As the winter season approaches, the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts through the air, filling our homes with warmth and comfort. There’s nothing like a plate of soft, chewy cookies to brighten up a chilly evening or serve as a sweet treat for friends and family. This year, why not try something new and deliciously festive? From classic gingerbread and peppermint to unique flavors like orange cardamom and chai spiced oatmeal, we’ve got 18 cozy winter cookie recipes that are sure to become your new favorites.
From snowflake-shaped cookies to snickerdoodles with a hint of eggnog, our collection features a diverse range of flavors and textures to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift or just want to indulge in some self-care baking, these recipes are sure to bring joy and warmth to your winter season.
Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies
These delicate cookies are perfect for the holiday season, with their intricate snowflake design and warm, spicy flavor. Made with simple ingredients and a few clever tricks, they’re sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Use a snowflake-shaped cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes.
7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
9. Allow cookies to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Brighten up your holiday season with these refreshing Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies! With their crunchy exterior and soft, chewy interior, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and peppermint extract.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips.
5. Roll dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
These soft and chewy sugar cookies are infused with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, then stir in cinnamon and nutmeg.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Eggnog Snickerdoodles
These soft and chewy snickerdoodles are infused with the warm, comforting flavors of eggnog. Perfect for a holiday treat or snack, these cookies will become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups white granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons eggnog extract
– 1 tablespoon eggnog (chilled)
– 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and eggnog extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until combined.
5. Stir in chilled eggnog and confectioners’ sugar.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spiced Molasses Cookies
A sweet and aromatic cookie that combines the deep flavor of molasses with a blend of warm spices, perfect for dunking in your favorite hot beverage.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 1 large egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and mix until combined.
4. Beat in the egg until smooth.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
These soft-baked cookies combine the richness of white chocolate with the tartness of cranberries, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Perfect for snacking or gift-giving.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, then stir in cranberries and white chocolate chips.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallows
Warm up with a batch of Hot Cocoa Cookies featuring gooey marshmallows! These soft-baked treats are perfect for a cold winter’s day, or as a sweet surprise for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup marshmallows (mini or regular)
– Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in flour mixture, then stir in chocolate chips.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and immediately press a marshmallow into the center of each cookie.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Orange Cardamom Shortbread Cookies
A sweet and aromatic twist on classic shortbread cookies, these Orange Cardamom Shortbreads combine the warmth of cardamom with the brightness of orange zest. Perfect for a special treat or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 sticks (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add orange juice and zest; mix well.
3. Stir in cardamom and flour until a dough forms. Season with salt to taste.
4. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
5. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch space between cookies.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Maple Pecan Butter Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the warmth of maple syrup with the crunch of pecans, all wrapped up in a rich buttery package.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in egg and maple syrup.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
5. Stir in chopped pecans.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Chai Spiced Oatmeal Cookies
Start your day with a delicious and aromatic cookie infused with the comforting flavors of chai spices. These soft-baked treats are perfect for a cozy morning or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in honey and eggs. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Almond Joy Thumbprint Cookies
These chewy cookies are infused with the rich flavors of coconut and almonds, topped with a creamy chocolate center. A classic combination that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup flaked coconut
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
– Semi-sweet chocolate chips for filling
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture, then stir in coconut and almonds.
5. Scoop 1-inch balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Use your thumb or a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
7. Fill with chocolate chips. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
A sweet and indulgent treat that combines the richness of brown butter with the crunch of toffee bits, these cookies are a perfect combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup toffee bits (chopped)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients (flour mixture) until just combined.
5. Stir in toffee bits.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These soft and chewy pumpkin spice cookies are infused with the perfect blend of autumnal spices, while the tangy cream cheese frosting adds a delightful contrast. Perfect for fall gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground ginger
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 large egg
– Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in pumpkin puree and egg.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar, to taste
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar to taste.
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes per batch (depending on size)
Peanut Butter Blossoms with Hershey Kisses
Peanut Butter Blossoms with Hershey Kisses Recipe Summary:
These classic cookies are a holiday favorite, featuring a peanut butter dough shaped into balls and topped with a Hershey’s Kiss. The result is a deliciously chewy cookie with a melty chocolate center.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– Hershey’s Kisses (milk chocolate or semi-sweet)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, cream peanut butter, butter, and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
6. Place a Hershey’s Kiss on top of each ball. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Rum Raisin Spice Cookies
Warm up with a sweet treat that combines the spices of autumn with the indulgent flavor of rum and plump raisins.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
– 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
5. Stir in rum (if using) and raisins.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these chewy cookies that combine the deep flavor of dark chocolate with the sweetness of cherry. Perfect for a special treat or gift-giving.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet dark chocolate chips
– 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Stir in dark chocolate chips and dried cherries.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Lemon Rosemary Shortbread Cookies
These shortbread cookies combine the brightness of lemon zest with the earthy flavor of rosemary, making them a unique and delicious addition to any cookie plate.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in lemon juice and rosemary leaves.
5. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times until it comes together.
6. Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
7. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Cookies
These chewy cookies are filled with a gooey caramel center, making them the perfect treat for any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Once cookies are completely cooled, use a toothpick or small knife to create a hole in the center of each cookie.
9. Fill the hole with a dollop of caramel sauce and top with a semi-sweet chocolate chip.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Summary
Get ready to warm up with these 18 deliciously festive winter cookie recipes! From classic gingerbread snowflakes to decadent hot cocoa cookies with marshmallows, and from spicy cinnamon roll sugar cookies to sweet orange cardamom shortbread, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a cozy treat to enjoy by the fireplace or a thoughtful gift to share with friends and family, these recipes are sure to bring joy and warmth to your winter season.
