Discover cookies for every holiday of the year—from Christmas and Valentine’s Day to Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, birthdays, and game day—all in one easy roundup.

All Cookies, All the Time!
If you love baking cookies for every occasion, you’re in the right place. I’ve been baking for family, friends, parties, and church events for decades, and I frequently share my cookie recipes here on Out of the Box Baking. No doubt you've tried a few of them.
I've got my favorites, of course. And every day (it seems) I'm coming up with more recipes to fall in love with. The list is definitely growing. And the more I bake, the more I realize I really do have a wide variety of cookies for every occasion! When it comes to all of the holidays--I've definitely got you covered!
In this post I’ve rounded up my favorite tried-and-true cookie recipes (along with a few from trusted blogging friends) and organized them by holiday so you can quickly find exactly what you need for any celebration. Every recipe has been tested in my own kitchen, with clear instructions, practical tips, and plenty of shortcuts to help you bake with confidence all year long.
What are we waiting for? Let's check out those cookies. . .by the holiday!
Christmas Cookies
From classic cut-out sugar cookies to chocolatey peppermint treats and adorable decorated sweets, these Christmas cookies are made for baking memories, cookie exchanges, and holiday gifting. Whether you’re decorating with the kids, filling a platter for a party, or baking for Santa, these festive favorites bring all the cozy, cheerful holiday vibes to your kitchen.
Soft & Chewy Christmas M&M Cookies
These bakery-style Christmas M&M cookies are thick, soft, and loaded with colorful red and green candies. Each bite is buttery, chewy, and packed with chocolate—perfect for cookie swaps, classroom treats, and holiday dessert trays.
Best Holiday Sugar Cookies
These classic holiday sugar cookies roll out beautifully and hold their shape, making them perfect for decorating with royal icing or sprinkles. Soft in the center with crisp edges, they’re a must-bake tradition for Christmas cookie decorating day.
Easy Mexican Wedding Cookies (Snowballs)
Buttery, tender, and coated in a thick blanket of powdered sugar, these snowball cookies melt in your mouth with every bite. They’re simple, elegant, and taste just like Christmas.
Double Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Rich, fudgy, and loaded with bold chocolate flavor, these peppermint cookies deliver everything you love about Christmas in one indulgent bite. The peppermint adds just enough festive flair to balance the deep cocoa flavor.
Simple Gingerbread Man Cookies | Holiday Baking Made Simple
These gingerbread man cookies are warmly spiced, lightly sweet, and perfect for cutting into your favorite holiday shapes. Whether you decorate them simply or go all out with icing and candy, they’re a timeless Christmas favorite.
Simple Christmas Crinkle Cookies
With crackled sugar tops and soft, brownie-like centers, these Christmas crinkle cookies are both beautiful and delicious. Their bold color and rich chocolate flavor make them stand out on any cookie platter.
White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies (Two Ways)
Creamy white chocolate chips paired with crunchy crushed candy canes give these cookies the perfect balance of sweet and minty. Make them as classic drop cookies or dressed-up variations for holiday gifting.
Old-Fashioned Butter Cookies
Light, crisp, and delicately sweet, these old-fashioned butter cookies are perfect for cookie presses, piping bags, or simple cut-outs. They’re a nostalgic Christmas cookie that pairs beautifully with hot cocoa.
Nutter Butter Snowman Cookies
These adorable Nutter Butter snowman cookies are as fun to decorate as they are to eat. Made with store-bought cookies and candy decorations, they’re perfect for baking with kids or assembling for holiday parties.
Chocolate Covered Oreos Using a Mold
Turn simple Oreos into stunning holiday treats using melted chocolate and festive molds. These chocolate-covered Oreos are perfect for gifting, party trays, and Christmas dessert boards.
Valentine's Day Cookies
Sweet, romantic, and made for sharing, these Valentine’s Day cookies are perfect for date nights, classroom parties, Galentine’s gatherings, and homemade gifts from the heart. From rich chocolate treats to delicate sandwich cookies and strawberry-studded favorites, this collection is filled with bakery-style desserts that say “I love you” in the sweetest way.
Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies with Brown Butter
These elevated chocolate chip cookies feature rich, nutty brown butter and pools of melted chocolate in every bite. They’re soft, chewy, and absolutely irresistible—perfect for baking when you want to impress someone special.
Valentines Sugar Cookies
These soft, roll-out sugar cookies are perfect for cutting into hearts and decorating with royal icing, sprinkles, or festive frostings. They’re a classic Valentine’s tradition and a favorite for decorating with kids.
Classic Linzer Cookies for Valentines Day
Delicate almond-flavored cookies sandwiched with sweet jam and dusted with powdered sugar make these Linzer cookies as beautiful as they are delicious. The heart-shaped centers make them perfect for Valentine’s gifting.
Valentine Cookie Bars from Scratch
Thick, chewy, and packed with festive Valentine colors, these cookie bars are easy to slice and share. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, and classroom treats when you need a big batch with minimal effort.
How to Decorate Valentine Heart Cookies
This step-by-step decorating guide shows you how to turn simple heart-shaped cookies into stunning Valentine’s desserts. It’s perfect for beginners and fun for baking days with kids or friends.
Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers
Crispy graham crackers dipped in velvety chocolate make these treats quick, easy, and totally giftable. Add festive sprinkles for a no-bake Valentine’s treat everyone loves.
Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies
Soft red velvet cookies filled with creamy frosting create the ultimate bakery-style sandwich cookie. They’re rich, colorful, and perfect for Valentine dessert tables.
Stuffed Brownie Cookies
These decadent cookies feature a rich brownie exterior with a surprise filling tucked inside. Every bite is fudgy, gooey, and over-the-top delicious—ideal for chocolate lovers.
Strawberry Fluffies (Strawberry Crinkle Cookies)
Soft, pink, and coated in powdered sugar, these strawberry crinkle cookies are light, fruity, and festive. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, and spring baking.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
With their dramatic red color and snowy powdered sugar tops, these red velvet crinkle cookies are as stunning as they are delicious. They’re soft, rich, and a guaranteed showstopper on any Valentine’s tray.
St. Patrick's Day Cookies
From minty chocolate treats to buttery Scottish-inspired shortbread, these St. Patrick’s Day cookies are perfect for celebrating with a sweet Irish twist. Whether you’re baking for a classroom party, office celebration, or cozy family dessert, these cookies bring just the right mix of festive fun and classic flavor.
Yummy Double Mint Chocolate Cookies
Cool, refreshing mint meets rich chocolate in these bold, bakery-style cookies. With double the mint flavor and plenty of chocolatey goodness, they’re the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day treat for mint lovers.
Simple Scottish Shortbread Cookies
Buttery, tender, and beautifully simple, these classic Scottish shortbread cookies are a natural fit for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. With just a few ingredients, they deliver rich flavor and timeless charm.
Simple Heath Cookie Bars (Heath Shortbread)
Buttery shortbread topped with crunchy toffee bits creates a sweet, irresistible bar cookie that slices beautifully for parties and potlucks. These are rich, decadent, and wonderfully shareable.
Chocolate Sugar Crinkle Cookies
With their crackled sugar tops and soft, brownie-like centers, these deep chocolate crinkle cookies feel extra festive for St. Patrick’s Day—especially when paired with green sprinkles or minty add-ins.
Easter Cookies
Fresh, bright, and full of springtime charm, these Easter cookies are perfect for brunch tables, church gatherings, spring parties, and Easter baskets. With soft pastels, citrusy flavors, coconut, berries, and classic carrot cake vibes, this collection is made for joyful spring baking and sweet seasonal celebrations.
How to Decorate Easter Cookies
This step-by-step decorating guide shows you how to transform simple cookies into beautiful Easter-themed treats using easy, beginner-friendly techniques. Perfect for spring baking days with kids and festive holiday prep.
Easter Blossom Cookies
Soft, chewy blossom cookies get a colorful Easter makeover with bright candy centers. These sweet little cookies are perfect for treat bags, dessert trays, and spring parties.
Strawberry Lemonade Crinkle Cookies
Sweet strawberry flavor and bright lemony tang come together in these soft, crinkled cookies dusted with powdered sugar. They’re refreshing, pink, and perfect for spring celebrations.
Lemon High Tea Cookies
Delicate, lightly sweet, and kissed with fresh lemon flavor, these elegant cookies are perfect for Easter brunches, tea parties, and spring gatherings.
Lemon Shortbread Cookies
Buttery, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, these lemon shortbread cookies balance rich butter flavor with bright citrus for the ultimate spring cookie.
Dolly Parton Coconut Cookies with Lemon Glaze
Soft, coconut-studded cookies drizzled with a bright lemon glaze create the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. These sunny cookies feel tailor-made for Easter dessert tables.
Crumbl Copycat Pink Sugar Cookies
Soft, thick, bakery-style sugar cookies topped with dreamy pink frosting bring instant pastel charm to any Easter spread or spring dessert board.
Crumbl Copycat Lemon Blackberry Cookies
Bright lemon cookies topped with sweet blackberry frosting make these bakery-style treats both beautiful and delicious. Fresh, fruity, and perfect for spring.
Easy Carrot Cake Cookies (Doctored Cake Mix)
All the cozy flavors of classic carrot cake wrapped into a soft, cake-like cookie. These spiced cookies are incredibly easy to make and feel right at home on any Easter dessert table.
Easy No-Bake Coconut Balls – 2-Ingredient Treat
Sweet, no-bake coconut candies that make a lovely addition to Easter baskets and dessert trays.
4th of July Cookies
Celebrate America’s birthday with cookies that bring bright flavors, festive shapes, and easy-bake fun. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a fireworks night dessert table, or a family picnic, these cookies deliver patriotic charm with delicious simplicity.
Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
These timeless cut-out sugar cookies are perfect for star and flag shapes—ideal for decorating with red, white, and blue sprinkles or icing. Soft, buttery, and easy to personalize, they’re a must-have for any Fourth of July cookie tray.
Easy Patriotic Treats (cookies, cakes, and more)
Easy patriotic treats, including adorable chocolate covered Oreos in red, white, and blue, perfect for the 4th of July!
Fall Cookies
Cozy sweaters, crisp air, football games, and warm-from-the-oven cookies—fall baking is all about comfort. These fall cookies are rich, chewy, buttery, caramel-kissed, and perfect for everyday baking all season long. Whether you’re packing lunches, baking for game day, or just craving something sweet with your coffee, these are your go-to autumn favorites.
Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies
Soft, chewy, and filled with cozy cinnamon-spiced goodness, these classic oatmeal cookies are pure comfort in cookie form. They’re perfect for after-school snacks and everyday fall baking.
Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
Thick, soft, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor, these bakery-style cookies deliver that nostalgic crisscross-top charm with irresistible texture.
Brown Butter Pecan Cookies
Nutty brown butter meets toasted pecans in these rich, sophisticated cookies. They’re buttery, slightly crisp on the edges, and perfect with a cup of coffee.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sweet caramel, melty chocolate chips, and a hint of flaky salt make these cookies bold, gooey, and impossible to resist. A true bakery-style indulgence.
Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
Soft peanut butter cookies topped with a chocolate kiss—these classics aren’t just for Christmas. They’re perfect year-round, especially during cozy fall baking season.
Easy Butterfinger Cookies
Crunchy candy pieces baked into soft cookie dough give these cookies a fun texture and rich peanut butter-chocolate flavor. They’re quick, easy, and always a hit.
Simple Pecan Sandies (4-Ingredient Cookies)
Buttery, delicate, and packed with chopped pecans, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies come together with just four simple ingredients.
4-Ingredient Maple Shortbread
Sweet maple flavor shines in these tender shortbread cookies made with only four pantry staples. They’re simple, elegant, and perfect for fall dessert boards.
Crumbl Churro Cookie Copycat
Soft cinnamon-sugar cookies topped with swirled frosting bring bakery-style flair straight to your kitchen. These taste just like the famous Crumbl favorite.
Easy Almond Joy Cookies
If you love the combination of chocolate, coconut, and almond, you're going to flip over these easy-breezy cookies! They're as simple as a chocolate chip cookie but with the added bonus of the Almond Joy flavors!
Halloween Cookies
Spooky, sweet, and just a bit silly—these Halloween cookies are perfect for parties, trick-or-treats, or cozy autumn movie nights. Whether you’re craving chocolatey treats or want festive fun for kids, this collection mixes playful shapes with rich flavors to bring Halloween cookie magic to your kitchen.
Halloween Mummy Cookies
Soft cookies wrapped in sweet “icing bandages” and decorated with cute eyes make these mummy cookies a fun, playful treat for Halloween parties and kid-friendly bake days.
Spooky-Cute Halloween Sweet Treats
This mix of Halloween-themed cookies and treats offers a little of everything—from chocolatey goodies to decorated cookies. Perfect if you’re hosting or sending homemade treats for a Halloween get-together.
5 Easy Halloween Treats to Make with Kids
Classic Oreos get a spooky makeover with chocolate coating and Halloween sprinkles—an easy, no-bake treat that’s ideal for bake days with kids or last-minute party snacks.
Easy Hot Chocolate Cookies
With warm chocolate flavor and a soft, cozy texture, these hot-chocolate cookies feel like a treat on a chilly fall night—a sweet way to celebrate Halloween indoors.
Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies (Doctored Cake Mix)
Bright orange flavor meets classic chocolate chips in these fun, festive cookies—ideal for Halloween dessert trays or spooky bake sales.
Simple Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
Rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter combine for a classic flavor duo in these straightforward and satisfying cookies—perfect for mixing up a quick batch of Halloween treats.
Reese’s Pieces Cookies
Candy-studded cookies loaded with Reese’s Pieces for the ultimate Halloween candy-inspired treat.
S'Mores Kiss Cookies
All the flavors of a campfire s’more wrapped into one fun cookie—graham-style bases topped with a candy kiss. Great for spooky movie nights and fall parties.
Thanksgiving Cookies
Thanksgiving cookies are all about warm spices, rich molasses, toasted pecans, and—of course—pumpkin everything. These cookies are perfect for dessert trays, post-dinner coffee treats, Friendsgiving gatherings, and holiday gifting throughout November.
Old-Fashioned Molasses Cookies
Deeply spiced and perfectly chewy, these classic molasses cookies deliver bold flavor with soft centers and crackly sugar tops—pure Thanksgiving nostalgia.
Chocolate Molasses Spice Cookies
Rich cocoa meets warm holiday spices in these intensely flavorful cookies. They’re bold, chewy, and made for serious chocolate lovers.
Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Cinnamon Glaze
Tender, warmly spiced gingerbread cookies topped with a sweet cinnamon drizzle create the perfect balance of cozy spice and soft cookie texture.
Super Soft Pumpkin Cookies (Easy Fall Dessert Recipe)
Pillowy soft and full of real pumpkin flavor, these cookies are gently spiced and perfect for stacking on Thanksgiving dessert trays.
Easy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Classic snickerdoodle flavor gets a fall twist with pumpkin and warm spices. These cookies are soft, chewy, and rolled in cinnamon sugar.
Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies | Cozy Fall Favorite
Pumpkin, warm spices, and plenty of gooey chocolate chips come together in these ultra-soft, bakery-style cookies.
Gingerbread Whoopie Pies | Easy Cake Mix Recipe for the Holidays
Spiced gingerbread sandwich cookies filled with creamy frosting create a fun, festive twist on classic whoopie pies—perfect for holiday parties.
Pumpkin Spice Shortbread Cookies
Buttery shortbread infused with pumpkin spice creates a tender, fragrant cookie that’s perfect for Thanksgiving grazing boards.
Easy Pecan Pie Cookies | Mini Thanksgiving Treats
All the flavors of pecan pie wrapped into a handheld cookie—sweet, nutty, and absolutely perfect for Thanksgiving dessert tables.
Pumpkin Spice Golden Girls Cookies
A creamy cheesecake-style cookie loaded with pumpkin spice flavor makes this fun, nostalgic dessert a Thanksgiving showstopper.
Birthday & Celebration Cookies
For birthdays, showers, parties—or any day that needs a little extra sweetness—these cookies bring cheer in every bite. From buttery classics to indulgent buttercream sandwiches and cake-inspired treats, this collection is all about festive flavors, easy baking, and crowd-pleasing charm.
Perfect Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe
Perfect for customizing with sprinkles or themed icing, these cut-out sugar cookies let you shape your celebration—whether it’s balloons, hearts, stars, or custom designs.
Copycat Lofthouse Cookies (with buttercream)
Soft, cake-like cookies topped with creamy, dreamy buttercream frosting—these are the ultimate celebration cookies, bringing bakery-level indulgence to your home kitchen.
Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies
Light, buttery, and perfectly simple, these classic sugar cookies are a blank canvas for sprinkles, icing, or fun decorations.
Mary Berry Fork Biscuits (aka “The World’s Simplest Cookie")
Soft, tender, and impossibly easy—these fork-pressed biscuits take only a few minutes to mix and bake.
The Perfect Sugar Crinkle Cookies
If you've been looking for the perfect sugar crinkle cookies, you've come to the right place! This easy recipe is so fool-proof that you'll use it again and again! It's perfect as a sugar cookie, but with a few variations can serve as a base for much, much more!
Italian Cream Cake Cookies
Rich, buttery cookies with a delicate flavor and subtle sweetness—these are elegant enough for showers, birthdays, or dessert trays.
DIY Lemon Cakesters
Light, citrusy, and cake-like, these lemon cakesters are a bright, cheerful twist for birthdays and spring or summer celebrations.
Red Carpet-Worthy Rolls Royce Cookies (Snoop Dogg Recipe)
Delicious and easy!
Wedding Cookies
Delicate, elegant, and made for special moments, these wedding cookies are perfect for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, dessert tables, and favor bags. Think soft vanilla sugar cookies, dainty tea-style treats, and melt-in-your-mouth classics dusted in powdered sugar. Whether you’re hosting a simple backyard wedding or a full-on fairytale celebration, these cookies add a sweet, personal touch to the day—and they’re pretty enough to stand beside the wedding cake.
How to Decorate Wedding Cookies
Learn all of the tips and tricks to decorate gorgeous wedding cookies!
Almond Shortbread Cookies with Almond Glaze
Delicate almond-flavored shortbread topped with a glossy almond glaze makes this cookie both elegant and indulgent. It’s a lovely option for a beautiful wedding day!
French Butter Cookies
Light, crisp, and beautifully simple, these classic French butter cookies are perfect for piping, dipping, or serving with coffee and tea at a lovely wedding or anniversary.
Mexican Wedding Cookies
These cookies go by different names. Some call them Mexican Wedding Cookies, some call them Snowballs. Some call them Pecan Sandies, others call them Pecan Balls. Some folks call these soft bites of wonderment Mexican Wedding Cakes or Russian Tea Cookies. No matter what you call them, they're delicious and super easy to make.
Russian Tea Cakes (with Almond)
If you love the simplicity and taste of a great Mexican Wedding Cookie but you're looking for something packed full of a rich almond flavor, this is the recipe for you! These tender, flaky cookies have a pie crust consistency but the flavor of an amazing almond shortbread.
Golden Girls Cheesecake Cookies
If you love a luscious, pillowy sugar cookie but you’re also a fan of cream cheese, this is the cookie for you. In this post I’m going to show you how to make these delicious Golden Girls Cheesecake Cookies
Game Day & Crowd-Pleaser Cookies
Big, hearty, and shareable, these cookies are perfect for game day gatherings, tailgates, potlucks, and casual get-togethers. Bake a pan, set them out, and watch them disappear.
Old-Fashioned Cowboy Cookies
Loaded with oats, chocolate, coconut, and nuts, these big cowboy cookies are hearty, chewy, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Easy Skillet Cookie on the Grill
This warm, gooey skillet cookie is baked right on the grill for a fun twist on dessert. Serve it warm in wedges with ice cream for the ultimate game day treat.
That's it for this post, friends! No matter which holiday you're baking for, we've definitely got the cookies for you!
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Janice Thompson is a professional baker, cake designer, and author with over 20 years of experience creating unique cakes and desserts. She’s the creator of Out of the Box Baking, where she shares her favorite doctored cake mix recipes, tutorials, and baking tips. Learn more →
