Cookies are the best, aren’t they? From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, they’re the essential handheld treat for every holiday festivity. So whether you’re passing around a plate of sweets at work, a dinner party or the Thanksgiving table, here’s the go-to cookie recipe for every scenario.
Friendsgiving
It’s a gorgeous, tender favorite covered with a festive snowfall of confectioners’ sugar: Mexican Tea Cookies made with your choice of either pecans or almonds. They’re also excellent for boxing up and giving as gifts.
Thanksgiving
You can’t go wrong with Festive Garland Bars featuring cranberries for holiday flavor and an unconventional ingredient for fantastic crunch: popcorn!
Cookie Swap
Wow everyone at your cookie swap with Goat Cheese Sandies with Cranberry and Orange, a sweet-tart take on classic butter cookies. They’re ideal partners for everything from coffee and eggnog to Champagne and cocktails.
Get the recipe: Goat Cheese Sandies with Cranberry and Orange
Host Gifts
Make up a few jars of these aromatic Gingersnap Cookies, a super-easy mix that’s filled with holiday flavor.
Cookie Decorating Party
Baking a batch of Classic Sugar Cookies or using a store-bought ready-to-bake dough is ideal for getting into the spirit. Try this decorating hack: Brush unbaked cookies with beaten egg, then sprinkle with brightly colored decorating sugar for super sparkle; look for sugars featuring vegetable colorants, not artificial dyes.
Gluten-Free Baking
Who doesn’t need a go-to gluten-free cookie recipe? Fragrant Spiced Peanut Butter Cookies are a hit thanks to their holiday blend of cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg.
Baking with Kids
With some make-ahead jars of Holiday Oatmeal Cookie Mix, you and your family can whip up a batch of fresh cookies for any holiday event.
Cookies for Santa
Sugar, spice and everything nice: Yes, we’re talking Classic Gingerbread Cookies. They’re the gold standard for leaving out for Kris Kringle, plus they make great tree ornaments.
Hanukkah Gatherings
Tender, flavorful rugelach are favorites for Hanukkah and eggnog parties and big hits at cookie swaps. Short on time? Pick up classic rugelach from our Bakery department, place them on a platter and dust them lightly with confectioners’ sugar or cocoa powder.
New Year's Parties
Ring in the new year with these Chocolate Sandwich Cookies. They’re elegant enough for cocktail parties or a special buffet and great to make with kids. Shortcut alert: Use premade cookie dough, then just whip up a batch of the frosting.
