21 holiday cookie and candy ideas that taste like pure seasonal nostalgia

These treats are the unofficial currency of the season; easy to share, easy to gift, and even easier to snack on. Whether you go classic or try something new, these 21 cookie and candy recipes bring a little cheer to your holidays.

Frosted Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

A plate of Frosted Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.
Image Credit: I Heart Eating

Frosted chocolate peppermint cookies are soft, cake-like, and full of holiday flavor. Topped with chocolate buttercream and crushed peppermint, they’re a festive treat everyone will love. Get the recipeFrosted Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Chewy Ginger Cookies

A plate of Almond Flour Ginger Cookies.
Image Credit: The Honour System

Chewy ginger cookies are full of warm, spicy flavour and have a wonderfully soft and chewy texture. Made with almond flour, they’re naturally gluten-free so that you can serve these to everyone. Get the recipeAlmond Flour Ginger Cookies

Tahini Cookies

A tray of tahini cookies.
Image Credit: The Honour System

A new and unique way to satisfy your cookie cravings. This large batch recipe for tahini cookies is soft, chewy and full of delicious flavour and perfect for sharing during the holidays. Get the recipeTahini Cookies

Peppermint Bark Recipe

A plate of Peppermint Bark Recipe.
Image Credit: I Heart Eating

This easy 4-ingredient peppermint bark layers semisweet chocolate, white chocolate, and crushed candy canes for a festive, crunchy treat. Perfect for holiday snacking or gifting. Get the recipe: Peppermint Bark Recipe

Whipped Shortbread Cookies

A plate of Whipped Shortbread Cookies.
Image Credit: I Heart Eating

These whipped shortbread cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth bites topped with festive nonpareils. With just 7 ingredients and 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these easy Christmas treats. Get the recipe: Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Chewy Coffee Cookies

Overhead image of chewy coffee cookies.
Image Credit: The All Natural Vegan

These coffee cookies are chewy and packed with rich coffee flavour in every bite. They’re oil-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, so you can enjoy a sweet holiday without the extra guilt. Get the recipeChewy Coffee Cookies

Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies

A plate of Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies.
Image Credit: The Honour System

These almond flour peanut butter cookies are a softer, slightly healthier take on the classic. They’re sweet, chewy, and made with almond flour instead of the usual wheat flour. Get the recipeAlmond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies

Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies

A stack of coconut cookies.
Image Credit: The Honour System

Shredded coconut adds a delicious chew to these naturally sweet cookies. This recipe will be made on repeat all season long. Get the recipeCoconut Chocolate Chip Cookies

Crock Pot Candy

A plate of Crock Pot Candy.
Image Credit: I Heart Eating

Crock pot candy is the easiest way to make sweet treats. Just four ingredients and five minutes of prep. Perfect for gifting, snacking, or hiding in the back of the fridge until no one’s looking. Get the recipeCrock Pot Candy

Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies

A plate of thumbprint cookies.
Image Credit: The Honour System

These almond flour thumbprint cookies are a delicious way to have an inclusive cookie on your tray. They’re gluten-free and vegan, so everyone can enjoy them without a second thought. Get the recipeAlmond Flour Thumbprint Cookie

Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

A plate of Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies.
Image Credit: The All Natural Vegan

These chocolate chip walnut cookies are chewy with melty chocolate and crunchy walnuts, all boosted by nutty walnut butter. They’re vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and oil-free for a healthier option. Get the recipeChocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Gingerbread Men Recipe

A plate of Gingerbread Men Recipe.
Image Credit: I Heart Eating

These classic gingerbread men cookies are fun to cut out, decorate, and devour. The recipe is super simple with minimal prep. They make a festive, tasty addition to any holiday cookie tray. Get the recipe: Gingerbread Men Recipe

Classic Spritz Cookie Recipe

A tray of Classic Spritz Cookie Recipe.
Image Credit: I Heart Eating

Classic spritz cookies bake up delicate, buttery shapes that feel extra festive. This simple recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for holiday baking on the fly. Get the recipe: Classic Spritz Cookie Recipe

Flourless Chewy Oatmeal Cookies

Cookies cooling on a wire rack.
Image Credit: The Honour System

Flourless chewy oatmeal cookies that are here to make your snack time better. Minimal ingredients, maximum chew, and totally guilt-free comfort food vibes. Get the recipeFlourless Oatmeal Cookies

Homemade Peanut Brittle

A plate of Homemade Peanut Brittle.
Image Credit: I Heart Eating

This homemade peanut brittle is sweet, crunchy, and comes together in no time. With just a few pantry staples, you can have this classic treat ready in under 30 minutes. Get the recipe: Homemade Peanut Brittle

Reindeer Cookies

A tray of Reindeer Cookies.
Image Credit: I Heart Eating

Reindeer cookies are soft chocolate treats topped with candy faces and pretzel antlers. No mixer and no chilling required, making them one of the easiest Christmas cookies to whip up. Get the recipe: Reindeer Cookies

Vanilla Bean Cookies

A plate of Vanilla Bean Cookies.
Image Credit: The All Natural Vegan

These soft vanilla cookies are chewy, rich, and melt in your mouth with every bite thanks to vanilla bean extract and coconut butter. They’re vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and oil-free, making them a treat you can enjoy anytime, from afternoon snacks to holiday cookies. Get the recipeVanilla Bean Cookies

Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe

A plate of Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe.
Image Credit: I Heart Eating

These cut-out sugar cookies bake up soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating however you like. With just a few simple ingredients, they’re an easy way to make your holiday baking feel extra festive. Get the recipeCut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe

Christmas Kiss Cookies

A plate of Christmas Kiss Cookies.
Image Credit: I Heart Eating

Christmas kiss cookies are soft, chocolatey bites rolled in festive sprinkles and crowned with a Hershey’s Kiss. Easy to make and impossible not to love, this is the colorful treat that steals the holiday spotlight. Get the recipe: Christmas Kiss Cookies

Homemade Toffee Recipe

A plate of Homemade Toffee Recipe.
Image Credit: I Heart Eating

This homemade toffee is rich, buttery, and basically melts in your mouth. You only need four simple ingredients to make this classic English treat. It’s the kind of sweet you’ll want to gift, snack on, and definitely sneak a second piece of. Get the recipe: Homemade Toffee Recipe

Church Window Cookies

A plate of Church Window Cookies.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

No-bake church window cookies that are as pretty as they are delicious! Fudgy chocolate, crunchy walnuts, coconut, and soft marshmallows come together in just 15 minutes for a treat everyone will love. Get the recipeChurch Window Cookies

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