12 Delicious Days of Holiday Cookies

It wouldn't be the holidays without the scent of sugar and butter wafting from your oven—and cookie tins bursting with treats for sharing. So, we dreamed up a whole new lineup of holiday cookies that are perfect for spreading some holiday cheer. With new takes on classics, easy-to-make sweets and yummy snacks to leave for Santa on Christmas Eve, you're guaranteed to find recipes you'll want to make this holiday season—and add to your annual rotation for years to come!

If you love cutesy gingerbread cookies, but not the work it usually takes to make them, then this recipe is for you. These cookies have the same great flavor as the classic cutouts but there’s no need for a rolling pin, cookie cutters, icing or special equipment like piping tips. Instead, just shape the gingerbread people by pressing your fingerprint into the dough as you would with a thumbprint cookie. Then fill the indentations with easy microwave-melted chocolate and top off the holiday treats with festive sprinkle buttons.

Red velvet and cream cheese frosting are a match made in heaven, and here we just changed the usual cake to a cookie for hand-held eating. The dark-red tree shapes get contrast from bright green frosting and are decorated with a gold star on top and colorful nonpareils. This recipe is written for decorations with a classic holiday motif, but feel free to use other candies or sprinkles if you like.

This holiday cookie tastes like what would happen if a pie and peppermint bark became besties. While this recipe requires a bit of time and effort, the process is surprisingly simple and the result is absolutely worth the wait. These tasty treats are not only perfect for making for yourself, but they also make fantastic gifts. Plus, here's a little secret: you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in your freezer for a couple of months, ensuring you always have something delicious on hand to enjoy whenever the craving strikes.