Get in the holiday spirit a little bit early this year. We've rounded up our favorite Christmas in July cookies to help you celebrate.
56 Festive Christmas in July Cookies
Updated on Sep. 23, 2024
Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
Baking peanut butter kiss cookies to share doesn’t get much easier than this. Stir together four ingredients. Bake. Top with a kiss. Done! Your family will love this Hershey’s peanut butter blossom cookie recipe. —Dee Davis, Sun City, Arizona
Serve these sweets at your Christmas in July party! (Make sure to put up some beachy Christmas decor, too.)
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2/56
Festive Meringue Christmas Trees
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
about 26 meringues
From the Recipe Creator:
These meringues are eye-catching on the dessert table at a holiday party, and they taste heavenly! Look no further for the perfect treat to get you into the Christmas spirit. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
3/56
Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These festive sugar-coated red velvet cookies are perfect for Christmas. They’re just as delicious as they are beautiful. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
For more delicious ideas, check out these Christmas in July dinner recipes.
4/56
Rosemary Shortbread Christmas Tree Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
15 cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These treats are a tradition on our Christmas cookie platter. Because the scent of rosemary and the shape of its leaves remind me of pine needles, I cut these using a Christmas-tree cookie cutter. Feel free to use any shape cutter of your choice. These are fragile, so handle the dough and baked cookies carefully. —Amy Bartlett, Depew, New York
Celebrate with Hallmark’s Christmas in July movie marathon.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies bring back fond memories of my mom. They were her favorite, and she always made a batch when she knew company was coming. —Jacquie McTaggart, Independence, Iowa
6/56
Buttery Spritz Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 7-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This tender spritz cookie recipe is quite eye-catching on my 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. This is hands-down the best spritz cookie recipe ever. —Beverly Launius, Sandwich, Illinois
7/56
Peppermint Patty Sandwich Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
At my annual holiday party, these cookies are a big hit with everyone, especially when I mix festive food coloring or crushed candy canes into the filling. —Amy Martin, Vancouver, Washington
Pair your cookies with some savory Christmas in July appetizers.
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Scottish Shortbread
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother, who is of Scottish heritage, passed this shortbread recipe, along with other favorite recipes, on to me. When I entered this treat at our local fair, it won a red ribbon. —Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba
9/56
Chocolate Meringue Stars
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These light, delicate chocolate meringue cookies sure make for merry munching. Their big chocolate flavor makes it difficult to keep the kids away before they’re on the cookie tray. —Edna F. Lee, Greeley, Colorado
10/56
Cherry Christmas Slices
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 11 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Brilliant red and green candied cherries add extra sparkle to these delicious holiday delights. What I really like best is that this recipe's easy to mix up ahead of time. In fact, I've often made the dough in November and kept it in the freezer until I needed it in December! —Katie Koziolek, Hartland, Minnesota
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Rosettes
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These traditional deep-fried favorites are crisp and delicious with a delicate, lacy look. Dipping the edges into icing helps defines the beautiful pattern. —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas
13/56
Dipped Cherry Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Our seven children and four grandkids voted this festive, flavorful cookie a keeper. We gave a batch to our mail carrier, in thanks for trudging through so much snow, and she asked for the recipe. —Ruth Anne Dale, Titusville, Pennsylvania
14/56
Frosted Chocolate Delights
Total Time
35 min
Servings
5-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Before we five kids headed off to school each day, Mom took our requests for that day’s dinner. I usually asked her to make these cookies for dessert, and she would rarely disappoint. I still enjoy them today. —Patricia Ramczyk, Appleton, Wisconsin
15/56
Jelly Sandwich Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
To create the stained glass effect of these cookies, I sandwich jelly between two layers of basic dough. Your favorite raisin filling is excellent here, too. —Gloria McBride, Payson, Utah
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Sweet and Salty Chocolate Reindeer
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You can enlist little hands to help position the antlers, eyes and noses on these adorable, crisp reindeer cookies. —Pat Habiger, Spearville, Kansas
17/56
Whipped Cream Krumkake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Our hometown has a rich Norwegian culture. That heritage is evident during our annual Nordic Fest, where this classic krumkake recipe is king. Here’s your introduction to the timeless treat. —Imelda Nesteby, Decorah, Iowa
18/56
Oatmeal S’more Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 5-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I can’t count how many times I have made these cookies—they are our favorites. I love to bake all kinds of goodies with my two daughters, and my husband loves to sample the treats. —Carmen Rae, New Haven, Indiana
19/56
White Chocolate Raspberry Thumbprints
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When I pass around the cookie tray, all eyes land on these fancy thumbprints. The white chocolate filling and dab of jewel-toned jam will satisfy even the most discriminating sweet tooth. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
20/56
Secret Kiss Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a recipe that's literally sealed with a "kiss." This cookie's bound to tickle any sweet tooth. —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana
21/56
Chipotle Crackle Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I usually bake these special cookies for the holidays, but my family loves them so I bake them for their birthdays. The addition of ground chipotle chile pepper gives these cookies a little zing. The dough may be sticky, so I dip my hands in confectioners' sugar for easier handling. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
22/56
Linzer Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This specialty cookie takes a little extra effort, but the results are sweet! They really help to make the holidays feel special. —Jane Pearcy, Verona, Wisconsin
23/56
Chocolate Mallow Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
40 cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Cocoa, marshmallows and ready-made frosting transform the basic dough into these delightful treats. Sometimes, I’ll top each with a pecan half. —Gloria McBride, Payson, Utah
24/56
Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These whipped shortbread cookies melt in your mouth. Mostly I make them for the holidays, but I'll also prepare them year-round for wedding showers and afternoon teas. —Jane Ficiur, Bow Island, Alberta
25/56
Russian Tea Cakes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to present my favorite holiday cookies in a special way. I pile this fresh-baked Russian tea cakes recipe on pretty plates that I buy throughout the year, then wrap them with colored cellophane to give friends. —Valerie Hudson, Mason City, Iowa
26/56
Cinnamon Roll Macarons
Total Time
55 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These macarons are a fall and winter staple for me. Inspired by the classic cinnamon roll, they are a delicious treat for a cold or snowy day. These pair well with a mug of tea, and you can enjoy them as a dessert or just a snack. Other fillings would work well with this too—including custard, mousse, ganache or another buttercream.
—Elizabeth Ding, El Cerrito, California
27/56
Austrian Nut Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
10 sandwich cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These are my family's favorite Christmas cookies. If you arrange the slivered almonds in pinwheel fashion, the cookie looks like a poinsettia. —Marianne Weber, South Beach, Oregon
28/56
Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It's so much fun to decorate cookies with children's help. We created gingery moose-shaped cookies to go with a book made especially for my niece's third-grade class. The crispy vegan gingerbread cookies stole the show. —Jenet Cattar, Neptune Beach, Florida
29/56
Maple Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe after tasting maple cookies with a maple glaze at a bakery in Stowe, Vermont, some years ago. I get many requests to bring them for bake sales, parties and ski trips. —Delores Day, Wolcott, Vermont
30/56
Mango Fudge Refrigerator Ribbon Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve always thought that a ribbon cookie is especially nice. Although it’s a single cookie, it really seems like two or three different cookies because of its lovely layers of flavor. These refrigerated ribbon cookies have a rich chocolate layer balanced by a bright orange-mango layer—a very special combination. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
31/56
Chocolate Mint Creams
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe came from an old family friend and is always high on everyone's cookie request list. I make at least six batches for Noel nibbling and give some away as gifts. —Beverly Fehner, Gladstone, Missouri
32/56
Gnome Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Everywhere we went on our trip through Copenhagen, these sprightly wee folk greeted us. I just had to create a cookie! —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
33/56
Holly Wreaths
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I've never come across another spritz cookie like this - one calling for cream cheese as an ingredient. That helps to keep these wreaths moist a long time, while also adding a delicious flavor. —Dee Lein, Longmont, Colorado
34/56
Reindeer Tracks
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the first cookie recipe I’ve ever created! It captures the essence of the holidays because there’s a trace of eggnog flavor in these adorable reindeer hoof prints. You can add red and green frosting to make them even more Christmasy or use brown sprinkles for a more natural reindeer look. —Pam Sano, Voorhees, New Jersey
35/56
Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These moist, delicious ginger cookies have an old-fashioned appeal that'll take you back to Grandma's kitchen. I'm never surprised when these treats disappear quickly from my cookie jar.—Bernice Smith, Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota
36/56
Cherry No-Bake Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 5-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always loved my no-bake cookie recipe, but I was never able to place at the fair with it. So I mixed in some maraschino cherries, added almond extract and voila! I won a blue ribbon at the county fair in 2010. —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan
37/56
Pizzelle Cookies
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These lovely, golden brown anise pizzelle cookies have a crisp texture and delicate anise flavor. I create them using a pizzelle iron. —Barbara Colucci, Rockledge, Florida
38/56
Reindeer Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
32 cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Gather 'round the tree on Christmas Eve and feast on these adorable reindeer cookies. If you listen closely, you might heard reindeer hoofs on the roof! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
39/56
Cashew Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Some merry dairy snacking is guaranteed when you pass out these cashew-packed goodies! I found the recipe years ago in a flier promoting dairy products. It's been this farm wife's standby ever since. —June Lindquist, Hammond, Wisconsin
40/56
Gingersnap Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A classic New England cookie, gingersnaps are now universal. My grandma kept two cookie jars in her pantry. One always had these crisp and chewy gingersnaps in it. They’re still my favorite cookie. My daughter, Becky, won a blue ribbon for this recipe at a 4-H fair. —Deb Handy, Pomona, Kansas
41/56
Christmas Cutout Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 dozen (2-1/2-inch cookies)
From the Recipe Creator:
Rich and buttery Christmas cutout cookies like these never last long at a party. They're one of my favorite homemade Christmas cookies. I use seasonal cutters to celebrate the holidays tastefully. —Lynn Burgess, Rolla, Missouri
42/56
Cherry Cheese Windmills
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These pretty cookies look fancy, but they are really not much work. They're perfect for any occasion. —Helen McGibbon, Downers Grove, Illinois
43/56
Peanut Butter Penguins
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
32 cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Could these be any more adorable? To treat your guests to this chocolaty, peanut buttery goodness, just cover Nutter Butter cookies with chocolate and decorate! They’re a lot of fun to make and even more fun to eat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
44/56
Chocolate-Dipped Orange Cookies
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These tender cookies are pretty to look at—and the combination of cream cheese, orange, chocolate and almonds makes them almost irresistible. —Linda Call, Falun, Kansas
45/56
Striped Icebox Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been using this recipe ever since I was a little girl. I like it because it's easier than making cutout cookies. You can easily mix-and-match your favorite ingredients to create different looks.
—Patricia Reese, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
46/56
Snickerdoodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The history of these whimsically named treats has been widely disputed, but their popularity is undeniable. Help yourself to one of our soft cinnamon-sugared cookies and see for yourself. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
47/56
Chocolate Mint Dreams
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Since chocolate and mint is my favorite flavor combination, these dainty frosted treats are hard to resist. But I manage to save some for guests, because they make my cookie trays look so elegant. —Anne Revers, Omaha, Nebraska
48/56
Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone gets a kick out of this fun take on the popular red velvet cake. Take a shortcut and use packaged cream cheese frosting for the filling. —Judi Dexheimer, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
49/56
Peanut Butter Pie Cookies
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, but my favorite—peanut butter pie—is tough to eat on the go. I dreamed up these cookies to get my favorite flavor combo in a bite-size package. They can be made ahead and taken to any holiday gathering. —Ashley Moyna, Elkader, Iowa
50/56
Citrus Gingerbread Cookies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
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. —Monique Hooker, DeSoto, Wisconsin
51/56
Easy Cinnamon Thins
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When a co-worker’s husband came home from Iraq, we had a potluck for him. These cookies with coarse red sugar matched our patriotic theme. —Janet Whittington, Heath, Ohio
52/56
Caramel Whiskey Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A bit of yogurt replaces part of the butter in the traditional cookie, but you would never know. I get a lot of requests for these and can’t make a cookie tray without them. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
53/56
Cinnamon Twirl Cookies
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
64 cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These rolled cookies are tasty and fun to make with your family. The sugary mixture of walnuts and cinnamon is a light, sweet filling that will leave everyone wanting another bite. —Phyllis Cappuccio, Malden, Massachusetts
54/56
Cherry Pinwheel Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A crisp, light textured cookie with a mild cherry flavor will add great color to your holiday cookie tray.—Jenn Reagan, Maple Valley, Washington
55/56
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Using hot cocoa mix and marshmallow bits in the cookie dough really makes these hot chocolate cookies taste like the cozy drink. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
56/56
Chocolate Peanut Butter Grahams
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Because so many people seem to love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, I came up with this no-bake cookie recipe.—Geraldine Sliwa, Elgin, Illinois
