If you’re searching for the perfect crowd-pleaser to bring to your next festive gathering, look no further than the Best Cookie Recipes for Your Holiday Cookie Exchange Recipe. This delightful collection features classic sugar cookies, fudgy chocolate crinkle delights, and refreshing peppermint chocolate chip treats that come together to create a holiday cookie exchange spread bursting with flavor, texture, and charm. Every bite feels like a warm hug from the season, making these cookies an absolute must-bake for anyone wanting to impress friends, family, or coworkers with a sweet homemade touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these iconic cookies, you only need simple staples that bring out the magic in every batch. Each ingredient plays a key role—flour provides the perfect base, butter adds richness and tenderness, and the sugars contribute both sweetness and texture that make each cookie uniquely crave-worthy.
- All-purpose flour: Serves as the essential foundation, giving structure to every cookie variant.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Help the cookies rise just right, keeping them tender yet light.
- Unsalted butter: Softened for the perfect creamy blend, it ensures richness without overpowering the flavor.
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: Provide sweetness and a delightful chew depending on the recipe.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture so that each cookie bakes perfectly.
- Vanilla and almond extracts: Add fragrant notes that elevate the taste to holiday-worthy heights.
- Cocoa powder: For the chocolate crinkle cookies, it adds deep chocolate richness that melts in your mouth.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps chocolate crinkle cookies moist and tender with a soft crumb.
- Powdered sugar: For rolling the chocolate crinkle cookies, creating their signature crackled look.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: In the peppermint chocolate chip cookies, they deliver rich bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Add a refreshing holiday crunch and festive flair to the chocolate chip cookies.
- Holiday sprinkles or colored sugar: For decorating classic sugar cookies to make them bright and cheerful.
How to Make Best Cookie Recipes for Your Holiday Cookie Exchange Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Classic Sugar Cookies
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. In a larger bowl, cream softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—that’s the secret to that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Beat in the egg along with vanilla and almond extracts to infuse warmth and depth of flavor. Gradually add your dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then coat them in festive colored sugar or sprinkles to create that iconic holiday sparkle. Place them on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges just begin to turn golden. Allow the cookies to cool on wire racks so they set perfectly before sharing.
Step 2: Whip Up Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
This recipe is like a hug in cookie form. In a large bowl, mix unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, along with vanilla extract, creating a rich, glossy batter. Stir in all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to form a smooth dough that’s slightly sticky. Chill this dough for at least one hour—that’s essential for achieving the signature crinkle effect after baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into balls and coat them generously in powdered sugar. Arrange on a lined baking sheet, giving each cookie ample space since they spread out. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until the surface cracks beautifully, revealing the fudgy interior beneath.
Step 3: Bake Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get ready for these festive favorites. In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy and smooth. Beat in the eggs, then add vanilla and peppermint extracts to infuse the cookies with a bright, seasonal twist. Gradually mix in the flour mixture, ensuring even incorporation without overmixing. Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies, adding a delightful balance of creamy chocolate and minty crunch. Drop spoonfuls onto lined baking sheets, then bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers remain soft and chewy.
How to Serve Best Cookie Recipes for Your Holiday Cookie Exchange Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing can add an extra festive touch to these classic cookies. For the sugar cookies, sprinkling a bit of extra colored sugar or edible glitter before baking can make them instantly more celebratory. Chocolate crinkle cookies look stunning dusted with a final sift of powdered sugar right before serving, enhancing their snowy appearance. Peppermint chocolate chip cookies can be paired with a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a few whole peppermint candies for visual appeal and flavor layering.
Side Dishes
While cookies are often the star of the show, pairing them with the right side dishes truly elevates the experience. Think of serving these cookies alongside a warm mug of spiced hot cocoa or a fresh cup of peppermint tea to complement the mint flavors delightfully. A chilled glass of creamy eggnog or a simple latte can also balance the sweetness and provide a cozy beverage option for guests.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the joy during the holidays. Package these cookies in decorative tins lined with parchment paper for a charming gift idea at your cookie exchange. Use tiered serving trays to showcase each cookie variety beautifully on your holiday table. Transparent cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons also make for adorable take-home favors. Mixing cookie types on a vibrant holiday platter alongside fresh evergreen sprigs adds visual contrast and a touch of nature’s charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your cookies have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container to preserve freshness. For best results, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking or crushing. Stored this way, they will stay soft and flavorful for up to one week, making them perfect for holiday gatherings spread over several days.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead of the holiday rush, these cookie dough balls freeze beautifully before baking. Simply scoop and shape the dough, arrange on a parchment-lined tray, and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to three months. When ready to bake, just pop the frozen dough onto prepared baking sheets and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time—easy and delicious anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy your stored cookies warm and fresh-tasting, gently reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back that just-baked softness and revives the full flavors. Avoid using a microwave, which can make cookies rubbery or overly soft. For frozen baked cookies, thaw first at room temperature before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
For best flavor and texture, unsalted butter is preferred, but margarine can be a substitute in a pinch. Keep in mind that margarine has a higher moisture content, which may slightly alter the texture of your cookies.
Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients in these recipes are vegetarian-friendly, making them a great holiday treat for vegetarians.
How do I prevent sugar cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted and chill the dough if possible before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and keeps them from spreading excessively.
Can I make these recipes gluten-free?
Substituting with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends can work, but results may vary. Choose a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour that includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
What’s the secret to getting that crackled look on chocolate crinkle cookies?
Chilling the dough thoroughly before rolling it in powdered sugar is key—this prevents the dough from spreading too fast during baking and allows the sugar coating to crack as the cookie expands.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re gearing up for a neighborhood cookie exchange or looking to create your own festive tradition, these Best Cookie Recipes for Your Holiday Cookie Exchange Recipe offer the perfect mix of nostalgia, flavor, and fun. From classic sugar sparkles to chocolaty crinkles and refreshing peppermint bites, each recipe is easy to make and sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Trust me—you’ll want to keep these cookies in rotation every holiday season!
Print
Best Cookie Recipes for Your Holiday Cookie Exchange Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 36 cookies per recipe
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the holidays with these best cookie recipes perfect for your holiday cookie exchange. Featuring classic sugar cookies, rich chocolate crinkle cookies, and festive peppermint chocolate chip cookies, this collection offers delightful treats that are easy to bake and sure to impress. Each recipe includes tried-and-true ingredients and baking instructions to create the perfect batch of cookies for gifting or sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
For Classic Sugar Cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Holiday sprinkles or colored sugar
For Chocolate Crinkle Cookies:
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
For Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Instructions
- Classic Sugar Cookies: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder to combine. In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll them in holiday sprinkles or colored sugar. Place the cookies on ungreased baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are set and slightly golden. Remove from oven and transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined forming a dough. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up, which helps achieve the signature crinkle texture. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball generously in powdered sugar. Place the coated dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies have spread and developed the characteristic crackled surface. Remove from oven and cool on wire racks.
- Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to combine. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until fully combined. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies or candy canes. Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- Make ahead: Freeze cookie dough balls in an airtight container or zip-top bag to bake fresh cookies on demand.
- Store baked cookies in airtight containers with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Package cookies in decorative tins or holiday-themed bags for gifting or cookie exchanges.
