream Brigadeiros
Brigadeiros are a classic Brazilian chocolate treat, reminiscent of truffles. Try rolling them in any sprinkles or dried fruit you have for even more flavor variety!

Smoked Maple Caramels
Welcome to caramel heaven. These soft, chewy caramels are irresistible with the perfect balance of smoke, sweet maple, and mineral black lava sea salt. Instead of setting into candies, use warm caramel to coat apples, rim a mug for hot cider, toss with popcorn, or drizzle onto ice cream.

Dough or Donut*

*Yes, we know that donuts and breads aren't technically cookies but since they are in the "baked treats" family, we added them to the list.

Holiday Fruitcake
This isn't your typical fruitcake. Think of it as a moist pound cake studded with chewy, colorful fruit. You're gonna love it.

Holiday Chocolate Scones
You'll want to make a double batch of these chocolaty breakfast treats when holiday guests come around.

Baked Apple Donuts
These spiced apple donuts get a quick and easy glaze and a sprinkle of spiced sugar. The perfect breakfast treat, but serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and they can double as dessert.