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Reader's Digest Canada and Taste of Home
Planning a Christmas cookie exchange? Here are the recipes for our all-time favourite festive baked treats, sure to get the whole family into the holiday spirit!
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Our Best-Ever Christmas Cookie Recipes
Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprints
Think red velvet cookies and cakes are pretty, but wish they packed more of a punch in the flavour department? These cute thumbprints are infused with a refreshing peppermint pop that make them one of our all-time favourite Christmas cookie recipes.
Get the recipe for Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprints.
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Holiday Cut-Out Cookies
The only limit to this fun Christmas cookie recipe is your cookie cutter collection—and your imagination! If you prefer crisp cookies, sprinkle with coloured sugar before baking and skip the frosting.
Get the recipe forHoliday Cut-Out Cookies.
Need some help getting into the holiday spirit? Check out the best Christmas movies of all time.
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Chocolate Reindeer Cookies
Add a touch of whimsy to your holiday spread with these chocolaty treats. They’re perfect for getting little ones involved.
Get the recipe forChocolate Reindeer Cookies.
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Citrus Gingerbread Cookies
Orange and lemon zest give gingerbread cutouts a refreshing twist. Brushing a honey glaze over the top adds a subtle shine and an extra touch of sweetness.
Get the recipe forCitrus Gingerbread Cookies.
Ready to deck the halls? Find out how to make Christmas decorations from scratch.
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Cherry Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Looking for Christmas cookie recipes that will also satisfy a chocolate craving? These rich, fudgy cookies are chewy and studded with tangy dried cherries. It’s a good thing the recipe makes only a small batch, because you’d eat them all in one night!
Get the recipe forCherry Chocolate Chunk Cookies.
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Chocolate-Dipped Meringue Sandwich Cookies
These light, airy morsels are twice as nice with two meringue cookies and velvety ganache in between.
Get the recipe forChocolate-Dipped Meringue Sandwich Cookies.
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Italian Christmas Cookies
A single batch of these mouthwatering Christmas cookies is never enough. Adding ricotta cheese to the batter makes the morsels extra moist.
Get the recipe forItalian Christmas Cookies.
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Berry-Almond Sandwich Cookies
Almond shortbread cookies cradle a delightful berry filling for this Christmas cookie favourite.
Get the recipe for Berry-Almond Sandwich Cookies.
Don’t miss these holiday cooking tips from grandma’s kitchen.
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Salted Caramel Cookie Cups
In need of Christmas cookie recipes to bring to your office potluck? These salty sweet cookies will do the trick. The best part? Your colleagues won’t be able to decide whether they like the caramel or chocolate the best.
Get the recipe for Salted Caramel Cookie Cups.
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Cranberry Shortbread Stars
Shortbread and cranberries are a match made in pastry heaven. The star shape is a festive addition to any holiday cookie tray.
Get the recipe for Cranberry Shortbread Stars.
Looking for a laugh? Check out these funny (true!) holiday storiessent to us by readers.
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Walnut-Filled Pillows
Not only will these tender cookie pillows, filled with delicious walnut, be one of your new favourite Christmas cookie recipes, but the holidays won’t be the same without them again.
Get the recipe for Walnut-Filled Pillows.
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Molasses Crackle Cookies
Most molasses cookies are loaded with butter and have way too much sugar, but you can treat yourself to one or two of these crackle cookies without guilt.
Get the recipe for Molasses Crackle Cookies.
Here are more vintage Christmas desserts that’ll take you back!
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Butterscotch Eggnog Stars
These yellow star-shaped cookies with a “stained-glass” centre are almost too pretty to eat, but they have a rich eggnog flavour that’s irresistible!
Get the recipe for Butterscotch Eggnog Stars.
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Buttery Spritz Cookies
This tender spritz cookie recipe is very eye-catching on a Christmas cookie tray. The dough is easy to work with, so it’s fun to make these spritz cookies into a variety of festive shapes.
Get the recipe for Buttery Spritz Cookies.
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Chocolate-Strawberry Pretzel Cookies
Who would ever guess how good pretzels are in cookies?
Get the recipe for Chocolate-Strawberry Pretzel Cookies.
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Lemon Snowdrops
This crunchy, buttery sandwich cookie has a puckery lemon filling.
Get the recipe for Lemon Snowdrops.
Don’t miss thesefun facts about Christmas in Canada.
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Gooey Caramel-Topped Gingersnaps
The best thing about these desserts? Versatility! If you’d like, you can make variations by changing the cookie base or varying the nuts.
Get the recipe forGooey Caramel-Topped Gingersnaps.
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Snowman Cookies
Wrap these chocolate-topped snowmen in coloured tissue and place them inside holiday containers. Like real snowmen, they disappear fast!
Get the recipe for Snowman Cookies.
Here are some mistakes to avoid whendecorating Christmas cookies.
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Lime Christmas Tea Cookies
Brighten your holiday cookie tray with these tangy frosted fir trees that are flecked with pistachios and flavoured with lime juice and vanilla. The festive treats are almost too pretty to eat!
Get the recipe for Lime Christmas Tea Cookies.
Psst—this is thebest time to buy a Christmas treein Canada.
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Frosted Anise Sugar Cookies
These soft, cake-like cookies have a pleasant anise flavour that’s distinctive but not overpowering. You can add red and green sprinkles for Christmas, but you could also decorate them to suit any occasion!
Get the recipe for Frosted Anise Sugar Cookies.
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Peppermint Biscotti
Dipped in melted chocolate and rolled in crushed peppermint candy, this flavourful biscotti is a surefire hit!
Get the recipe for Peppermint Biscotti.
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Folded Hazelnut Cookies
Nutella makes everything better—this Christmas cookie recipe is proof enough.
Get the recipe for Folded Hazelnut Cookies.
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Scottish Shortbread
Scottish settlers first came to Canada in the early 17th century, passing down delicious and traditional Christmas cookie recipes like this one!
Get the recipe forScottish Shortbread.
Looking for the perfect holiday baking soundtrack? Here are the 20 best-ever Christmas songs, ranked.
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Cannoli Wafer Sandwiches
This simple holiday version of the classic cannoli is best served the same day so the wafers are still nice and crisp!
Get the recipe forCannoli Wafer Sandwiches.
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Gingerbread Sandwich Trees
Fun and festive, these cookie sandwich trees will be a huge hit with kids of all ages. They’re a super-cute holiday treat!
Get the recipe forGingerbread Sandwich Trees.
Once the big day is done, here’swhat to do with your Christmas tree.
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Triple-Chocolate Peppermint Treats
Santa is sure to stop by your house if you leave these minty chocolate cookies waiting for him. They’re quick and easy for the whole family to make together.
Get the recipe for Triple-Chocolate Peppermint Treats.
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No-Bake Cookie Butter Blossoms
Chewy and sweet, these easy treats mix Rice Krispies, cookie spread and chocolate in an unforgettable spin on an old favourite.
Get the recipe for No-Bake Cookie Butter Blossoms.
Don’t miss this roundup of 10 inspired twistson Rice Krispies treats!
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Easy Gingerbread Cookies
This dough is perfect for creating people, animals, or just about any shape your child wants to decorate. One of our favourite Christmas cookie recipes!
Get the recipe forEasy Gingerbread Cookies.
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Christmas Cookie Snowballs
Show off these snowy treats in a clear plastic box decorated with sticker stars and a raffia ribbon.
Get the recipe forChristmas Cookie Snowballs.
Take a peek at these inspired holiday decorating ideas from across Canada.
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ChristmasCookie Stars
To make these double-decker beauties, you will need both large and small star-shaped cookie cutters.
Get the recipe forChristmas Cookie Stars.
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Chocolate Bourbon Balls
Even if mailed across the country, these sophisticated cookies will still be fresh and tasty when they reach their destination.
Get the recipe for Chocolate Bourbon Balls.
Feeling nostalgic? Here’swhat a country Christmas was like in the ’50s.
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Cheesy Penny Wafers
These flaky wafers and cheese straws are lower in fat and cholesterol than their traditional cousins, thanks to the use of reduced-fat cheese.
Get the recipe for Cheesy Penny Wafers.
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Coconut Macaroons
Make a sweet gift of macaroons in a transparent plastic envelope with a hole punched through for a ribbon tie.
Get the recipe forCoconut Macaroons.
Check out the best Christmas markets across Canada.
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Christmas Sugar Cookies
“This sugar cookie dates back to a Swedish woman born in 1877! Her daughter, Esther Davis, shared the recipe with me and she came up with all the exact measurements, since the original cookies were mixed by feel and taste. These are my favourite cookies and I hope they’ll become yours as well.” —Helen Wallis
Get the recipe for Christmas Sugar Cookies.
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Macadamia Biscotti
These Italian treats make for one delicious snack!
Get the recipe forMacadamia Biscotti.
Here’s what Christmas was like in Toronto in the 1960s.
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Classic Gingerbread Cookies
These edible decorations are very sturdy and can be hung on the tree or just about anywhere. But be sure to make the holes before you bake the cookies!
Get the recipe for Classic Gingerbread Cookies.
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French Christmas Macarons
Even decorated simply—a sprinkle of sugar, a drizzle of icing—these stylish beauties will be the showstoppers on any cookie tray.
Get the recipe for French Christmas Macarons.
Don’t miss our very merry countdown of the best places to spend Christmas in Canada.
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Santa’s Coming Cookie Puzzle
This clever confection is easy to make with store-bought cookie dough and is entirely edible to boot! Blanched almonds make it simple for little hands to grasp the puzzle pieces, which are completely removable.
Get the recipe forSanta’s Coming Cookie Puzzle.
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Drizzled Gingerbread Biscotti
Warning: these treats will become an instant obsession at your home.
Get the recipe for Drizzled Gingerbread Biscotti.
Take a virtual tour of the most magical drive-through Christmas light displays across the country.
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Cinnamon Sugar Crackle Cookies
These scrumptious treats will always be a part of your Christmas cookie platter!
Get the recipe for Cinnamon Sugar Crackle Cookies.
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Grandma’s Scottish Shortbread
This cookie is a deep bar that is best served with a cup of tea.
Get the recipe for Grandma’s Scottish Shortbread.
Putting pen to paper to send your season’s greetings? Here are helpful hints on what to write in a Christmas card.
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Sea Salt Mint White Mocha Cookies
You’ll find that this family recipe tastes like Christmas.
Get the recipe for Sea Salt Mint White Mocha Cookies.
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Grandma Brubaker’s Orange Cookies
These delicate orange-flavored cookies are a bright and fresh treat.
Get the recipe for Grandma Brubaker’s Orange Cookies.
Can you guess the oldest Christmas carol? (Hint: It’s not “Silent Night”!)
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Cardamom Spritz
Make a big batch of these cookies for the cardamom-lover in your life.
Get the recipe for Cardamom Spritz.
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Cookie Jar Gingersnaps
A tin full of these crisp and chewy gingersnaps is sure to impress any holiday guest.
Get the recipe for Cookie Jar Gingersnaps.
Find out how to wrap Christmas presents like the pros.
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Classic Candy Cane Butter Cookies
“To make cookies that look like candy canes, we color half the dough in classic red and twist away. They’re fun to hang on the side of a coffee mug, or you can devour them on their own.” —Shannon Roum
Get the recipe for Classic Candy Cane Butter Cookies.
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Baki’s Old-World Cookies
“My uncles have always called these ‘cupcake cookies’ because of the unique and pretty way they’re baked.” —Marilyn Louise Riggenbach
Get the recipe for Baki’s Old-World Cookies.
Discover the fascinating origins of 10 cherished Christmas traditions.
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Taste of Home
Chocolate Chip & Cookie Butter Thumbprints
A festive take on the classic chocolate chip cookie.
Get the recipe for Chocolate Chip and Cookie Butter Thumbprints.
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Rosemary Shortbread Cookies
With the perfect hint of rosemary and a classic buttery texture, these easy-to-make cookies look and taste elegant.
Get the recipe for Rosemary Shortbread Cookies.
These clever Christmas cookie hacks will save you time, money and effort!
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Jam-Filled Wreaths & Hearts
Dust these beautiful wreath-shaped cookies with powdered sugar for a snowy look and to make the jewel-red centres pop.
Get the recipe for Jam-Filled Wreaths and Hearts.
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Grandma’s Star Cookies
Make these butter cutouts with a star cookie cutter for celebrations throughout the year.
Get the recipe for Grandma’s Star Cookies.
Got your holiday menu sorted? Here are 30 small-scale Christmas dinner ideas.
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Grandma Krause’s Coconut Cookies
“When my two daughters were young, their great-grandma made them coconut cookies with oats. Thankfully, she shared the recipe.” —Debra Dorn
Get the recipe for Grandma Krause’s Coconut Cookies.
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Grandma Krause’s Coconut Cookies
For holidays, sprinkle on coloured sugar for a festive touch.
Get the recipe for Great-Grandma’s Oatmeal Cookies.
Here’s the Christmas pudding recipe the royal family tucks into on December 25th.
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Cream Wafers
The cute little sandwich cookies are tender, buttery and melt-in-your-mouth good.
Get the recipe for Cream Wafers.
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Semisweet Chocolate Pinwheel Cookies
Chocolate and vanilla provide a delightful contrast in their flavour and appearance.
Get the recipe for Semisweet Chocolate Pinwheel Cookies.
These vintage Christmas cake recipes taste like the holidays of your childhood.
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Crisp Sugar Cookies
“My grandmother always had sugar cookies in her pantry, and we grandchildren would empty that big jar quickly because they were the best! I now regularly bake these wonderful cookies to share with friends.” —Evelyn Poteet
Get the recipe for Crisp Sugar Cookies.
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Date Swirl Cookies
Crispy, chewy and the perfect holiday dessert.
Get the recipe for Date Swirl Cookies.
Check out these uniquelyCanadian holiday traditions.
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Mom’s Buttermilk Cookies
The tender treats are topped with thick frosting and a sprinkling of chopped walnuts.
Get the recipe for Mom’s Buttermilk Cookies.
Looking for some festive funnies? Don’t miss this roundup of hilarious holiday jokes.
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Butterscotch Gingerbread Cookies
You won’t be able to resist the spicy aromas wafting from the oven while these cookies are gently browning.
Get the recipe for Butterscotch Gingerbread Cookies.
Discover 99 genius holiday cooking tips for your best festive season ever!
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Berry-Cream Cookie Snaps
These cute cookies are crispy on the outside and light and fluffy inside.
Get the recipe for Berry-Cream Cookie Snaps.
Now that you’ve got these Christmas cookie recipes in your repertoire, tackle your Christmas shopping with the help of ourgreatCanadian gift guide.
