85 COOKIE SWAP RECIPES FOR CHRISTMAS!

Baking cookies for Santa has never been so fun! Each year, we compile some of our favorite cookie recipes and this year is a biggie! Over 85 recipes in one place! Perfect for all of your cookie swap, gifts and Santa needs!

A collage features four types of cookies: plain star-shaped cookies, chocolate sandwich cookies with red and pink sprinkles, cookies with red and green bits, and powdered sugar-coated cookies. Text reads "12 Days of Christmas Cookies, 85 Recipes!.

85 Cookie Swap Recipes for Christmas Cookies, Christmas traditions, old and new.

This is our 3rd year sharing some of the best Christmas cookie recipes. I really love doing this each year. Anything that gets us in the kitchen cooking is a good thing and certainly fills my cup.

A tradition we started at The Buttered Home when my girls were little was making cookies for Santa on Christmas eve. This changed into more cookies for gifts, cookie swaps and the like over the years. One thing remains, my girls, now 27 and 23, along with my grands, Witt and Lilah, still bake cookies each Christmas eve.

Baking at the most special time of the year can become a tradition in your home too and here are 85 recipes to get you started!

Helpful tips for your Christmas Cookie Baking

What is the best tool to have for making Christmas cookies?

Always use a COOLING RACK. A really good cooling rack helps speed up the baking process and allows the cookies to cool completely from top to bottom. We love the one linked above as it is a great space saving option as well.

I am making my cookies ahead of time. How do I keep them fresh and avoid drying out?

Keeping them sealed in an airtight container usually does the trick. If you have a chewier cookie that you wanted to keep moist, try slipping a piece of parchment in the sealed container to help keep it moist and chewy.

How do I get a crispier texture to my cookies?

Bake them just a tad longer than the recipe calls for. Like one to two minutes longer. This should result in a crispier cookie.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Cookies are better with REAL BUTTER! Don’t skimp on this step. Often, if a recipe calls for oil or margarine, you can substitute with butter in the same amounts. Good butter always results in a better cookie.

Does it matter if I use old baking powder or soda?

Make sure all of your ingredients are FRESH! Checking the dates on your ingredients is something we all should do often. During the holidays, we tend to use ingredients that we don’t normally use other times of the year. So, be sure to check the expiration dates and plan your list in light of that.

Can I use a hand or stand mixer to make cookies?

Using a mixer is a game changer. However, most all times when I bake a cookie with any kind of flour, I always add that in by hand. If you are able, this folding method helps you not over work the dough and will result in a better cookie.

Does my butter really have to be room temperature?

Plan accordingly. Don’t try to soften ingredients in a hurry. Plan your baking so that you have ample time to bring those ingredients to ROOM TEMPERATURE if the recipe calls for it.

Why Brooke loves this recipe!

Recipes are like antiques. They are meant to be handed down from one generation to another. Each one holding a special memory or nostalgic memory. Here is why we love this one!

HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME! Make this an annual event! Keep things fun and light. If your cookies don’t turn out perfect, don’t sweat it. This is a time to just enjoy the fellowship of cooking. Ease into just being in the moment and savoring the memories you are making.

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HELPFUL ITEMS

SHEET PANS – these USA pans are our favorite. They age well and hold their shape in a hot oven.
BAKING MATS – this set of two even has a design on them for sizing. How handy is that? Save some money on parchment and use these baking mats over and over.
COOKIE SCOOPS – this set of three different sizes will cover any size cookie need you may have. They have a fabulous quick release handle that is easy to use.
COOKIE CUTTERS – this is a great purchase because you can use them for so many things. Not just cookies. A ton of sizes to choose from, this set is perfect for any cut out need you may have.

85 of the Best Cookie Swap Recipes for Christmas!

Old Fashioned Tea Cakes

The Best Old Fashioned Tea Cakes recipe is right here. This recipe is well over 100 years old and has been handed down for many generations. Made with simple ingredients like butter, flour and buttermilk, these tea cakes are a bite of days gone by.

85 Cookie Swap Recipes for Christmas Cookies, Christmas traditions, old and new.

Helpful tips for your Christmas Cookie Baking

Why Brooke loves this recipe!

Want to save this recipe?

HELPFUL ITEMS

85 of the Best Cookie Swap Recipes for Christmas!

More Holiday treats to choose from.

More Recipes to Love

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