15 Big Batch Christmas Cookies for Cookie Exchanges, Gifting and Nibbling

“Can we eat them yet?” is the first question you’ll hear every time you bake these spicy gingerbread cookies.

Chewy chocolate crinkle cookies are the ideal addition to your holiday repertoire. They’re so good—and so easy to make—that you might just find yourself baking a batch any time of year.

The “crinkle” in the recipe’s name comes from the distinctive crackled top. As the cookies bake, the powdered sugar coating spreads and cracks into little nooks and crannies, with a delicate dusting of sugar creating a delicious network of sweet flakes, making them not just delicious, but beautiful too.

These cookies are from our collection of the perfect Christmas cookie recipes. You can make them even more festive with a simple twist like chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies. Their almost snowy surface makes them a delightful decoration all on their own. But since they have such a chewy brownie-like interior, these easy chocolate crinkle cookies are a welcome guest anywhere sweet sides are served.

Mmm! Melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies. Enjoy a classic!

Whether you need the “just right” choice for the annual holiday cookie exchange, or whether you’d like to make a special dressed-up version of the classic peanut butter cookie, you'll find that adding sweet chocolate kisses to this salty cookie goodness creates peanut blossom cookies, a match made in baking heaven.

These red and white striped Candy Cane Cookies have been completing Christmas cookie trays for years—since 1963 to be exact—and this version is based on the classic recipe from Betty’s Cooky Book, so you know it’s the real deal. The elves in the Betty Crocker™ Kitchens have given it a little extra sweetness and oomph with vanilla and peppermint extracts. If you’re new to Candy Cane Sugar Cookies, we promise that baking a batch will make for wonderful holiday memories. Your family will love twisting together the red and white cookie dough ropes and turning them into cute-as-can-be candy canes. The finishing touch? Sprinkling crushed peppermint candy over the top for tastes-like-Christmas flavor—nothing beats scratch candy cane sugar cookies! With 54 servings, this recipe is perfect for sharing at a cookie exchange or giving as gifts. And once you’ve mastered this classic, you’ll want to check out the rest of Betty's Christmas cookie recipes.

Indulge in rich bars that combine favorite caramel and chocolate flavors.

While the crisp, classic gingerbread cookie is inarguably delish, there’s just something about one that is pillowy soft. This gingerbread cookie recipe has the perfect combination of sweetness and spice with a chewy crumb that melts in your mouth. It’s absolutely irresistible. And speaking of irresistible, we guarantee that the aroma coming from your kitchen as you bake will make it the #1 gathering place in the entire house. While that scent (and those flavors) are especially welcome when temperatures outside start to dip, these tender cookies are welcome at any time of year.

Red and green sugars dress up a best-loved cookie for the holidays.

With their airy texture, pretty pink color and sweet-tangy flavor, these chocolate-dipped and raspberry-dusted meringues are true showstoppers! But don’t let their impressive look intimidate you. All you really need to make this recipe is a hand mixer and these easy-to-follow directions from the Betty Crocker™ Test Kitchens. Once you get down to it, we think you’ll find that transforming a bowl full of wet ingredients into cumulus-grade fluff is a delightful way to play mad scientist—with an absolutely delicious payoff!

Whether you grew up with them or are just discovering their colorful appeal, Gumdrop Cookies deserve a permanent spot in your baking repertoire. This updated version was kitchen-tested to achieve the perfect sugar cookie consistency and just the right amount of spice drops—so you know they’ll be perfect every time.

Looking for a global spin on standard holiday sugar cookies? This recipe for classic Italian Christmas Cookies, made with zesty lemon and creamy ricotta, is one you won’t want to skip. Whip up a batch of these old-fashioned Italian Christmas Cookies and transport your family and friends to Italy with just one bite.

Today is the day to step away from store-bought versions and step up with the know-how to make pecan shortbread cookies from your own kitchen! Full of buttery flavor and toasted pecans, these butter pecan shortbread cookies are a family-favorite recipe that’s hard to resist. Pair these pecan sandies with an afternoon cup of coffee or add them to a holiday cookie tray next to an array of classic treats. This recipe makes about 84 cookies so freeze them for later or share them with friends. Now, the next time you’re craving pecan shortbread cookies you can head to your own kitchen, instead of the store.

If you’re looking for a new favorite Christmas cookie, we’ve got you covered with this old fashioned spritz cookies recipe.

The word “spritz” comes from the German word spritzen which means “to squirt.” This refers to squirting or pushing the buttery cookie dough through a cookie press.

A cookie press typically comes with several different metal plates, which means it’s ultra-easy to create many different designs with one easy to prepare cookie dough. This makes our recipe the perfect choice for anyone who wants to add more variety to their Christmas cookie trays.

One of the many reasons spritz cookies have become a Christmas staple is how easy it is for kids to join in on the fun. Your little elves can help at every step of the way. After making the easy to prep dough they can create an array of shapes from Christmas trees, to festive snowflakes, or even bells with an easy-to-use cookie press. These cookies are so much fun to make that your family will be requesting them every holiday season.

Need other festive cookie ideas? Take a peek into our Christmas Cookie Headquarters.