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25 Christmas Cookies That Add a Burst of Merry to Any Tray

Holiday dessert trays have never looked as inviting as when they’re filled with any of these 25 different kinds of Christmas cookies. Each cookie on this list brings its own kind of fun, whether you’re a cookie-swap pro or just trying not to burn anything this year. These recipe options are sure to give your tray some serious charm and a whole lot of cheer.

A plate of Spiced Ginger Cookies and a cup of tea.
Ginger Spice Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

A white plate with seven Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies on a marble surface, surrounded by a cup of coffee, a spoon, a bowl of nut butter, oats, and a striped cloth.
Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Many home bakers love how easy Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies can be to make, especially during busy moments. Melting together pantry staples creates a mixture that firms up without any baking required. These cookies hold together well and bring a familiar peanut butter-chocolate blend that’s always welcome on a holiday dessert tray. People look forward to adding a big batch to their festive display, knowing they’ll be gone quickly.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

Bourbon Balls with White Chocolate

Bourbon balls with white chocolate and powdered sugar
Bourbon Balls with White Chocolate. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A touch of richness meets celebration in Bourbon Balls with White Chocolate, combining classic bourbon flavor with a creamy white chocolate coating. Crushed cookies, a little cocoa, and a drizzle of spirits form a moist center that pairs well with any party tray. Each piece carries an elegant look, making them perfect for adding a sense of tradition to gatherings. You can count on these treats to stand out and spark conversation.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Balls with White Chocolate

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Peppermint Crunch Oreos

A white plate of Peppermint Crunch Oreos topped with crushed peppermint pieces sits on a white surface.
Peppermint Crunch Oreos. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

When looking for something both familiar and festively bright, many choose Peppermint Crunch Oreos to add to their collection. Chocolate sandwich cookies get a quick upgrade with a peppermint-infused coating and a sprinkle of candy for texture. This combination brings a cool aroma to any sweets platter. Their red and white accents help them pop visually, making them favorites among both adults and kids alike.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Crunch Oreos

Church Window Cookies

A hand holding a piece of Church Window Cookies, with more pieces blurred in the background.
Church Window Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Families who want a colorful surprise turn to Church Window Cookies for their table. Melted chocolate and marshmallows create layers that resemble stained glass, and a sprinkle of nuts adds an inviting crunch. Each sliced cookie reveals bright pops of color, giving them a special appeal that guests remember. These unique-looking treats become a talking point when sharing cookies with friends and neighbors.
Get the Recipe: Church Window Cookies

Chocolate Overload Cookies

Chocolate overload cookies on a white plate.
Chocolate Overload Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Those who love chocolate often reach for Chocolate Overload Cookies on the dessert tray first. Multiple types of chocolate blend into one chewy cookie, making each bite packed with intense flavor. Their rich look and bold aroma invite people to take more than one. Including these on your spread guarantees a crowd-pleaser for anyone craving something classic with a little extra punch.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Overload Cookies

Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

Peanut butter cookies with a face made of pretzels and dried cranberries to look like a reindeer.
Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fun and whimsy come together in Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies, making them perfect for kids’ parties or family nights. Simple peanut butter cookie dough gets shaped and decorated with candy for eyes and pretzel antlers. Their playful faces bring smiles and encourage everyone to help decorate. People enjoy including these on their tray for their cute appearance and familiar, homey taste.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

A slice of chocolate chip skillet cookie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream sits on a white plate with a spoon.
Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Crowd gatherings often call for shareable treats like a Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie. The golden dough is loaded with gooey chocolate chips, and baking it all together in a skillet makes serving easy. Slices of this warm, comforting cookie fit in perfectly among smaller treats on a display. Friends and relatives enjoy the contrast in texture from chewy edges to a soft center.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Hot Cocoa Cookies

A close-up of a cocoa chip cookie with white and dark chocolate chunks resting on a black cooling rack.
Hot Cocoa Cookies. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Popular among people who love classic comfort, Hot Cocoa Cookies combine cocoa, marshmallows, and chocolate. Each cookie is topped with a toasty marshmallow, making them look inviting and a little nostalgic. They fit right in on any dessert table, and children especially gravitate toward the marshmallow topping. Adding these cookies to your spread brings a familiar, cozy feel.
Get the Recipe: Hot Cocoa Cookies

Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies

A close-up of a large chocolate cookie sprinkled with coarse salt, placed on a decorative plate with pink rose patterns.
Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sweet and salty flavors highlight every bite of Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies, making them stand out. Dark chocolate brings depth, while a light sprinkle of salt on top increases the impact. Their glossy appearance attracts dessert fans looking for something beyond just sweetness. These cookies appeal to anyone who wants a balanced treat on a merry platter.
Get the Recipe: Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies

Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies

A plate with several Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie cookies topped with a layer of peanut butter and a swirl of chocolate frosting.
Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Peanut butter lovers always notice Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies for their bold flavor and inviting layers. Chewy brownie bases topped with peanut butter and chocolate create a striking look on any cookie tray. Cutting through reveals perfect layers that draw compliments from friends and family. People find that their rich taste pairs well with other classic Christmas cookies.
Get the Recipe: Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

A plate of chocolate cookies topped with white icing and green sprinkles. A red and white striped cloth is in the background.
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Combining refreshing peppermint and intense cocoa, Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies create a memorable treat. Simple piping or a sprinkle of crushed candy on top adds festive visual flair. Each bite brings together a tingly mint and rich chocolate that appeals to a wide age range. These cookies help add a bright pop and fresh note to traditional cookie trays.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Pecan Butter Balls

Top-down shot of seven pecan butter balls on a black plate.
Pecan Butter Balls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

People who prefer simple, nutty treats enjoy Pecan Butter Balls for their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Toasted pecans ground into buttery dough make each round cookie both crumbly and tender. They’re often coated in a light dusting of powdered sugar, which adds a classic look to any spread. These little balls suit both fancy parties and casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Butter Balls

Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies

Frosted chocolate chip cookie cookies on a wooden cutting board.
Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fans of classic favorites appreciate the playful twist in Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies. Soft chocolate chip cookies get topped with a layer of colorful buttercream, turning them into festive and eye-catching additions. Custom colors and sprinkles make it easy to fit any theme. Everyone loves reaching for these cheerful treats, which unite nostalgia and fun decoration.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cookie Butter Cake Balls

Six Cookie Butter Cake Balls on a slate tray.
Cookie Butter Cake Balls. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Cookie crumbles and creamy filling shape Cookie Butter Cake Balls into a bite-sized delight with plenty of texture. After rolling, they’re dipped in chocolate for a smooth finish that stands out among traditional round cookies. Each ball packs layers of flavor in every bite, combining cake and cookie in one treat. Their tidy appearance makes them easy to display and share at group events.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Butter Cake Balls

Red Velvet Christmas Truffles

Red velvet Christmas truffles sprinkled with sugar.
Red Velvet Christmas Truffles. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A mix of rich color and chocolate flavor turns Red Velvet Christmas Truffles into irresistible additions to any cookie tray. The smooth, bright red interior combines with a white chocolate shell for a dramatic presentation. Each truffle can be placed in festive paper cups, adding a special touch to your dessert table. Guests always notice these truffles thanks to their bold and unique color.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Christmas Truffles

Double Chocolate Brookies

A plate of chocolate cookies with walnuts and chocolate pieces on the side.
Double Chocolate Brookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

When combining brownies and cookies, you get Double Chocolate Brookies, which are a favorite on cookie trays. They have layers of gooey brownie and chewy chocolate chip dough in every piece, pleasing both cookie and brownie fans alike. Slices reveal beautiful marbled patterns that look impressive and inviting. These shareable treats bridge the gap between two classic desserts.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Brookies

Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Eggnog sugar cookies on a plate with santa claus figurines.
Eggnog Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a festive twist on a classic, people add Eggnog Sugar Cookies to their trays. Eggnog in the dough and icing offers a subtle, well-loved aroma without overpowering sweetness. Their soft texture and hint of warming nutmeg make for a comforting experience. Frosting them with simple patterns or sprinkles helps them stand out among plainer cookies.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies

Gingerbread cookies with candy canes on a table.
Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Those looking for a twist on the ordinary gingerbread man often try Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies. A bit of cocoa in the dough gives these classic figures a deeper flavor and a richer color. Decorating each one with simple piping or candies creates smiles on every plate. Their familiar shape brings instant charm to any holiday cookie assortment.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies

Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

Three brown butter snickerdoodle cookies arranged on a white surface, sprinkled with sea salt flakes, with a white cloth and purple flowers on the side.
Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A step up from traditional snickerdoodles, Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles pair caramel bits and browned butter for a treat with extra depth. The sprinkle of salt balances every bite, while the golden exterior rolls in cinnamon sugar. Home bakers find that these cookies bring new appeal to an established favorite. Guests appreciate both the comforting texture and unexpected flavor notes.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

Peanut Butter and Date Chocolate Bark

A stack of Peanut Butter and Date Chocolate Bark pieces sits on a wooden board.
Peanut Butter and Date Chocolate Bark. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Nutty and chewy bites are what you’ll get with Peanut Butter and Date Chocolate Bark. Swirls of dark chocolate are topped with dollops of peanut butter and bits of soft dates, all broken into easy pieces. Each serving bridges familiar tastes with a naturally sweet twist. Arranged with cookies on a tray, they help create a vibrant and flavorful medley.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter and Date Chocolate Bark

Butter Pecan Cookies

A hand holds a bitten Butter Pecan Cookie topped with a pecan and chopped nuts, with a blurred background.
Butter Pecan Cookies. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Southern roots inspire Butter Pecan Cookies, a staple on many family tables. Finely chopped pecans mix into buttery dough, yielding cookies that bake crisp outside yet remain tender inside. Each one adds a simple elegance to any dessert tray. Homemade batches tend to disappear quickly among guests who enjoy classic nutty flavors.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies

Avalanche Crunch Cookies

A baking tray lined with parchment paper holds twelve Avalanche Crunch Cookies.
Avalanche Crunch Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Those who enjoy crisp cereals and creamy sweetness go for Avalanche Crunch Cookies. Melted white chocolate, peanut butter, and marshmallows hold a mixture of crispy rice and mini chips together. Each lump offers texture that stands apart from smooth, round cookies. They look playful and are perfect for adding variety to your cookie lineup.
Get the Recipe: Avalanche Crunch Cookies

Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

A hand holding a partially eaten Cranberry chocolate chip cookie in focus, with a blurred background.
Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

The fresh tang of cranberries combines with chocolate morsels in Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies, producing a cookie with a lively twist. Chewy centers keep each bite interesting as tart berries contrast with the richness of chocolate. Their light color and speckled appearance add brightness to the treat tray. Guests gravitate toward their unique combination of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies on a slate.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Old-fashioned favorites stand the test of time, and Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a classic for a reason. Hearty oats and plump raisins create an irresistible texture and warmth. Every chewy bite brings memories of family kitchens and sharing during happy moments. Arranging them with other cookies adds both nostalgia and heartiness to the selection.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

A close-up of peanut butter thumbprint cookies filled with red jelly.
Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Inspired by beloved sandwiches, Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprint Cookies feature smooth peanut butter dough filled with fruit preserves. Each cookie holds jam in its thumbprint center, providing both color and a hit of sweetness. This playful nod to classic flavors often surprises and delights cookie lovers. Kids and adults alike appreciate the balance and simplicity of a tray of mixed treats.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

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