Cookies that make you go, "Oh. my."
The perfect portable snack/gift/dessert/breakfast/decoration.
No matter how forced or genuine, I love to watch people reacting to gifts. The micro-seconds immediately after a present is opened (especially by a child) contain a universe of human psychology and SO MUCH TRUTH! (Sometimes too much).
There may not be enough etiquette, bribery or threatening glances IN THIS WORLD to make a kid grit their teeth, smile and say “Thank you” for that pair of socks/winter gloves/sweater, and that’s ok. I just enjoy the chaos of authenticity.
…and if an authentic moment of INDULGENT BLISS is the reaction you’re after, then no gift is better than some homemade cookies!
No one will be tempering ANY of their emotions when you give them one of these tasty treats. I’ve seen it all, from the long slow eyes-closed sigh, to the eyes-wide, unhinged involuntary grabby-another reflex.
If life allows you the space, I strongly suggest assembling a holiday cookie platter with various choices from this list. You’ll love learning which of your loved ones carries a surprise preference for certain cookie options, and hearing about the cherished foodie memories behind their favorites. (Share yours in the comments!)
While we love a classic chocolate chip cookie as much as anybody, this list is for the unique cookie candidates that spend most of their time out of the spotlight. The holidays are their moment to shine.
Iced Orange Cookies
If you only bake one cookie recipe this holiday season, MAKE IT THIS ONE! These beauties are so unique and wonderful. The orange glaze is DIVINE, and the light fluffly dough will have you wondering where they all went, because you WILL eat 4 of them before you even realize what is happening. I should rename these to “disappearing cookies.”
Fudgy Chocolate Andes Mint Cookies
As fudgy as brownies, the melty chunks of Andes mints gives these cookies a pop of festive color. If you’re making an assortment of cookies, I insist you include a mint option. ***I have “strong feelings about mint and chocolate”
PB&J Thumbprint Cookies
Thumbprint cookies take me right back to the holidays at my grandma’s. Crumbly peanut butter dough with bright red berry jam is a timeless formula that works, and looks right at home on a holiday table.
Pistachio Chocolate Dipped Cranberry Shortbreads
There’s a lot going on here in such a small cookie. Sweet, salty, tartness and texture, this is one you just gotta experience yourself. Also, cranberries and pistachios should hang out more.
Molasses Spice Crinkle Cookies
A classic soft and chewy treat. These rich caramely molasses crinkle cookies are filled with warm winter spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. They’ll make your house smell like you’re trying to lure fairytale children in from the woods.
Lemon Rosemary Butter Cookies
Soft, buttery, and blessed with the perfect hint of rosemary, these understated citrusy cookies are kissed with sparkling sugar and are for those who appreciate nuance.
Chocolate Chip Cherry Oatmeal Cookies
It is the perfect combo of an oatmeal cookie (but not too hearty), a chewy chocolate chip cookie (but not too gooey), and cherries and sea salt. The end product here is vastly greater than the sum of its parts. *It’s honestly in my top 3 all-time favorites.
Canestrelli (Italian Egg Yolk Cookies)
If you absolutely cannot let the holidays pass without giving those cookie cutters something to do, then make these! Canestrelli is a wonderful tea/coffee cookie that has a unique buttery melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to its use of hard-boiled egg yolks in the dough.
Oreo Cookie Ball Santa Hats
These adorable cookie ball truffles are the perfect NO-BAKE Christmas-vacation project to make with kids. Using Oreos, marshmallow, coconut, and candy melts, you can make yours into snowpersons, Santa hats, or whatever you’d like! Use some sparkling sugar with the coconut to really bring the winter magic.
Chocolate Dipped Ritz Fluffernutter Cookies
Speaking of NO-BAKE Christmas cookies, these Ritz Fluffernutter Sandwich cookies must be included on this list, because they just are way too good for how little work goes into them. Also perfect for making with kids.
Fluffernutter Cookies
We never outgrow our love for peanut butter and marshmallows. So if the previous fluffernutter Ritz cookies aren’t your bag, how about these luscious rich peanut butter cookies with perfectly toasted gooey marshmallows on top and a dusting of cinnamon sugar?
That’s it for our holiday cookie recommendations. Did we miss anything? What are your favorites? Tell us about it in the comments section!
If none of these cookies are appealing to you, I’m not sure what else to tell you other than it might be time for a change of heart before you are haunted by three Christmas ghosts. *because you are a “cookie Scrooge.”
Also, don’t forget to use the promo code SUBS30 to save 30% off our cookbook! It’s got some cookies, as well as other holiday and party recipes ready to fill your next gathering with satisfied bellies and faces. It also makes a swell gift.
…and speaking of gifts, if you’re enjoying this substack newsletter thing we’ve got going on here, you might consider gifting a paid subscription to someone who would enjoy the community and premium content that we’re building!