There's something magical about holiday baking that goes far beyond just mixing ingredients. It's about the warmth of the kitchen, the laughter shared while decorating cookies, and the love we bake into every single sweet bite. These are the moments that truly capture the spirit of the season - when families come together, traditions are honored, and memories are made one cookie at a time.

If you're looking to spread some sweet cheer, I've got the ultimate lineup of cookies that'll make your kitchen smell like a festive wonderland. Inspired by Food Network's 100 Best Christmas Cookie Recipes, these five show-stoppers are guaranteed to become your new holiday traditions.

Pan-Banging Pecan Snickerdoodle Cookies

Level: Easy Total Time: 2 hours (includes chilling time) Active Time: 25 minutes Yield: 13 cookies

These aren't your ordinary snickerdoodles – we're talking next-level deliciousness with a clever "bang" technique that creates the most gorgeous rippled edges. Packed with chocolate toffee chunks and pecans, these cookies are like a party in your mouth!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 2 sticks (16 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature

  • 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar

  • 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

  • 1 large egg, at room temperature

  • Five 1.4-ounce chocolate toffee bars, chopped

  • 3/4 cup pecans, finely chopped

Pro tip: When measuring flour, spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess to avoid dry cookies!

Cheesecake-Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies

Level: Easy Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (includes freezing and chilling times) Active Time: 30 minutes Yield: 12 cookies

Talk about a showstopper! These festive red beauties come with a creamy cheesecake surprise inside.

Ingredients:

Filling:

  • One 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature

  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 tablespoons sour cream

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cookies:

  • 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

  • 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 tablespoon buttermilk

  • 1 teaspoon red food coloring

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 2 large eggs

  • Confectioners' sugar, for coating



Eggnog Meltaway Cookies

Level: Easy Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (includes chilling and cooling times) Active Time: 25 minutes Yield: 4 dozen cookies

Light, buttery, and full of nutmeg, these cookies literally melt in your mouth. Pro tip: Pair them with a glass of eggnog for the ultimate holiday experience!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup blanched almonds (skinless)

  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar

  • 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature

  • 1 tablespoon bourbon

  • 2 teaspoons rum extract

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt

  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for serving


Classic Sugar Cookies

Level: Easy Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes (includes cooling and chilling times) Active Time: 45 minutes Yield: About 30 cookies

A holiday classic that's simple, sweet, and endlessly customizable with icing and sprinkles!

Ingredients:

Cookies:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt

  • 3/4 cup superfine sugar

  • 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, at room temperature

  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Royal Icing:

  • 4 cups confectioners' sugar

  • 1/4 cup meringue powder

  • Food coloring, optional

  • Decorating sugar, for topping, optional

  • Sprinkles, for topping, optional



Gingerbread Man Mug Mates

Level: Intermediate Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (includes cooling and setting times) Active Time: 2 hours Yield: 24 cookies

Adorable gingerbread cookies that come with mini candy canes, perfect for stirring into hot cocoa or hanging on the side of a mug!

Ingredients:

Gingerbread People:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt

  • 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter cut into 1-inch pieces, at room temperature

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/4 cup molasses

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 large egg

  • Nonstick cooking spray

Icing:

  • 8 ounces (about 1 2/3 cups) confectioners' sugar

  • 1/4 cup meringue powder

  • Red, green and black food coloring

  • 24 mini candy canes

Baking Tips

  • Always use room temperature ingredients

  • Measure flour correctly (spoon and level!)

  • Don't be afraid to get creative with decorations

  • Save a few cookies for Santa – he's been good this year! 🎄🍪

Ready to Bake?

Fill your home with the sweet aroma of holiday cookies! Check out Food Network's 100 Best Christmas Cookie Recipes for even more inspiration. Happy baking, and may your holidays be merry, bright, and deliciously sweet! 🎄🍪

Share the Sweet Moments!

Made these cookies? We'd love to see your festive creations! Share your holiday baking photos on Instagram or TikTok with #HouseMatch and let us see how you're spreading joy this season.