Nothing kicks off the festive season quite like a holiday cookie exchange. It’s that magical moment when the kitchen fills with warm spices, melted chocolate, and the unmistakable smell of something delicious baking in the oven. If you’re looking for a set of cookies that offers variety, balance, and universal appeal, these six recipes are the absolute winners.
Each cookie brings its own personality — cute, chewy, chocolaty, nostalgic, or festive — and none of the flavors overpower the others. They sit beautifully together on a holiday tray, making this lineup perfect for gifting or sharing.
Let’s dive into the full six-recipe collection, crafted to be reliable, beginner-friendly, and absolutely delicious.
🎄 RECIPE #1: Hot Cocoa Cookies
Soft chocolate cookies topped with a marshmallow and drizzled chocolate… they taste exactly like a warm cup of cocoa.
Ingredients
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
1 cup brown sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
-
½ cup cocoa powder
-
1 tsp baking soda
-
½ tsp salt
-
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
-
Large marshmallows, halved
-
Melted chocolate for drizzling
-
Holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment.
-
Cream butter and both sugars 2–3 minutes until fluffy.
-
Beat in eggs and vanilla.
-
In a separate bowl whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
-
Add dry ingredients to wet until combined. Stir in chocolate chips if using.
-
Scoop dough into balls and bake 8 minutes.
-
Remove tray, press a marshmallow half onto each cookie, and return for 2–3 minutes until melty.
-
Drizzle chocolate and add sprinkles. Let cool fully before stacking.
Storage
Keeps 4 days at room temperature; freezes beautifully.
