There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the air during the holiday season. Christmas cookies are a cherished tradition, bringing warmth, sweetness, and a sense of togetherness to every home. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned cookie enthusiast, these 25 recipes will add a touch of magic to your holiday celebrations. From classic favorites to new, original twists, there’s something here to delight every taste bud. You can also explore these recipes in a cookbook for beginners , which makes it easy to get started with baking. And if you want to expand beyond cookies, why not book cakes as well, and discover even more delightful holiday treats to share with loved ones?
1. Baci di Dama
These Italian “Lady’s Kisses” cookies are nutty, tender, and filled with creamy chocolate ganache. Baci di Dama are great for adding a sophisticated touch to your holiday table. They’re also easy enough for beginners, perfect if you want a quick and impressive holiday dessert.
2. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
For an easy Christmas cookies recipe that’s full of rich chocolate flavor, chocolate crinkle cookies are the way to go. Their powdered sugar coating creates an irresistible crackled effect that everyone loves. This chocolate crinkle cookies recipe is both a visual delight and a treat for your taste buds.
3. Chocolate Diamond Cookies
Bring some elegance to your dessert table with these delightful diamond-shaped cookies. Buttery and crisp, they’re ideal for enjoying with a warm coffee or as a comforting treat with tea in the evening.
4. Chocolate Salami
An unconventional, no-bake cookie-like dessert, chocolate salami is filled with crushed cookies, nuts, chocolate, and sometimes a dash of rum. This chocolate salami recipe makes a great conversation starter for your Christmas party.
5. Chocolate Snowballs
Chocolate Snowballs are melt-in-your-mouth cookies rolled in shredded coconut, giving them a “snowy” appearance. They’re easy, quick, and ideal for a holiday cookie platter.
6. Christmas Cookies
A traditionalChristmas gingerbread cookiesrecipe that’s timeless and customizable. Use different holiday cutters and icing designs to make these cookies uniquely yours, or let the kids take over decorating for a fun family activity.
7. Christmas Macarons
Brighten up your festivities with this beautiful Christmas macarons recipe. These deep-red macarons, topped with delicate snowflake decorations, are filled with a delightful mix of vanilla ganache and berry coulis.
8. Coconut Snowballs
Fluffy, coconutty, and delightfully easy to make, these sweets are perfect for adding variety to your holiday desserts. Be warned – they vanish fast, so consider doubling the recipe!
9. Diamond Cookies
Another French classic, these diamond cookies are easy to make but endlessly satisfying, perfect for sharing at any festive gathering. They’re crisp, buttery, and loved by all ages!
10. Hedgehog Cake Pops
Creating these Hedgehog Cake Pops takes a little extra effort, especially with the adorable spikes, but it’s a great way to get the whole family involved. Festive and tasty, they’ll delight anyone who takes a bite!
11. Kipferl Cookies
Kipferl are classic Christmas cookies traditionally shaped like little crescents. But for a quicker, simpler twist, try the French approach! Just roll the dough into tubes, slice, coat in vanilla sugar, and bake for 15 minutes – delicious Kipferl, ready to enjoy!
12. Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Linzer cookies are a holiday treat that’s as delightful to look at as they are to eat. With vibrant red raspberry jam framed by a dusting of powdered sugar, they make a stunning addition to any dessert table.
13. Nantes Cookies
These shortbread Nantes cookies bring a touch of French elegance with their simple, charming pattern and golden crust. Crispy and crumbly, they’re a perfect addition to your festive cookie plate.
14. Oatmeal and Cranberry Cookies
These hearty oatmeal and cranberry cookies are a perfect match with a warm glass of milk – a cozy Christmas treat everyone will love!
15. Oatmeal Cookies
Simple, wholesome, and made without wheat flour, these oatmeal cookies are a comforting classic. Quick to bake, they’re perfect for enjoying at home with a cozy cup of tea.
16. Pecan Roll Cookies
Rich and nutty, these Pecan Roll Cookies are perfect for anyone who loves nuts in their holiday desserts. Rolled in crushed pecans, they offer a crunchy, buttery texture that’s hard to resist.
17. Pine Cone Cookies
These crumbly, chocolatey cookies are a festive treat that’s easy to bake. Let the kids join in by pressing unique designs on each cookie – pine cone prints or anything your imagination inspires!
18. Spiral Cookies
These colorful spiral cookies add a fun pop of color to any cookie platter. They’re easy to make and add a touch of whimsy that’s sure to delight both kids and adults.
19. Turtle Thumbprint Cookies
If you’re looking for the best Christmas cookies recipe, these Turtle Thumbprints are a must-try! Rolled in crushed pecans and filled with silky vanilla caramel, they’re a chocolate-caramel delight impossible to resist!
20. Vanilla Apple Marshmallows
Not quite a cookie, these marshmallows , with their snow-white look and snowflake-light texture, are a delicious holiday treat. They’re perfect for adding something light and fluffy to balance richer cookies.
21. Vanilla Moon Cookies
Delicate, crumbly, and bursting with vanilla flavor, these cookies melt in your mouth and keep you reaching for more! Quick to bake and irresistibly tasty, they’re perfect for the holidays.
22. Viennese Chocolate Sable
These elegant chocolate cookies are a must for chocolate lovers. With two crumbly swirls held together by a rich, creamy ganache, they’re delightfully chunky and perfect for special occasions.
23. Walnut Cookies
This walnut cookies recipe is the best! Soft on the inside, crisp on the outside, and filled with nuts and melty chocolate chunks, they’re perfect with a cold glass of milk. Try them with walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts – or a mix of all!
24. Walnut Flower Cookies
Crisp, crunchy, and flower-shaped, these cookies are simple to make and full of festive joy. They’re beautifully delicious with any nuts, so pick your favorite and bake a delicious batch for your holiday cookie tray.
25. Walnut-Shaped Cookies with Condensed Milk
These walnut-shaped cookies, filled with condensed milk, are a traditional treat that never disappoints. Their distinctive shape and sweet filling make them one of the most popular cookies at any gathering.
The Joy of Baking Christmas Cookies
Christmas is a season of tradition, joy, and gathering with loved ones – and baking cookies is a cherished part of that magic. This collection of the 25 best Christmas cookie recipes is here to inspire you, filling your home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked holiday treats.
Designed for both beginners and experienced bakers, this cookbook offers recipes that make every moment special and every bite delightful. From simple classics like Chocolate Crinkle Cookies and Coconut Snowballs to more intricate treats like Christmas Macarons and Walnut-Shaped Cookies, there’s a cookie for every occasion and every skill level. Whether you’re baking for gifts, family gatherings, or simply to spread festive cheer, these recipes promise joy and flavor in every batch.
So, grab your copy of the ebook, turn on your favorite holiday tunes, and let the baking begin!
If you’re someone who enjoys exploring the rich flavors of South Indian cuisine, the Tamil style of cooking is something you should definitely try. Tamil cuisine hails from the region around Tamilnadu in India, and it offers a unique blend of spices and cooking techniques that have been perfected over generations. Among the various dishes from this region, Milagu Kozhi (Pepper Chicken) stands out as a must-try for anyone who enjoys bold, peppery flavors.
The warmth of freshly ground black pepper combined with tender chicken makes this dish a perfect comfort food. And, for those who are looking for a little extra excitement after enjoying such a dish, playing a few rounds of live casino games or trying a round of andar bahar can be an ideal way to add some thrill to your evening.
In this recipe, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide to preparing Tamil style Milagu Kozhi, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. The key to the success of this dish lies in the balance of spices and the marination process, allowing the chicken to absorb the intense peppery kick and the fragrant masalas. So, if you’re ready to indulge in a flavorful experience, let’s get started!
Ingredients for Tamil Style Milagu Kozhi
To make this mouthwatering Pepper Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 500 grams of chicken (boneless or bone-in)
- 1 tablespoon of black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste
- 1 medium-sized onion (finely chopped)
- 2 green chilies (slit)
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 2 tablespoons of oil (vegetable or coconut oil)
- A handful of curry leaves
- Salt (to taste)
- Coriander leaves (for garnish)
For Marination:
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Marinating the Chicken
To start, you need to marinate the chicken. In a large bowl, mix the chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, black pepper, and salt. Make sure the chicken pieces are well-coated with the marinade. For the best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate it for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors seep in deeply.
Step 2: Preparing the Spice Mix
While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare the aromatic spice mix. Heat a small pan over medium heat and dry roast the black pepper, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds for about 2-3 minutes until they release a fragrant aroma. Once done, let the spices cool and grind them into a fine powder. Set aside for later.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken
In a large pan or wok, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the curry leaves and sauté them for a few seconds. Next, add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Add the green chilies and ginger-garlic paste, cooking until the raw smell disappears.
Now, add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and blend into the masala. Stir in the red chili powder, coriander powder, and the freshly ground black pepper spice mix. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
Add the marinated chicken to the pan, mixing everything together. Let the chicken cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a little water if needed to prevent the masala from sticking to the pan, but ensure that the consistency remains thick.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, check for salt and adjust to taste. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a fresh touch.
Step 5: Serving
Tamil style Milagu Kozhi is best served hot with rice, chapati, or even parotta. The peppery, spicy notes of the chicken make it a perfect pairing for steamed rice. The subtle yet bold flavors will undoubtedly leave you craving more.
Tips for the Perfect Milagu Kozhi
- Use Freshly Ground Pepper: The key to this dish’s punch lies in the freshly ground black pepper. Avoid pre-ground pepper to retain the intense, aromatic flavors.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you like your food less spicy, you can reduce the amount of green chilies and red chili powder used. However, the black pepper should still be the star of the dish.
- Marinate Well: The longer you marinate the chicken, the better the flavors will develop, so try to give it ample time to soak in the spices.
- Add Coconut Milk (Optional): For a richer version, you can add a bit of coconut milk towards the end of the cooking process to balance the heat from the pepper and spices.
Tamil Style Milagu Kozhi is a delightful recipe to add to your cooking repertoire, especially for those who enjoy spicy, flavorful dishes. With its deep, rich flavors and satisfying taste, it is a true representation of the essence of Tamil cuisine.
