25 Christmas Cookie Exchange Recipes

A Christmas cookie exchange is one of the season’s sweetest traditions, and we included plenty of ideas that will be a hit.

These Christmas cookie exchange recipes range from classic favorites like gingerbread and snickerdoodles to cute melting snowmen and wreath cookies. Each recipe travels well, looks festive, and most importantly, tastes absolutely delicious.

1. Gingerbread Cookies

These warmly spiced cookies use brown sugar and molasses to deliver the classic holiday flavor. Everyone at your cookie exchange will love these!

Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Cookies

2. Melted Snowman Cookies

Decorated icing turns sugar cookies into charming snowmen that look like they’re melting. They bring a playful touch to cookie exchanges and are surprisingly simple to decorate.

Get the Recipe: Melted Snowman Cookies

3. Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Cranberries and orange come together in a buttery shortbread that perfectly highlights winter flavors. They slice neatly and bake up into a pretty addition to any cookie tray.

Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

4. Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

M&M candies add a pop of holiday color to these soft chocolate chip cookies. A special ingredient helps them stay thick and tender.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

5. Reindeer Sugar Cookies

Store-bought dough and a few simple toppings make these reindeer faces easy to assemble. They’re a playful treat that fits right in at any cookie swap.

Get the Recipe: Reindeer Sugar Cookies

6. Jam Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies feature a buttery texture that pairs well with a spoonful of your favorite jam. Their classic look and simple prep keep them a popular holiday pick year after year.

Get the Recipe: Buttery Jam Thumbprint Cookies

7. Christmas Light Cookies

Colorful candies mimic glowing bulbs on a soft sugar cookie canvas. They’re a cheerful addition to any cookie exchange and make a fun decorating project.

Get the Recipe: Christmas Light Cookies

8. Chocolate Peppermint Crinkles

Fudgy chocolate meets peppermint in this seasonal twist on classic crinkle cookies. They’re always a favorite with everyone.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peppermint Crinkles

9. Linzer Cookies

Almond-flavored dough and a center of bright raspberry jam give these cookies a classic bakery feel. Their cutout shapes make them look impressive while still being simple to pull off.

Get the Recipe: Linzer Cookies

10. Peanut Butter Cup Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups

Pull-apart dough forms a little cup that holds a mini peanut butter cup, marshmallow bits, and sprinkles. The candy cane handles are so cute!

Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cup Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups

11. Butter Toffee Cookies

Bits of crunchy toffee add texture to these soft and chewy cookies. Their rich flavor makes them a standout.

Get the Recipe: Butter Toffee Cookies

12. Checkerboard Swirl Shortbread Cookies

Vanilla and chocolate doughs are shaped into eye-catching patterns that look great on a holiday tray. Made with mainly pantry staples, this recipe is inexpensive to make.

Get the Recipe: Checkerboard Swirl Shortbread Cookies

13. Christmas Mitten Sugar Cookies

These mitten-shaped treats are decorated with bright icing for a cute seasonal look. They’ll add a little fun to any Christmas cookie exchange party.

Get the Recipe: Christmas Mitten Sugar Cookies

14. Turtle Thumbprint Cookies

A soft chocolate cookie surrounds a caramel center that melts gently with each bite. Pecans and a drizzle of chocolate bring the classic turtle flavor combination together.

Get the Recipe: Turtle Thumbprint Cookies

15. Christmas Snickerdoodles

Red and green sugar coat these soft cookies for a festive twist on the traditional version. The recipe yields plenty, making it handy for cookie exchanges or parties.

Get the Recipe: Christmas Snickerdoodles

16. Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Rich chocolate and sweet cherries come together in a chewy cookie that will have everyone raving. The slivered almonds perfectly complement the chocolate cherry flavor.

Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies

17. Pecan Sandies

These shortbread-style cookies are dotted with chopped pecans and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. The recipe comes from a cherished family collection, making it a nostalgic choice for the season.

Get the Recipe: Pecan Sandies

18. Meringue Wreath Cookies

Light and crisp meringue is piped into wreaths for an impressive cookie. Their airy texture makes them a sweet option when you want something festive but not too heavy.

Get the Recipe: Meringue Wreath Cookies

19. Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Mini chocolate chips add a fun twist to these classic sugar-dusted snowball cookies. They melt in your mouth and pack well for holiday sharing.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

20. Christmas Tree Cookies

These tree-shaped treats are filled with walnuts and chocolate for a break from the usual sugar cookie. Adding ribbon to make them into edible ornaments is a clever idea.

Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Cookies

21. Red Velvet Santa Cake Mix Cookies

Red velvet flavor gives these cookies a festive color that stands out on a holiday platter. Using cake mix keeps the process simple while still delivering a soft and chocolatey result.

Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Santa Cake Mix Cookies

22. Reindeer Nutter Butter Cookies

Chocolate dipped Nutter Butters transform into playful reindeer with candy eyes and pretzel antlers. They’re a no-bake treat that adds a fun touch to any cookie swap.

Get the Recipe: Reindeer Nutter Butter Cookies

23. Cranberry Lemon Pistachio Cookies

Cranberries, pistachios, and a lemon glaze create a mouthwatering cookie that’s easy to make. Their wreath-like shape makes them especially festive.

Get the Recipe: Cranberry Lemon Pistachio Cookies

24. 2-Ingredient Christmas Cookies

Two ingredients are all you need to make these cookies for a fast holiday treat. They use store-bought dough, so if you’re short on time but still want to bring something yummy to your cookie exchange, they’re a good option.

Get the Recipe: 2-Ingredient Christmas Cookies

25. Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Full of peppermint flavor, these cookies will have everyone asking for the recipe. The peppermint kisses on top add a fun finishing touch that makes them a favorite at swaps.

Get the Recipe: Peppermint Kiss Cookies