There’s just something magical about baking at Christmastime. The house smells like butter and sugar, the music is playing, kids are sneaking chocolate chips when they think you’re not looking… it’s truly the season of sweet little moments.
So today I’m sharing three quick, easy, no-fuss Christmas cookie recipes that will have your kitchen feeling merry in minutes. No complicated steps, no fancy tools — just pure holiday joy.
Whether you’re hosting a cookie exchange, gifting treats to neighbors, or baking with your kids on a cozy December night, these are the recipes you’ll come back to year after year.
Gingerbread Snickerdoodles
A soft, chewy, festive twist on the classic cookie my family loves!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp cloves
Cinnamon-Sugar Roll:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Cream butter, sugars, and molasses together until smooth. Add egg.
- Mix in flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Roll into balls and coat in cinnamon-sugar.
- Bake 8–10 minutes until crackly and soft.
- Let cool… and try not to eat five in a row.
Why we love them: They taste like a gingerbread house and a snickerdoodle had a very festive baby.
4-Ingredient Chocolate Peppermint Meltaways
The easiest cookie on this list — and honestly one of the most irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup oil
- 2 eggs
- Crushed candy canes (or holiday sprinkles)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix the cake mix, oil, and eggs in one bowl.
- Scoop onto a baking sheet and top with crushed candy canes.
- Bake 8–9 minutes — they will look slightly underdone but firm as they cool.
Tip: Add a drizzle of melted white chocolate for extra holiday magic.
Why we love them: They’re foolproof, fudgy, and look like you spent far more time than you did.
Buttery 3-Ingredient Shortbread Snowflakes
A classic, elegant cookie that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
(Optional: powdered sugar for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Roll out and cut into snowflakes or simple rounds.
- Bake 12–14 minutes until the edges barely start to turn golden.
- Dust with powdered sugar while warm for the prettiest finish.
Why we love them: They’re understated, melt-in-your-mouth rich, and pair perfectly with a Christmas latte.
Bake one batch… or make all three and create your own little cookie box for gifting. Turn on the Christmas playlist, light a candle, grab your kids or grandkids, and make this moment a memory.
