The Ultimate Christmas Cookie Sampler


✨ The Ultimate Christmas Cookie Sampler

Why You’ll Love It

Nothing says Christmas like a plate of cookies by the tree. This cookie sampler covers all the bases: buttery cut-outs for decorating, spiced gingerbread for tradition, chewy chocolate crinkles, jewel-like jam thumbprints, and festive peppermint bark for a no-bake option.

Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap, gifting to neighbors, or just snacking with cocoa, these recipes bring holiday magic to every bite.


1. Classic Sugar Cookies (for Decorating)

Ingredients:

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
  2. Beat in egg and vanilla.
  3. Mix in dry ingredients. Chill 1 hour.
  4. Roll to ¼ inch thick, cut into shapes, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
  5. Cool, then decorate with royal icing or sprinkles.

2. Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup molasses
  • 1 large egg

Instructions:

  1. Cream butter and sugar. Mix in molasses and egg.
  2. Stir in dry ingredients. Chill 2 hours.
  3. Roll out, cut into shapes, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
  4. Decorate with icing or candy details.

3. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 cups sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions:

  1. Mix cocoa, sugar, and oil. Beat in eggs + vanilla.
  2. Stir in dry ingredients. Chill dough 2 hours.
  3. Roll into balls, coat in powdered sugar.
  4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until crackled.

4. Jam Thumbprints

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups flour
  • ½ cup jam (raspberry, apricot, or your favorite)

Instructions:

  1. Cream butter + sugar. Mix in yolks and vanilla.
  2. Add flour until soft dough forms.
  3. Roll into balls, press thumb into center.
  4. Fill with jam. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.

5. Peppermint Bark (No Bake!)

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz dark chocolate
  • 12 oz white chocolate
  • ½ tsp peppermint extract
  • ½ cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

  1. Melt dark chocolate, spread thin layer on parchment. Chill until firm.
  2. Melt white chocolate with peppermint extract. Spread over dark chocolate.
  3. Sprinkle crushed candy canes. Chill again, then break into pieces.

🎁 Serving & Gifting Ideas

  • Arrange all 5 cookies on a platter for a “holiday cookie board.”
  • Pack in tins with parchment dividers for gifting.
  • Tie cellophane bags with ribbon and gift tags for neighbors or teachers.