Holiday Cookies to Bake This Year: 2024 Edition
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes one of the most beloved traditions: baking cookies! Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, holiday cookies bring joy to the kitchen and fill your home with the sweet scents of the season. In 2024, cookie baking continues to be a way for families and friends to connect, share, and indulge in delightful treats. Here are some top cookie ideas to try this year, offering a blend of classic favorites and exciting new twists.
Classic Sugar Cookies
No holiday cookie list is complete without the timeless sugar cookie. Simple yet delicious, sugar cookies are versatile and fun to decorate. For 2024, give these a seasonal touch by using festive cookie cutters, like snowflakes, Christmas trees, or gingerbread men. You can also experiment with colored sugars or royal icing to create beautiful designs. Sugar cookies are perfect for baking with kids and sharing with friends and family.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a hint of almond extract to the dough. This will hoist the taste and give your sugary treats a remarkable turn.
Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are a staple of the holiday season, and this year, they’re back in full force. With their warm, spiced flavor and cheerful designs, gingerbread cookies never fail to bring festive cheer. You can decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or even use them to create a mini gingerbread village.
Pro Tip: For a softer gingerbread texture, use brown sugar and honey in the dough. This results in a chewy, flavorful cookie that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of cocoa.
Peppermint Mocha Cookies
If you’re a fan of peppermint mochas, why not turn that flavor combo into a cookie? These cookies are a delicious blend of chocolate, coffee, and mint. The rich chocolate dough is studded with crushed peppermint candies, while a hint of espresso powder gives them an extra kick.
Pro Tip: Top each cookie with a few chocolate chips and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint to enhance the flavor and make them extra festive.
Snickerdoodles
Snickerdoodles are a beloved holiday cookie for good reason—they’re soft, chewy, and coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture that gives them a deliciously warm flavor. While they’re classic, 2024 calls for a bit of creativity. Try adding a dash of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar coating to give them a spicy kick that’s perfect for winter.
Pro Tip: For a crispier snickerdoodle, slightly flatten the dough balls before baking. This results in a crunchier edge while keeping the center soft and chewy.
Chai-Spiced Shortbread
For something a little different this holiday season, why not bake chai-spiced shortbread cookies? This buttery, crumbly treat is infused with chai spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, creating a cozy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
Pro Tip: Dip these shortbread cookies in white or dark chocolate for an extra indulgent treat that will make them even more festive.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Chocolate crinkle cookies are a fun, decadent option that’s sure to impress guests. With their cracked, powdery exterior and soft, fudgy interior, these cookies are as delicious as they are visually striking. To make them extra festive, you can add a few tablespoons of peppermint extract or orange zest for a seasonal twist.
Pro Tip: Roll the dough balls in powdered sugar just before baking to ensure the crinkly look that’s iconic for these cookies.
Pecan Pie Cookies
For fans of pecan pie, these cookies offer the same sweet, nutty flavor in a more bite-sized, easy-to-eat form. The cookie dough is made with a rich caramel base, and it’s topped with a layer of toasted pecans. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate on top makes these cookies a true holiday indulgence.
Pro Tip: Toast the pecans before adding them to the dough for an extra layer of flavor that will make the cookies irresistible.
Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Cookies
For a more sophisticated flavor profile, consider making brown butter bourbon pecan cookies. Brown butter adds a nutty, caramelized depth to the dough, while Bourbon and toasted pecans create an indulgent treat that’s perfect for adults. These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of bourbon or a spiced holiday cocktail.
Pro Tip: Toast the pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes to bring out their natural oils and enhance the flavor
