31 of the BEST Christmas Cookie Recipes

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With Thanksgiving feasting almost behind us, it’s time to start thinking about all things Christmas! We’re watching Elf on repeat in my house and getting our favorite recipes together for holiday baking. And of course, that all begins with Christmas cookies. Today I’ve gathered 31 easy Christmas cookie recipes for you to try and are also delving into some fun Christmas cookie history!

Gingerbread Men Cookies from The Novice Chef

Where Did the Tradition of Christmas Cookies Come From?

Baking cookies at Christmas time is a tradition that pre-dates Christmas as a holiday. It began with winter solstice festivals when people would celebrate the changing seasons and also indulge in a feast before the lean times of deep winter began. The pint-sized desserts they made during this period were not the same as the cookies we enjoy today since the same ingredients were not available, but the concept of wrapping up a feast with a bite of something sweet was the same!

By the Middle Ages, this tradition had become part of Christmas. Spices like nutmeg and cinnamon were beginning to become more common, while ingredients like sugar and butter were expensive delicacies saved for special occasions. Medieval cooks would save these ingredients for holidays like Christmas, then go all out making cookies for feasting and also gift-giving. This is where our tradition of giving cookies to our friends, family, and neighbors comes from. Because Medieval cooks were using expensive and rare ingredients, the cookies they baked were truly a gift in every sense of the word.

What is the Most Popular Christmas Cookie?

In the United States, the winner for the best Christmas cookie ever varies by state. According to a YouGov survey, chocolate chip cookies are the most popular nationwide at 78% of people saying they are their favorite Christmas cookie. It varies by region though with Peanut Butter Balls similar to these cookies from Cookies & Cups being 12% more popular in the Midwest. In California, the most popular cookies are Peanut Butter Blossoms, while New York gives that honor to Black & White Cookies.

Top 10 Favorite Christmas Cookies in the US

Chocolate chip cookies – 78% say it’s their favorite cookie
Sugar Cookies – 64%
Double Chocolate Cookies – 61%
Shortbread Cookies – 61%
Brookies – 61%
M&M Cookies – 61%
Butter Cookies – 60%
Peanut Butter Cookies – 60%
Peanut Butter Blossoms – 60%
Butter Pecan Cookies – 60%

See the entire list!

When putting together the list of Christmas cookies below I tried to cover favorites from every state!

Chocolate chip cookies on a plate for santa with a glass of milk

Why Do We Leave Cookies for Santa?

Many children love leaving cookies out for Santa on Christmas Eve as part of their holiday celebration. But did you ever wonder where this ritual comes from? Although people have been leaving treats for St. Nick for ages, the formal tradition of leaving cookies for Santa began in 1930’s America during the Great Depression. During that time of great hardship, parents wanted to teach their children that even during times of great need it was important to give to others and show gratitude for whatever Santa was able to bring them. Talk about a pure-hearted holiday tradition that helps children remember the spirit of Christmas.

Children also leave treats for Santa in other countries, but not always cookies & milk. In Britain and Australia, children leave out Sherry and mince pies for Santa, while in Ireland St. Nick can expect a pint of Guinness along with his cookies. In France, kids leave a glass of wine for Père Noël and fill their shoes with hay and carrots for his reindeer.