The 12 Cookies Our Editors Can’t Stop Baking This Holiday Season

Oh, by gosh, by jingle, it’s time for peanut butter blossoms and chocolate crinkles.

By
Theodora Kaloudis
Theodora Kaloudis
Theodora Kaloudis
Theodora's passion for cooking began early on as a young girl, working in the kitchen at her father's Greek diner in Brooklyn, NY. Her recipes have appeared on Delish, Spruce Eats, Today.com, Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon, Dinnerly, Simply Recipes, and in various cookbooks.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Published December 06, 2025
Theodora Kaloudis
Platter filled with adobo chocolate chip cookies

Simply Recipes / Photo by Andrew Bui / Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne

We asked our editors what cookies they’re excited to make for the holidays this year, and their picks did not disappoint. From classics, like Chocolate Crinkle Cookies and Linzer Cookies, to more out-of-the-box recipes, like Kitchen Sink Cookies and pink peppercorn-studded Adobo Chocolate Chip Cookies, let these recipes inspire your holiday cookie baking. Whatever direction you decide, you can’t go wrong.

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  • Mexican Wedding Cookies

    Platter of Mexican Wedding Cookies

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Julia Gartland / Food Styling by Samantha Senevirate

    “My mother-in-law makes these cookies every Christmas (she calls them “snowballs”), and I look forward to them all year long! This year, I’ll make a batch or two myself, so I don’t have to fight for the last one on the cookie platter. They literally melt in your mouth and are just the best with a hot cup of coffee.” —Victoria Seaver, Associate General Manager

  • Ranger Cookies

    A plate of ranger cookies with chocolate chips and dried fruit

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

    “I loved the story of Laurel’s beloved ranger cookies so much, and the recipe’s origins are from right near where I live in coastal Maine! I can’t wait to give them a try—they look absolutely packed with mix-ins, which is my favorite kind of cookie.” —Afton Cyrus, Senior Recipe Editor

  • Potato Chip Cookies

    Overhead view of potato chip cookies on a cooling rack over parchment paper next to a owl of powdered sugar

    Simply Recipes / Molly Allen

    “I am low-key obsessed with these cookies. I brought them to a holiday party last year, and they were a big hit. So I’ll be making them again. The sweet-salty flavor and soft-crunchy texture is a winning combo.” —Laurel Randolph, Associate Editorial Director

  • Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Tahini chocolate chip cookies

    Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

    "When I tell you I’ve made these cookies on repeat since they were first published in 2024, I’m not joking! These tahini chocolate chip cookies have everything I want from a classic chocolate chip cookie: a decent amount of bittersweet chocolate and a soft center with crispy edges, with an added nuttiness from the tahini. The tahini is just present enough to complement the chocolate but adds enough flavor that it also gives “main character” energy. I’m of the “weekly snacking sweet treat” camp, and these cookies have earned a permanent spot in my lineup (and my holiday cookie box).” —Munni Pramanik, Editorial Projects Manager

    Continue to 5 of 12 below

  • Classic English Toffee

    Homemade English Toffee Chunks on Table
    Irvin Lin

    “I am making cookie boxes for the first time this year, and you bet English toffee will be included. It’s right at the top of my favorites list. I love the crunchy, sweet toffee, dark chocolate, and tons of pecans. I know they’ll be a hit in my cookie boxes.” —Haley Scarpino, Associate Editor

  • Chewy Oatmeal Molasses Cookies

    Plate of oatmeal molasses cookies one with a bite taken out

    Simply Recipes / Molly Allen

    “This recipe combines two favorites of mine: chewy oatmeal cookies and soft, spiced molasses cookies. I can’t believe I didn’t think of it before! Cannot wait to make them for the cozy season.” —Laurel Randolph, Associate Editorial Director

  • Linzer Cookies

    Jam filled sandwich cookies on a plate with additional cookies and small saucer of jam set around the plate.

    Simply Recipes / Cambrea Gordon

    “I make a lot of homemade jam throughout the summer and fall (fun fact: I used to run my own little jam and jelly business!) and inevitably have way too many jars to use up over the winter. I’m always on the lookout for fun bakes that use jam, and Linzer cookies are a classic. I’m looking forward to trying this version!” —Afton Cyrus, Senior Recipe Editor

  • Kitchen Sink Cookies

    Kitchen Sink Cookies, Pretzels, Chocolate Chips, and a Glass of Milk on a Piece of Crumpled Parchment Paper and a Mauve Kitchen Linen

    Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

    "I am all for a sweet and salty cookie, and these kitchen sink cookies fit the bill. With a chocolate chip cookie base, these cookies include a variety of add-ins such as salted potato chips, pretzels, nuts, and toffee bits with the classic flavors of a chocolate chip cookie. What’s not to love! The best part about these cookies, as writer and recipe developer Kayla Hoang says, is how customizable they can be. I’m currently on the hunt for the perfect potato chip add-in. Currently I enjoy a good jalapeño chip for a sweet, spicy, and salty combo.” —Munni Pramanik, Editorial Projects Manager

    Continue to 9 of 12 below

  • Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

    Chocolate crinkle cookies on a hot pink cooling rack

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Julia Gartland / Food Styling by Samantha Seneviratne

    “I’m a sucker for chocolate any time of the year, and the holiday season is no exception. Not only do these cookies taste great, but they look fun and festive, the cracked powdered sugar exterior reminiscent of a dusting of snow. Don’t skip the optional espresso powder, because it amps up the chocolate flavor! ” —Sarah Crowder, Senior Art Director

  • Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

    Hershey's Peanut Butter Blossoms in a Plate and in the Background, More ona Cooling Rack

    Simply Recipes / Aaron Hutcherson

    “My husband and kids all love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, so this easy classic is always part of my holiday cookie tin. The kiddos love to help by pressing in the chocolate Kisses just after baking.” —Sarah Crowder, Senior Art Director

  • Adobo Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Platter filled with adobo chocolate chip cookies

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Andrew Bui / Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne

    “All the best chocolate chip cookies I've had in my life have included some sort of unexpected ingredient, which is why this recipe is so exciting. As soon as I saw soy sauce, bay leaves, and toasted peppercorns in the ingredients list, I knew I had to try it. I love incorporating savory ingredients into my desserts, and this one hits all the right notes for me.” —Mariana Gonzalez, Content Marketing & Operations Manager

  • Whoopie Pies

    Pile of Whoopie Pies on a Plate

    Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

    “I have an aunt who once brought a plate full of whoopie pies to our family Christmas celebration. That changed me forever—no spritz, gingerbread, or peanut butter blossoms can compare to soft, chocolatey whoopie pies! Now, when I make these treats around the holidays, I add a bit of peppermint extract and a drop of green food coloring to the filling for minty, festive flair.” —Lara Euclano, Senior Editor

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