Don't get stuck with last-minute holiday baking.
Don't get stuck with last-minute holiday baking. Here are some Christmas cookie recipes that you can make ahead and freeze or store for when you need them — or when you crave them.
1
Matcha Spritz
Green tea powder gives these delicious butter cookies their festive green hue.
Make ahead: Cookies can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Get the recipe for Matcha Spritz »
2
Lemony Ricotta Pillows
Soft and tender, these classic Italian cookies will melt in your mouth. Try the chocolate-glazed version too.
Make ahead: Cookies can be stored in airtight containers in freezer for up to 1 month.
Get the recipe for Lemony Ricotta Pillows »
3
Gingerbread Wands
Ginger cookies get the grown-up treatment with these sparkly and spiced gingerbread sticks.
Make ahead: Cookies can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Get the recipe for Gingerbread Wands »
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4
Glazed Vanilla-Almond Cutouts
The classic cut-out cookie goes glam with almond flavors and the easiest icing ever.
Make ahead: Cookies can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature (with waxed paper between layers) for up to 1 week.
Get the recipe for Glazed Vanilla-Almond Cutouts »
5
Razzy-Jammy Thumbprints
We gave the traditional thumbprint cookie an almond-honey twist.
Make ahead: Cookies can be stored in airtight containers in freezer for up to 1 month.
Get the recipe for Razzy-Jammy Thumbprints »
6
Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies
These caramel-filled treats are a classic Latin confection, and you can even make the dulce de leche in a slow-cooker.
Make ahead: Cookie sandwiches can be stored in airtight containers in freezer for up to 1 month.
Get the recipe for Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies »
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7
Chocolate-Citrus Cran Wheels
Impress everyone at the cookie swap with this cookie version of chocolate-dipped orange slices.
Make ahead: Cookies can be stored in airtight containers in freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Get the recipe for Chocolate-Citrus Cran Wheels »
8
Merry Meringues
It's easier than you think to make these rainbow-hued meringue kisses. Every color has a different flavor, from peppermint to blueberry.
Make ahead: Cookies can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Get the recipe for Merry Meringues »
9
Eggnog Icebox Cookies
The eggnog icing on these frosted cookies is so delicious you'll be scheming of other places to smear it. We're thinking gingerbread.
Make ahead: Dough keeps for three days in the fridge. Slice and bake as needed.
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10
Cinnamon Chip Pumpkin Cookies
These chewy pumpkin cookies come together without a mixer and with minimal dough chilling time. They're perfect for the lady cookie procrastinator.
Make ahead: Cookies can be stored in airtight containers in freezer for up to 3 months. Dough balls can be frozen (without cinnamon sugar) in an airtight bag for 3 months. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling in sugar and bake for 2 extra minutes.
11
Salted Dark Chocolate Truffle Cookies
For the ultimate chocoholic, these fudgey babies get dunk in even more chocolate and rolled in chocolate sprinkles after baking.
Make ahead: Dough balls can be frozen (without sea salt) in an airtight bag for 3 months. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before sprinkling with salt and add a couple extra minutes to baking time. Proceed as directed.
12
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Shortbread
Shortbread cookies are impossible easy with just butter flour, and sugar. These guys get some melted chocolate and peppermint too because it's the holidays.
Make ahead: Cookies will keep up to 1 month in an airtight container.
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13
Pistachio Cookies
Give the gift of green with these soft and cake-y Italian pistachio cookies. The dough makes a ton, so they are perfect for freezing.
Make ahead: Cookies can be stored in airtight containers in freezer for up to 2 months.
14
Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies
If baking is just not your thing, you'll be happy to know that all you need for these addicting treats is peanut butter, Ritz crackers, and chocolate. No oven required.
Make ahead: Cookies can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature for 1 week or frozen up to one month. Place wax paper between layers when freezing.
15
Slice 'n' Bake Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies
Everyone needs a quintessential sugar cookie recipe for decorating with tons of frosting. This vanilla-spiked version would taste just as delicious naked.
Make ahead: Cookies can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature for 4 days.
Gabriella Vigoreaux
Contributor
Gabriella is a freelance writer and recipe developer based in Lakeland, Florida. She is the owner of Vicky G’s, a catering company focused on hand-formed empanadas with both familiar and untraditional fillings. She's also the co-owner of Bandidas, a local pop-up test kitchen concept that throws monthly food events. Before returning to the panhandle, she spent a decade in NYC working in test kitchens for Epicurious, Good Housekeeping, and Cherry Bombe. She also served as the Culinary Director and Head Baker at the beloved Smith Canteen coffee shop in Brooklyn