Let’s be honest. The best part of the holiday season is the food, or rather, the desserts! Even better, the day of baking countless trays of cookies until you’re covered in flour and all your tupperware is filled by enough cookies to feed an entire high school football team.
This extravagant cookie-baking process is something I look forward to each and every year! While my mom and I tend to make at least five different types of cookies each holiday season, we often recycle the same recipes year after year. Now, don’t get me wrong, they are just as delicious every winter, but it wouldn’t hurt to add a few new recipes into the mix. If your family is anything like mine and you’re in need of some new holiday cookies to try, check out these specialty sweets.
Chocolate Crinkles
Crinkles are a staple in my family’s annual cookie selection. If you haven’t already tried them, you’re missing out! This brownie-like dessert is a great choice for any chocolate-lovers out there. Something about the way the cookie crinkles as it bakes adds such a nice, fudgy texture that brings it to a whole new level.
Brown Butter Maple Pecan Cookies
To me, this cookie sounds like a cozy Christmas morning breakfast with my family. But you know what’s better than breakfast? Dessert! Plus if you don’t enjoy the day-long cookie-baking extravaganza as much as I do, these cookies are a great option because you can make the dough ahead of time and freeze it for up to three months until you’re ready to bake.
Eggnog Cookies
Having a glass of eggnog around the holidays is a rare treat for me. While I don’t have this seasonal beverage every year, when I do, I try to savor its creamy and spicy goodness. When I stumbled across this recipe, I was shocked that I never thought to try something like this before. If you have any holiday parties this year, bring a platter of this unique sweet and steal the show!
Hot Chocolate Cookies
There is no better way to warm up after being out in the cold than enjoying a large mug of hot chocolate. I grew up skiing every weekend at my grandparents’ house and whenever I was done for the day, my grandma would greet me with a cozy cup of cocoa. If you’re someone who loves spending time outside in the winter months, this is the cookie for you!
Linzer Hearts
For anyone who likes a more fruity dessert, I recommend Linzer cookies, or as my family calls them, Linzer Hearts (we make them heart-shaped, but that’s completely up to you). A sort of elevated cut-out cookie, this treat combines the subtle sweetness of shortbread with the fruity tartness of raspberry (or whatever kind you prefer) jam.
Almond Snowballs
Personally, I love almond flavor in my desserts, and I can vouch that these cookies are amazing! They’re also an excellent option for anyone who isn’t the biggest chocolate fan and just wants a little something sweet after dinner. Not to mention, this is another recipe that you can prep ahead of time before the hectic holidays.
Chai Spiced Snickerdoodles
A freshly brewed chai is a cold weather essential. Anyone who agrees with me should try this specialty recipe that puts a twist on a long-time crowd favorite, snickerdoodles. The blend of sweet and tangy makes this sweet a reliable choice sure to be enjoyed by almost anyone.
Soft Gingerbread Latte Cookies With Brown Butter Icing
Gingerbread cookies are one of the most underrated desserts. Their gentle sweetness and spiced flavor is something I crave all year long. It just screams holiday! These cookies would make the perfect holiday movie night snack. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll appreciate the extra sugary icing.
Wishing you all good luck in the rest of the semester, and may you all have a dough-lightful holiday season!
Written By Maggie Anderson ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications