The best way to kick off the holiday szn? Baking some delicious, homemade cookies. Bc nothing’s better than sipping cocoa by the fireplace while the fresh smell of snickernoodles wafts through the air.

Ready to turn your kitchen into a cookie-baking extravaganza? We’ve handpicked seven recipes that’ll please any types of taste buds. 

Gingerbread cookies 

Nothing says Christmas quite like a batch of classic gingerbread cookies. They’re sweet, spicy and you can shape them into stars, snowflakes or the classic gingerbread man. Crispy cookies not your thing? We’ve got this quick, chewy gingerbread cookie recipe that’ll definitely win you over (we like dipping them in marshmallow fluff or drizzling them with white chocolate).

You’ll need:
+ All-purpose flour
+ Baking soda
+ Salt
+ Ground ginger
+ Ground cinnamon
+ Ground cloves
+ Ground nutmeg
+ Butter sticks
+ Brown sugar
+ Molasses
+ Egg
+ Vanilla extract

Sugar Cookies

Grab your favorite cookie cutters and a rolling pin, and get ready to make the most Insta-worthy cookies ever. Sugar cookies may sound simple, but decorating each unique shape (think: candy canes, ugly sweaters, Santa faces) transforms these classic faves into tiny masterpieces. It’s basically a built-in arts & crafts night. Pro tip: Make a big batch of white icing (peep a recipe here), then split into bowls and add a couple drops of food coloring to each.

You’ll need:
+ All-purpose flour
+ Baking powder
+ Salt
+ Butter sticks
+ Granulated sugar
+ Egg
+ Vanilla extract
+ Almond extract

Chocolate peppermint cookies

Sometimes, you just need a cookie that tastes *exactly* like the holiday—and this cookie does just that. And, just gonna say it, the chocolate + mint combo never goes out of style. Thanks to the crushed candy canes, these fudgy cookies make the perf aesthetic addition to your Christmas cookie gift boxes. Find the recipe here.

You’ll need:
+ All-purpose flour
+ Cocoa powder
+ Baking powder
+ Baking soda
+ Salt
+ Butter sticks
+ Brown sugar
+ Eggs
+ Peppermint extract
+ Vanilla extract
+ Peppermint chips
+ Chocolate chips
+ Candy canes

Thumbprint cookies

These beloved, old-fashioned cookies get their name from the signature thumbprint center that’s traditionally filled with fruit jams—but a caramel, melted chocolate or even a Hershey’s Kiss is a total holiday game changer. The recipe to make these yummy bite-sized treats can be found right here.

You’ll need:
+ Butter sticks
+ Granulated sugar
+ Brown sugar
+ Egg
+ All-purpose flour
+ Baking powder
+ Vanilla extract
+ Cocoa powder
+ Jam or fillings of choice

Candy Cane Cookies

Fair warning: This one takes a bit of extra handiwork (you’ll need to roll and twist your dough). But there is nothing more iconic than candy cane-shaped cookies that taste like *actual* candy canes. Enjoy these treats while sipping on peppermint tea and marathoning your fave Christmas movies. Name a better cozy moment…we’ll wait.

You’ll need:
+ All-purpose flour
+ Baking powder
+ Salt
+ Butter sticks
+ Granulated sugar
+ Egg
+ Vanilla extract
+ Peppermint extract
+ Red food coloring
+ Crushed peppermint candies

S’mores cookies

S’mores cookies turn your fave campfire treat into a simple snack. (We like to serve ’em with PB for dipping.) The ooey-gooey center will have everyone begging you to make a second batch.

You’ll need:
+ All-purpose flour
+ Baking soda
+ Salt
+ Butter stucks
+ White sugar
+ Brown sugar
+ Egg
+ Vanilla extract
+ Chocolate chips
+ Marshmallows
+ Graham crackers

Follow @girlslifemag on Insta for more holiday inspo!

Grab your hot cocoa and check out these cozy reads:
🎄The best ever holiday bucket list awaits…
❄️ Unexpected ways to spread holiday cheer today
🎁Every winter must-have to make your room festive

Top image: @flashesofstyle
Slider image: @olafflee