19 Easy Christmas Cookies for a Crowd
Cookie season is here — and nothing says Christmas like a plate full of sweet, festive treats. The only challenge? Making enough to keep up with cookie swaps, school parties, and hungry holiday guests. That’s where big-batch recipes and easy crowd-pleasers come in.
The best Christmas cookies are simple, festive, and easy to make in large quantities without taking all day. From decorated sugar cookies to no-bake favorites, these recipes will keep your holiday table (and gift tins) full of cookies everyone actually wants to eat.
Here are 19 easy Christmas cookies that are perfect for feeding a crowd.
1. Classic Sugar Cookies with Icing
Soft sugar cookies decorated with colorful royal icing or sprinkles.
Why it works: Timeless and fun for decorating parties. Pro tip: bake in big batches and let guests decorate their own for an activity + dessert.
2. Gingerbread Men Cookies
Spiced gingerbread cut into classic shapes and decorated with icing.
Why it works: Iconic and festive, these cookies double as holiday decor. Pro tip: roll dough evenly to ensure consistent baking.
3. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Chocolate dough rolled in powdered sugar before baking, creating a crackled effect.
Why it works: They look festive without any decorating required. Pro tip: chill the dough so the cookies crackle perfectly in the oven.
4. Peppermint Bark Cookies
Chocolate cookies topped with melted white chocolate and crushed candy canes.
Why it works: Minty, colorful, and perfect for gifting. Pro tip: package in clear bags tied with ribbon for holiday treat bags.
5. Snickerdoodle Cookies
Soft cinnamon-sugar coated cookies baked in big batches.
Why it works: Simple but universally loved. Pro tip: slightly underbake for the chewiest texture.
6. Thumbprint Cookies with Jam
Buttery shortbread cookies indented in the center and filled with raspberry or apricot jam.
Why it works: Classic, colorful, and easy to bake in large batches. Pro tip: dust with powdered sugar before serving for a festive finish.
7. Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut butter cookies topped with a Hershey’s Kiss right after baking.
Why it works: A holiday cookie tray staple that kids and adults both love. Pro tip: freeze the chocolate kisses beforehand so they hold their shape on the warm cookies.
8. Spritz Cookies
Delicate butter cookies made with a cookie press, often decorated with sprinkles.
Why it works: Quick to make in large batches, and they hold their shape beautifully. Pro tip: tint the dough with food coloring for a red-and-green holiday twist.
9. Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies
Chewy oatmeal cookies with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
Why it works: Seasonal flavors that feel cozy and festive. Pro tip: add a pinch of orange zest to brighten the flavor.
10. No-Bake Cornflake Wreaths
Cornflakes coated in marshmallow-butter mixture, shaped into wreaths, and decorated with red candies.
Why it works: A cute, festive cookie that doesn’t require baking. Pro tip: lightly grease your hands before shaping to keep the mixture from sticking.
11. Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Rich chocolate cookies loaded with both cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
Why it works: A big-batch crowd-pleaser for chocolate lovers. Pro tip: sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking to balance the sweetness.
12. Linzer Cookies
Almond-flavored sandwich cookies filled with raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar.
Why it works: Elegant, festive, and perfect for cookie trays. Pro tip: use a small star or tree cookie cutter for the center cutouts.
13. M&M Christmas Cookies
Classic chocolate chip cookie dough mixed with red and green M&Ms.
Why it works: Fun, colorful, and easy to make in bulk. Pro tip: press a few extra M&Ms on top of each cookie right before baking so they look picture-perfect.
14. Coconut Macaroons
Chewy coconut cookies drizzled with chocolate.
Why it works: Naturally gluten-free and great for variety on a holiday cookie tray. Pro tip: dip the bottoms in chocolate for an elegant touch.
15. White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Sugar cookie dough mixed with crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips.
Why it works: Sweet, minty, and perfectly festive. Pro tip: chill the dough so the candy cane bits stay crunchy after baking.
16. Toffee Bit Shortbread Cookies
Buttery shortbread dough mixed with toffee bits and baked until crisp.
Why it works: Simple, rich, and great for stacking in cookie tins. Pro tip: dip half the cookie in chocolate for an extra festive look.
17. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Red velvet cookie dough rolled in powdered sugar before baking, creating a striking crackle effect.
Why it works: Festive color + classic crinkle style = perfect for holiday parties. Pro tip: chill the dough so the cookies spread evenly.
18. Hot Cocoa Cookies
Chocolate cookies topped with mini marshmallows and drizzled with chocolate.
Why it works: Cozy and fun, these taste like hot cocoa in cookie form. Pro tip: press marshmallows in during the last 2 minutes of baking so they stay gooey.
19. Italian Wedding Cookies (Snowball Cookies)
Buttery cookies rolled in powdered sugar until they look like little snowballs.
Why it works: A holiday classic that’s easy to bake in bulk. Pro tip: roll them in powdered sugar twice — once while warm, once when cooled — for the best coating.
Conclusion
Christmas cookies are meant to be shared, and the best recipes are the ones that can be made in big batches without stress. From classic sugar cookies to no-bake wreaths and festive red velvet crinkles, these 19 cookie recipes are easy, festive, and guaranteed to please a crowd.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cookie swap, or just to fill the family cookie jar, these ideas make it simple to spread Christmas cheer — one cookie tray at a time.
