✨ 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:
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla.
- Mix in dry ingredients. Chill 1 hour.
- Roll to ¼ inch thick, cut into shapes, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
- 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:
- Cream butter and sugar. Mix in molasses and egg.
- Stir in dry ingredients. Chill 2 hours.
- Roll out, cut into shapes, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
- 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:
- Mix cocoa, sugar, and oil. Beat in eggs + vanilla.
- Stir in dry ingredients. Chill dough 2 hours.
- Roll into balls, coat in powdered sugar.
- 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:
- Cream butter + sugar. Mix in yolks and vanilla.
- Add flour until soft dough forms.
- Roll into balls, press thumb into center.
- 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:
- Melt dark chocolate, spread thin layer on parchment. Chill until firm.
- Melt white chocolate with peppermint extract. Spread over dark chocolate.
- 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.