There is something comforting about holiday baking. This is the time of year when the kitchen feels warm, the house smells like butter and vanilla, and simple recipes turn into traditions we look forward to all season long. Whether you are filling cookie tins, baking for a gathering, or trying something new, these are the recipes I reach for year after year. Each one is easy, dependable, and perfect for sharing.
I also included the baking tools I keep on my counter this time of year. These are the items that make everything a little easier, especially when you are baking in batches or putting together gifts.
Let’s get baking!
Classic Holiday Cookies
These cookies hold up beautifully, pack well for gifting, and always look festive on cookie trays.
- Sandtarts: A crisp, delicate cookie that has been part of my holiday baking for decades.
- Thin Crispy Sugar Cookies: Light, sweet, and perfectly crisp. These stay fresh for days and are great for cookie boxes.
- Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Soft centers, crackled tops, and warm gingerbread spice. A beautiful addition to any holiday tray.
- Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies: Chewy, bright, and festive with cranberries and white chocolate.
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: A holiday classic with a fudgy center and snowy powdered sugar coating.
- 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies: Quick, simple, and perfect for last-minute baking or gifting.
How to Make NaNa’s Sand Tarts Cookie {Recipe}
Nana's Sand Tarts cookies are a family favorite. They are made with only 5 simple ingredients and are crisp and delicious!
Thin Crispy Sugar Cookies Recipe
Thin crispy sugar cookies are just perfect for making cutout cookie shapes. Paper-thin sugar cookies are an Amish favorite and are a delicious way to enjoy a sweet dessert.
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and chewy Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies made with warm spices, molasses, and powdered sugar. A simple holiday cookie that bakes up with crackly tops.
Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft, chewy cranberry white chocolate chip cookies baked with tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate. A festive, easy cookie recipe for any occasion.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Easy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with soft, chewy centers and powdered sugar tops. Perfect for holiday trays or a cozy chocolate treat anytime.
The Best 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
The best 3-ingredient peanut butter cookie recipe is about to fill your cookie jar! These flourless peanut butter cookies are soft & chewy and only have 3 ingredients! Super easy!
Holiday Cakes and Simple Desserts
When you want something easy and impressive, these desserts are perfect to bring along or enjoy at home.
- Lemon Pound Cake: Bright, moist, and made with a boxed mix. This cake slices beautifully and always disappears quickly.
- Pumpkin Pound Cake: Warm spices and an easy method make this a holiday favorite.
- Clementine Pound Cake: A simple, comforting dessert with a sweet cherry filling and buttery topping.
The Best Lemon Pound Cake You Will Ever Bake {Recipe}
Lemon Pound Cake is simple and delicious using cake mix and instant pudding to create a moist lemon pound cake recipe! Serve with fresh whipped cream or just plain!
The Best Pumpkin Pound Cake You Will Ever Bake
This dense delicious cake made with pumpkin is the perfect fall treat to enjoy as dessert or with your coffee over breakfast. Rivals Starbucks Pumpkin cake any day!
Clementine Pound Cake Recipe
Sweet Clementines make a super delicious clementine pound cake complete with clementine glaze. Perfect for snacks or dessert!
Simple Holiday Treats
Easy to make and share with guests or on dessert and Brunch tables too!
- Peanut Butter Fudge: Easy to make and perfect for cookie trays or to box up for homemade gifts.
- Sugared Stuffed Dates: Super simple dessert that only needs 3 ingredients!
- Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball: Kids love this treat with fun graham crackers to dip into.
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge is a must-have recipe for the holidays. Full of creamy peanut butter, milk, and marshmallow creme, this is perfect for holiday gifts and dessert trays.
Easy 3 Ingredient Sugar Dates Recipe
Dried dates with creamy peanut butter rolled in sugar is an easy, nutritious alternative to add to the holiday snack table! Fancy & delicious you can enjoy year-round too!
Chocolate Chip Dessert Cheese Ball Recipe
Easy Chocolate Chip Dessert Cheese Ball Recipe is great for entertaining crowds or for a kid's party! Tastes like a big chocolate chip cookie dough!
Essential Holiday Baking Tools
These are the tools I use the most during the holiday baking season. Each one is affordable, practical, and helps make baking smoother and more consistent.
- Cookie cutters
- Cookie Scoop
- Rolling pin
- Silicone baking mats
- Half sheet pans
- Parchment sheets
- Stackable cooling racks
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer
- Oven thermometer
- Bundt pan
- Loaf pans
- Cookie tins for gifting
Find more of my favorite items listed in our Lifestyle Hub!
Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Baking
- Choose cookies that stay fresh for several days.
- Make cookie dough ahead of time to save you time.
- Use parchment sheets or silicone mats to prevent spreading.
- Chill dough overnight for better flavor and shape.
- Bake in batches and let cookies cool completely before storing.
- Keep a few simple recipes ready for last minute gifts.
- Store in airtight cookie tins layered with parchment.
Budget-Friendly Holiday Tip
If you want to save time and simplify weeknight meals during this busy time of year, you may like my Cozy Budget-Friendly Meals eBook. It includes easy recipes, pantry swaps, a printable grocery list, and a 3-day meal plan example. It is designed to make dinner planning simple during the holidays. It makes a great gift for someone, too!
Grab your ebook copy today here.
