Need easy Christmas cookie recipes your kids can help make? Here are six festive, affordable options with kid appeal and holiday flair.
The holidays call for cookies that feel just as festive as the season itself. From classic gingerbread men with a sweet twist to chewy bars packed with coconut and nuts, these recipes bring sweetness, color and plenty of family fun to the kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, a holiday party or just a cozy night in, these six treats are guaranteed to spread cheer.
Click on the links below to discover our Christmas Cookie Spirit Scale recipes – and find the full baking instructions!
Gingerbread Man Sandwich Cookies
Bring a festive twist to classic gingerbread with these sandwich cookies filled with creamy buttercream. Kids will love decorating the faces with royal icing, and you’ll love how impressive they look on the holiday table. A little extra effort goes a long way in making these treats a family favorite.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Prep/cook time: About 1.5-2 hours including chill time
- Age fit: Great for ages 6+ with adult help
- Yield: About 24 sandwich cookies
- Accessibility: Can be made nut-free; contains gluten/dairy
Cherry Cordial Cookies
These cherry cordial cookies turn classic devil’s food drops into something extra special. Each cookie hides a juicy maraschino cherry inside and is finished with a drizzle of sweet white chocolate. Perfect for cookie exchanges or holiday movie nights, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep/cook time: 45 minutes
- Age fit: Kids 8+ can help roll dough around cherries
- Yield: About 30 cookies
- Accessibility: Swap natural maraschino cherries for artificial-color-free option
Chewy Sugar Cookies
These chewy sugar cookies are soft, sweet and anything but ordinary. Thanks to a secret ingredient, cream cheese, they stay tender inside with just the right bite. No frosting needed, just roll in sugar and bake for a simple holiday treat everyone will love.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep/cook time: 35 minutes
- Age fit: Toddlers can help roll dough in sugar
- Yield: About 36 cookies
- Accessibility: Contains dairy/gluten; no nut ingredients listed
Dream Bars
These dream bars may look simple, but one bite proves otherwise. With a buttery crust, chewy coconut, crunchy nuts and a sweet custard layer, they’re the perfect mix of textures. Serve them warm at a holiday gathering for a cozy, nostalgic treat.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep/cook time: 45 minutes
- Age fit: Best for tweens/teens to help measure and layer
- Yield: About 24 bars
- Accessibility: Contains coconut and nuts; not suitable for allergies
‘Krisp’ Kringles
These Krisp Kringles bring a playful twist to holiday baking. Packed with chopped crispy chocolate bars and Rice Krispies cereal, they’re chewy, crunchy and full of chocolatey goodness. Kids will love helping make them — and everyone will love eating them.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep/cook time: 30 minutes
- Age fit: Kids 5+ can help stir and scoop dough
- Yield: About 30 cookies
- Accessibility: Contains gluten/dairy; can use gluten-free crispy rice cereal
Holiday M&M Drop Cookies
These holiday M&M drop cookies are a festive spin on the classic chocolate chip. With melty red and green candies in every bite, they bring instant cheer to cookie trays and holiday parties. Simple to make and kid-approved, they’re a must for the season.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep/cook time: 30-35 minutes
- Age fit: All ages; toddlers can help press M&Ms into dough
- Yield: About 36 cookies
- Accessibility: Contains dairy/gluten; use dye-free chocolate candies as alternative
Quick holiday baking checklist:
- Tools to have on hand: cookie sheets, parchment paper, cooling racks, mixing bowls, hand or stand mixer.
- Kid-safe tasks: toddlers can press M&Ms or roll dough balls; school-age kids can help cut shapes, drizzle icing, or stir batter.
- Time saver: make dough ahead and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.
- Storage tips: keep cookies in airtight containers for up to five days, or freeze for one to two months.
- Allergy swaps: try gluten-free flour blends, dairy-free butter alternatives or dye-free candies to suit your family’s needs.
Updated September 2025
These recipes were originally published in Metro Parent’s magazine.
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