The Best Christmas Cookie Recipe is a festive delight that brings warmth and joy to your holiday season. These small, perfectly spiced cookies carry a rich blend of cocoa and aromatic spices, balanced beautifully by a zesty orange glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness and brightness. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, an office party, or a gift exchange, this recipe promises a buttery, tender bite wrapped in irresistible holiday cheer that everyone will love. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the delightful aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and fresh orange zest as you create these charming treats.

The image shows many small, round cookies with a light glaze on top, arranged in neat rows on a silver cooling rack. Each cookie has a slightly bumpy surface with a soft white glaze that has a shiny, smooth texture covering the whole top and sides. The cookies are a soft brown color underneath the glaze, and they are spaced evenly apart on the metal grid. The background is a white marbled texture, adding a clean and bright look to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that work in harmony to create the perfect holiday cookie. Each component plays a vital role—from the flour providing structure, the spices adding warmth, to the citrus zest and glaze bringing brightness—that results in a cookie that’s both classic and uniquely festive.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, giving your cookies structure and lightness.
1/2 cup white granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the spices.
2 tablespoons Dutch-processed cocoa: Gives a rich chocolate undertone without overpowering the spices.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses that unmistakable warm holiday flavor.
1 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds depth and an aromatic punch to the spice profile.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender texture.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Keeps the cookies moist with a subtle fruity note.
2 tablespoons whole milk: Balances the dough, making it easier to knead and roll.
Zest of 2 medium oranges: Adds a burst of fresh citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with the glaze.
2 cups confectioners’ sugar: Essential for the sweet and smooth glaze coating.
1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice: Combined with powdered sugar for a bright, tangy glaze.
1 teaspoon Cointreau or Grand Marnier (optional): Offers a lovely orange liqueur kick for sophisticated flavor in the glaze.

How to Make Best Christmas Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Form the Dough

Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, cocoa, cinnamon, cloves, and baking powder until the mixture is uniform in color and texture. Creating a well in the center will help you incorporate the wet ingredients more smoothly. Adding eggs, olive oil, milk, and orange zest next brings the dough alive with moisture and flavor. Kneading by hand ensures every bit of dry ingredient gets lovingly incorporated, resulting in a soft but manageable dough that will rest and develop flavor for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies

While the dough rests, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and prepare your baking sheet with parchment or a silpat liner. Roll a quarter of the dough into a rope about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick, then gently flatten and cut into diamond-shaped pieces the size of gnocchi. The slightly flattened shape helps the cookies bake evenly and gives them a charming, rustic look. Space them about an inch apart to allow for gentle spreading. Bake for about 9 to 11 minutes until the edges feel firm and the centers dry to the touch, then let them cool first on the sheet, then on a wire rack.

Step 3: Glaze and Set the Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled completely, prepare the glaze by sifting powdered sugar into a bowl, then stirring in fresh orange juice and optional Cointreau until smooth. The consistency should be just thick enough to coat the cookies without running off—adjust by adding small amounts of sugar or liquid as needed. Gently toss each cookie in the glaze, then place them back on the wire rack to let the glaze set. Patience is key here: letting the glaze harden overnight ensures a beautiful, firm coating that adds a delightful sweetness and a semi-crisp bite that perfectly complements the soft cookie.

How to Serve Best Christmas Cookie Recipe

Best Christmas Cookie Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Elevate these cookies with a light dusting of extra powdered sugar or a sprinkle of finely chopped candied orange peel for added color and texture. A few small fresh rosemary sprigs beside the plate can create a lovely aromatic accompaniment that is as festive as it is inviting.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with hot beverages like spiced tea, mulled wine, or rich hot chocolate. The warmth of the drink beautifully balances the cool sweetness of the orange glaze, making for a cozy treat during winter gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies in festive tins layered with parchment paper or stack them with small ribbons tied around for charming gifts. For a party display, place them on tiered dessert stands with sprigs of holly or cranberries woven among the tiers to create an eye-catching holiday centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh and retain their texture for up to a week, keeping the glaze firm and flavorful without becoming sticky.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Once cooled and glazed, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. They will keep their delicious taste and texture for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t necessary for these cookies, but if you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in a low oven for a few minutes on parchment paper. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the glaze and change the texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute the orange zest and juice with lemon?

Absolutely! Lemon zest and juice will give the cookies a different but equally delightful citrus brightness. The flavor profile will be fresher and tangier compared to the sweet warmth of orange.

Is it okay to use regular cocoa instead of Dutch-processed?

Regular cocoa can be used, but it is more acidic and less mellow than Dutch-processed cocoa, which might slightly affect the flavor and color of your cookies. Expect a bit more bitterness and a darker shade if you make the swap.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

With a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum, you can achieve similar texture and taste. Just be sure to select one suited for baking to maintain the dough’s workability and final tenderness.

How important is the resting time for the dough?

Resting the dough for 30 minutes is crucial as it allows the flour to hydrate fully and the flavors to meld. This step results in a dough that’s easier to handle and cookies that have a tender crumb.

Can I skip the glaze?

You can skip glazing if you prefer less sweetness or want a simpler cookie. They’ll still be delicious, but the glaze adds the characteristic citrusy shine and extra layer of flavor that makes this the Best Christmas Cookie Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Best Christmas Cookie Recipe that brings together irresistible flavors and festive spirit in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it part of your holiday tradition. Whether baking for loved ones or just for yourself, these cookies will fill your home with warmth and delight beyond measure. Happy baking!

Best Christmas Cookie Recipe