Christmas baking is one of the season’s most joyful traditions, and these festive Christmas cookie recipes are filled with bright citrus notes, warm spices, and cheerful holiday flavours. From buttery shortbreads to soft ginger cookies and vibrant cranberry creations, each recipe brings its own festive charm and seasonal personality – perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply savouring with a cup of tea during the winter holidays.
As December unfolds, I always look forward to baking a variety of cookies that capture the warmth and sparkle of the season. So, let’s explore these delicious festive Christmas cookie recipes as part of the 12 Days of Christmas Cookies celebration.
Orange Clove Christmas Cookies
Bright citrus and warm spice come together in these fragrant, festive cookies with a luxurious texture and subtle holiday sweetness. One of the most popular – thanks to Pinterest – festive Christmas cookie recipes from the Havoc in the Kitchen!
Soft Ginger Cookies with Orange Clove Glaze
Soft, tender ginger cookies topped with a glossy orange–clove glaze for an aromatic finish that feels wonderfully cozy and celebratory. Another popular recipe on Pinterest.
Coffee Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies with M&M’s
A playful holiday shortbread infused with coffee, decorated with crushed candy canes and M&M’s for a cheerful, colourful Christmas treat.
Clementine Brandy Shortbread Cookies
Buttery shortbread enriched with clementine zest and a hint of brandy, offering a refined, elegant twist on classic Christmas baking.
Gluten-Free Rye Shortbread Cookies
A unique, lightly spiced Nordic-inspired shortbread made with rye flour for a rustic winter flavour and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Pecan Toffee Shortbread Cookies
Rich and buttery shortbread studded with toasted pecans and sweet toffee pieces, perfect for gifting or adding to holiday cookie boxes.
Orange Almond Gingerbread Cookies (Gluten-Free)
A festive gluten-free gingerbread with citrusy brightness and nutty almond depth, creating a delightful balance of spice and sweetness.
Gingersnap Cookies: The Less-Sweet Holiday Classic
Crisp, aromatic gingersnaps with deep molasses notes and warm spice – a timeless Christmas classic that never fails to please.
Cranberry Rosemary Christmas Shortbread Wreath Cookies
Vibrant cranberries and fragrant rosemary make this buttery shortbread beautifully festive, with a charming balance of tart and herbal notes.
Festive Cranberry Pecan Cookies
Buttery and flavorful cookies filled with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, offering a colourful and cheerful holiday bite.
Festive Orange Rosemary Shortbread Cookies with Cointreau Glaze
Delicately scented with fresh rosemary and bright orange zest, this elegant shortbread pairs citrus sparkle with a savoury winter twist.
Festive Orange Cardamom Shortbread with Brandy Glaze
A warmly spiced shortbread infused with cardamom and orange zest, creating a fragrant, comforting cookie perfect for Christmas gatherings.
I’d love for you like this festive Christmas cookie recipes collection. If you give any of these recipes a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!
Cheers!
Those Christmas cookie ideas are so fun! I love how you mixed classics like gingersnaps with creative twists like cranberry rosemary shortbread and orange cardamom cookies. The flavors all sound so festive!
I’m bringing my biscuit tin!