The holiday season is all about warmth, joy, and the sweet smell of cookies wafting through the air. There’s something magical about baking traditional cookies that brings back cozy memories of Christmases gone by. Let’s explore three delightful recipes that are sure to fill your home with festive cheer and make your taste buds dance with delight.
Classic Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies from Sally's Baking Addiction
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: 4 h 30 min Total Time: 4 h 30 min.

Classic Gingerbread Cookies from Cashmere & Cocktails
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: 2 h 28 min Total Time: 2 h 28 min.
Imagine biting into a cookie that’s perfectly spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and a hint of molasses. These classic gingerbread cookies are soft and chewy, with just the right amount of sweetness to make them irresistible. The best part? They are super fun to decorate, so gather your family for a festive activity that will create lasting memories!
What Makes This Recipe Special?
These cookies are a staple during the holidays, often shaped like little men, women, or even holiday ornaments. The rich, spicy flavor makes them a favorite among kids and adults alike, and the decorating adds a creative twist that allows everyone to express their artistic side!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- Royal icing (for decorating)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the molasses and egg, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut out your favorite shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are firm but the centers are still soft. Let cool before decorating!
Snowball Cookies

American snowball cookies from Fidelity Cucina – Fidelity House
Ingredients: 30 min Total Time: 30 min.
These little bites of joy are like snowflakes in cookie form! With their buttery flavor and nutty crunch from finely chopped nuts, snowball cookies are rolled in powdered sugar for that perfect snowy finish. Each bite melts in your mouth, making them a favorite at any holiday gathering.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Snowball cookies, also known as Russian tea cakes, have a delightful crumbly texture that pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or tea. They’re easy to make and require minimal ingredients, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time. Plus, who can resist that snowy coating that adds a touch of magic?
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add the flour, chopped nuts, and vanilla, and mix until combined.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden, but the tops remain pale.
- Let them cool for a couple of minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Let them cool completely and roll again for extra sweetness!
Peanut Butter Blossoms

Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms from Sally's Baking Addiction
Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: 1 h 45 min Total Time: 1 h 45 min.
These cookies are a delightful combination of soft, chewy peanut butter goodness topped with a chocolate kiss that makes every bite a little piece of heaven. The rich, nutty flavor of the peanut butter contrasts beautifully with the sweet, melty chocolate, creating a cookie that’s simply irresistible. Once you make these, they’ll surely become a holiday favorite!
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Peanut Butter Blossoms are not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make! The tradition of placing a chocolate kiss on top just before the cookies cool adds an extra touch of sweetness. It’s a cookie that brings smiles to everyone’s faces and is perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Hershey’s Kisses (or your favorite chocolate candy)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, baking soda, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until they start to crack slightly.
- As soon as you take them out of the oven, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.