15 easy christmas cookie recipes for exchange

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15 Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes for Your Holiday Cookie Exchange

The holiday season is here, and one of the best ways to spread cheer is through the tradition of cookie exchanges! Whether you’re swapping with friends, family, or colleagues, a cookie exchange is the perfect opportunity to showcase your baking skills and try new flavors. In this post, we’ll share 15 easy and delicious Christmas cookie recipes that are sure to impress at any holiday gathering.

1. Classic Sugar Cookies

These soft and buttery sugar cookies are a holiday classic. Perfect for decorating with festive icing and sprinkles, they’re a must for any cookie exchange. Plus, you can make them in different shapes using cookie cutters.

Ingredients:

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • Colored sugar for decoration

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the egg and extracts.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined.
  6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten with a glass dipped in sugar.
  7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack.

2. Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut butter lovers will go crazy for these! These cookies are chewy, nutty, and topped with a chocolate kiss, making them the perfect blend of salty and sweet.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • Hershey’s Kisses for topping

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
  3. In another bowl, combine the flour and baking soda, then gradually add it to the peanut butter mixture.
  4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden. Press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie immediately after baking. Cool on a wire rack.

3. Snickerdoodles

These cinnamon-sugar cookies have a perfectly soft texture with a slight tang from the cream of tartar. They’re always a favorite at cookie exchanges!

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for rolling)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for rolling)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the egg and gradually add the dry ingredients.
  5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Mix cinnamon and sugar, then roll each ball in the mixture.
  6. Place on baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.

4. Gingerbread Cookies

The spicy, warm flavors of gingerbread are perfect for the holiday season. These cookies can be cut into fun shapes and decorated with icing for extra flair.

Ingredients:

  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup molasses

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
  4. Add the egg and molasses and mix until combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
  6. Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into shapes. Place on baking sheets.
  7. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool completely before decorating with icing.

5. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These fudgy, chewy cookies have a signature crackled top and are perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges. Their rich chocolate flavor and snowy powdered sugar coating make them irresistible!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the melted butter and sugar together. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
  5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat in powdered sugar.
  6. Place on baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

6. Thumbprint Cookies

These adorable cookies are filled with jam, giving them a perfect balance of sweet and tart. You can use any flavor of jam you like—strawberry, raspberry, or apricot are popular choices.

Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup jam (any flavor)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until smooth.
  4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then gradually add the dry ingredients.
  5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheets. Use your thumb to make an indent in the center of each ball.
  6. Fill the indent with a small spoonful of jam.
  7. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.

7. Crispy Cornflake Cookies

These no-bake cookies are made with crunchy cornflakes and chocolate, making them a quick and fun treat for the holidays.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups cornflakes
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, melt the butter and sugar over medium heat. Stir in the milk and bring to a boil.
  2. Boil for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract.
  3. Pour the cornflakes into a large bowl and pour the chocolate mixture over them. Toss to coat.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper and let them cool and set.

8. Chocolate Chip Cookies

You can never go wrong with the classic chocolate chip cookie! With its chewy center, crisp edges, and loads of chocolate chips, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and both sugars until smooth.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time and beat in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, then fold in the chocolate chips.
  6. Drop dough by the tablespoonful onto the baking sheets.
  7. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until golden. Let cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

9. Eggnog Cookies

For those who love eggnog, these soft, spiced cookies are a holiday dream! They’re flavored with nutmeg and cinnamon, just

like the beloved drink.

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup eggnog
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and spices.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until smooth.
  4. Beat in the egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients until fully combined.
  6. Drop dough by the tablespoon onto the baking sheets.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then cool completely.

10. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Shortbread Cookies

These delicate and buttery shortbread cookies simply melt in your mouth. Perfect for a holiday cookie exchange!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and salt together until smooth.
  3. Gradually add the flour and mix until dough comes together.
  4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
  5. Flatten slightly with a fork and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.

11. Cranberry Pistachio Cookies

This festive cookie features a tart cranberry and crunchy pistachio combination that’s perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup shelled pistachios, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until smooth.
  4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix in the dry ingredients.
  5. Fold in the cranberries and pistachios.
  6. Drop dough by the tablespoon onto the baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.

12. Almond Joy Cookies

These cookies are a tribute to the popular candy bar, with chocolate, coconut, and almonds wrapped up in a chewy, delicious cookie.

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped almonds

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
  4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then add the dry ingredients.
  5. Stir in the coconut, chocolate chips, and almonds.
  6. Drop dough onto the baking sheets and bake for 9-11 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

13. Toffee Crunch Cookies

These cookies are packed with toffee bits and chocolate chips for a sweet and satisfying crunch in every bite!

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 cup toffee bits

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cream the butter and brown sugar together until smooth.
  4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then add the dry ingredients.
  5. Stir in the chocolate chips and toffee bits.
  6. Drop dough onto the baking sheets and bake for 9-11 minutes.

14. Coconut Macaroons

These chewy, coconut-packed treats are simple to make and naturally gluten-free. They’re the perfect addition to a holiday cookie exchange.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, combine the coconut, condensed milk, egg whites, vanilla extract, and salt.
  3. Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack.

15. Rugelach

These buttery, flaky cookies are filled with cinnamon sugar, walnuts, and fruit preserves. A unique and flavorful option for your cookie exchange!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup fruit preserves (apricot or raspberry)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, combine the flour and salt.
  3. Cream the butter, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix to form a dough. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
  5. Roll dough into a circle and spread with fruit preserves. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and walnuts.
  6. Cut into wedges and roll up each wedge. Place on baking sheets.
  7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Conclusion

No matter which cookie recipe you choose, these easy Christmas cookie recipes are sure to delight your friends, family, and fellow bakers at your holiday cookie exchange! From buttery shortbread to chocolate-packed delights, there’s a little something for everyone. Happy baking!

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