14 Tried-and-True Delicious Cookie Recipes for Every Holiday Baking Need

chocolate crinkle cookies with powdered sugar
Photo: Dianne

Baking up a batch of cookies is one of life's greatest pleasures. Whether it's for a cookie swap, the school bake sale, or just to snack on around the house, you need reliable and delicious cookie recipes. These tried-and-true cookies all have stellar reviews and are sure to receive a five-star rating from your family. Break out your cookie sheets, cooling rack, and parchment papers. Every cookie recipe you need for your holiday gatherings and gift givings is here. You won't be disappointed — and neither will all the people who get to enjoy your fantastic baked goods.

01 of 14

Big Soft Ginger Cookies

Big Soft Ginger Cookies
ZAKIAH

Sometimes, you just have to make a batch of big cookies that are the size of your hands. "These cookies are delicious!!" wrote user Dhana. Many reviewers seem to love that these cookies stay soft even days after baking.

02 of 14

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

colorful plate of Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
France C

You can't beat these Best Chocolate Chip Cookies. Featuring crispy edges and chewy middles, it has a range of textures to satisfy all cookie connoisseurs.

03 of 14

Easy Sugar Cookies

plain sugar cookies with crackled tops on a wire cooling rack
Natalie M

When you need an ultra-easy recipe that isn't fussy, these sugar cookies will fit the bill. User xuan2 says, "Make them tonight — they're SO easy and most everyone should have the ingredients in their pantry."

04 of 14

Chocolate Crinkles II

chocolate crinkle cookies with powdered sugar
Dianne

Rich chocolate cookies are enhanced with a delicate coating of confectioners' sugar, which gives these baked goods a striking appearance. Use a little ice cream scoop to make consistent cookie sizes for this dough.

05 of 14

Soft Oatmeal Cookies

Soft Oatmeal Cookies
Holiday Baker

Gone are the days of bone-dry oatmeal cookies. This recipe boasts a soft texture thanks to a hefty helping of butter. The cookies are described as "Outrageously delicious!" by user HPetrus.

06 of 14

Snickerdoodles I

Snickerdoodles I
Veronika Koldachenko

Snickerdoodles are a classic. The soft and mild sugar cookies are topped with a spicy and sweet coating. Want to switch things up? Add a dash of nutmeg and cloves to the cinnamon topping.

07 of 14

Raspberry and Almond Shortbread Thumbprints

thumbprints with raspberry filling and icing drizzle
footballgrl16

User Ms. Chef Esh says, "These cookies are not only impressive, they are mouth watering delicious!" Raspberry jam, or your favorite berry variety jam, makes a striking appearance in the tender almond cookies.

08 of 14

No Bake Cookies V

No Bake Cookies V
Cobie

Searching for a cookie that's quick to make and will survive in a kid's lunch box? Then you need to whip up a batch of these No Bake Cookies. They're also easy to make with children since very little of the prep involves the stovetop.

09 of 14

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies III

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies III
apurpleocean

Buttery macadamia nuts and sweet white chocolate combine in this irresistible cookie recipe. You can even turn them into bars, according to user SweetBasil who says, "Some of the best cookies ever! I made them into bars, and way undercooked them so they would be soft, and a little chewy. "

10 of 14

Chocolate Mint Cookies I

Chocolate Mint Cookies I
RyanMichelle

Rich chocolate and cool mint are a can't-be-beat combo. The cookie base is a classic chocolate recipe and the minty goodness comes from melted candies on top.

11 of 14

White Chocolate and Cranberry Cookies

White Chocolate and Cranberry Cookies on a white plate
Pictured: White Chocolate and Cranberry Cookies by AngieCooks.

This unique recipe is sure to stand out at your next cookie swap or bake sale. User LongIslandborn seems to think so by saying, "I've now found a family tradition that I will make for Thanksgiving and Christmas forever! This recipe is delicious."

12 of 14

Robbi's M&Ms® Cookies

Robbi's M&Ms Cookies
Dianne

Fuse your favorite candy and cookie together with these irresistible M&Ms Cookies. "These were delicious - a little crispy, a little chewy," says user Noeller67.

13 of 14

Easy Lemon Cookies

Easy Lemon Cookies
fdb

You'd never guess that these beautiful cookies were from a simple box of cake mix. All you add is an egg, vegetable oil, and some lemon extract to make the cookies. A little bit of confectioners' sugar provides a beautiful snow-capped appearance.

14 of 14

Joey's Peanut Butter Cookies

Joey's Peanut Butter Cookies
DIZ♥

Soft, buttery, chewy, and nutty, these cookies have it all! According to user naples34102 the secret is in the ingredients ratio, "What makes them so is that there is twice as much peanut butter as butter — most peanut butter cookies recipes call for equal amounts of both."

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