Decorating elaborate Christmas cookies [1] can be fun, but we don't all have the patience (or skill) for that. Instead, these easy Christmas cookies — while still made from scratch — include few ingredients and are perfect for beginners (as well as kids!). From traditional red and green cookies to unique ideas, a batch (or more) of these recipes will get you in the holiday-baking spirit [2] without poring over all the meticulous details. Simply add a dollop of frosting, a handful of sprinkles, and all the sugar your heart desires, and you'll have the best Christmas cookies [3] in town! Because less time baking means more time eating, right? See our favorite Christmas cookie recipes ahead.
— Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
Chocolate Vanilla Pinwheel Cookies
Get the recipe: chocolate vanilla pinwheel cookies [5]
Chocolate and Sesame Thumbprint Cookies With Maple Tahini Caramel
Get the recipe: chocolate and sesame thumbprint cookies with maple tahini caramel [6]
Hot Chocolate Lace Cookies
Get the recipe: hot chocolate lace cookies [7]
Goey Butter Cookies
Get the recipe: gooey butter cookies [8]
Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Get the recipe: raspberry jam thumbprint cookies [9]
4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Get the recipe: 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies [10]
Chewy Sugar Cookies
Get the recipe: chewy sugar cookies [11]
3-Ingredient Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Get the recipe: three-ingredient pumpkin chocolate chip cookies [12]
Peppermint Sugar Cookies With Cream Cheese Frosting
Get the recipe: peppermint sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting [13]
M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies
Get the recipe: soft and chewy M&M chocolate chip cookies [14]
Chocolate Marshmallow Crinkle Cookies
Get the recipe: chocolate marshmallow crinkle cookies [15]
Candy Cane Blossom Sugar Cookies
Get the recipe: candy cane blossom sugar cookies [16]
Peppermint Oreo Cookie Balls
Get the recipe: peppermint Oreo cookie balls [17]
Pecan Pie Cookies
Get the recipe: pecan pie cookies [18]
Molasses Spice Cookies
Get the recipe: molasses spice cookies [19]
Cowboy Cookies
Get the recipe: cowboy cookies [20]
Hot Chocolate Meltaway Cookies
Get the recipe: hot chocolate meltaway cookies [21]
Vanilla Bean Shortbread Cookies
Get the recipe: vanilla bean shortbread cookies [22]
Lemon Snowball Cookies
Get the recipe: lemon snowball cookies [23]
Lollipop Sugar Cookies
Get the recipe: lollipop sugar cookies [24]
White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Get the recipe: white chocolate dipped peppermint sugar cookies [25]
Gingerbread Cookies
Get the recipe: gingerbread cookies [26]
Soft Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies
Get the recipe: soft frosted chocolate chip cookies [27]
Eggnog Cookies
Get the recipe: eggnog cookies [28]
Double Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies
Get the recipe: double chocolate chip M&M cookies [29]
Cherry Almond Thumbprint Cookies
Get the recipe: cherry almond thumbprint cookies [30]
Molasses Cookies
Get the recipe: molasses cookies [31]
Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Get the recipe: pumpkin snickerdoodles [32]
Pistachio Amaretti Cookies
Get the recipe: pistachio amaretti cookies [33]
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Get the recipe: chocolate thumbprint cookies [34]
Italian Ricotta Cookies
Get the recipe: Italian ricotta cookies [35]
Cake Mix Cookies
Get the recipe: cake mix cookies [36]
One Santa Cookie
Get the recipe: one Santa cookie [37]
Rum Snickerdoodles
Get the recipe: rum snickerdoodles [38]
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Get the recipe: chocolate crinkle cookies [39]
Nutella Cookies
Get the recipe: Nutella cookies [40]
Thin and Crispy Red Velvet Cookies
Get the recipe: thin and crispy red velvet cookies [41]
Easy Gooey Butter Cookies
Get the recipe: easy gooey butter cookies [42]