The Best Homemade Christmas Cookie Gift Ideas

Amidst the holiday hustle and bustle, finding the ideal gift can be a delightful challenge. But fear not, for I’ve discovered a solution for those hard-to-shop-for individuals – Christmas cookie gift ideas. Baked Christmas gifts are the perfect gesture for friends, family, and co-workers this time of year. Streamline your gift-giving routine by dedicating a weekend to a festive baking extravaganza. Create an assembly line with your delectable treats and charming boxes, and in no time, you’ll have a delightful assortment of gifts ready to spread holiday cheer.

Wondering what to bake for Christmas gifts? Explore my list of favorite Christmas cookie gift ideas, a selection that has already delighted many, including soldiers at a local Air Force base. From Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies with a special family twist to festive Grinch Cookies made from a cake mix, these recipes are bound to bring joy to your loved ones. Pour Fantasy Fudge into charming shapes using cookie cutters, whip up delightful Christmas Tree Rice Krispies Treats with the little ones, or create a dazzling array of Perfect Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs for a relaxing and enjoyable decorating session.

Whether it’s the crowd-pleasing Peanut Butter Fantasy Fudge or the adorable Christmas Tree Meringue Cookies, there’s something for every palate. The key is not to overwhelm yourself; even gifting one treat can bring immense joy. My homemade cookies have consistently been cherished, reminding me that the essence of the holidays lies in the heartfelt effort we put into sharing joy with others. Feel free to share your favorite Christmas cookie gifts for friends and family this year—I’d love to hear about your festive creations!

Favorite Christmas Cookie Gift Ideas

Deciding on what to bake for gifting during the Christmas season can seem overwhelming – but the list below should give you a good starting point. Look through your favorite Christmas cookie recipes and the ones below to pick a few to make. Don’t feel like you have to make them all – I’ve done huge bakes before for Christmas gifts and while it was fun it can be a little tough to manage. These are also great recipes to use for your favorite Christmas cookie swap!

Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies – I follow the recipe that my Nana modified before I was even alive. These are my favorite cookies to make every year. Click here for the Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe.

Fantasy Fudge – This is one of the first things I remember making with my Nana when I was in elementary school. I make it at least twice a year and sometimes more often – I do leave out the nuts from the recipe. For gifting the fudge, you can pour it into cookie cutters and let it harden. Then wrap the cookie cutter in plastic and it’s a great gift. Click here for the Fantasy Fudge recipe.

Grinch Cookies – Found this recipe a few years ago and these are really tasty easy cookies to make. So easy to make with a cake mix. Plus, these are my most requested cookies from friends and family. Click here for the Grinch Cookies recipe.

Peanut Butter Fantasy Fudge – Pour the fudge quickly into gingerbread candy molds for a fun treat. I leave out the peanuts in this recipe as I prefer smooth fudge. Also, please note that this recipe can be tricky as the fudge can burn really easy. Whatever you do – do not stop stirring when making the Peanut Butter Fantasy Fudge. Click here for the Peanut Butter Fantasy Fudge recipe.

Christmas Tree Rice Krispies Treats – Such a fun treat and great to make with kids. Click here for the Christmas Tree Rice Krispies Treats recipe.

Perfect Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs – I love to decorate cookies even if they don’t always come out great. It is a nice way to relax and have fun. Click here for the Perfect Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs recipe.

Chocolate Sugar Cookies – I came across this recipe a few years ago and was intrigued by the cookies. I made them and they were so delicious. Click here for the Chocolate Sugar Cookie recipe.

Funfetti Shortbread Bites – I started making these a few years ago and they are bitesize joy for your mouth. The Christmas Tree sprinkles are my favorite ones to use with this recipe. Click here for the Funfetti Shortbread Bites recipe.

Candy Cane Cookies – These are such simple and pretty cookies plus they taste delicious. Click here for the Candy Cane Cookies recipe.

Christmas Snickerdoodles – I have been making these for almost as long as I have been making chocolate chip cookies. The original version of this recipe I have is one my Nana used to make – I edit the recipe a little to add the cinnamon into the dough and then roll the dough in colored sugar in either red or green. It makes the cookies so festive. Click here for the Christmas Snickerdoodle recipe.

Gingerbread Cookies – It wouldn’t be Christmas without gingerbread. I love decorating gingerbread cookies and houses. Click here for the Gingerbread Cookies recipe.

Christmas Tree Meringue Cookies – Meringue cookies are so yummy. At parties they are always one of the first things to be eaten. Click here for the Christmas Tree Meringue Cookies recipe.

Tips for The Best Christmas Cookie Gifts

Make a list of everyone you want to gift cookies to this year.
Decide how many cookies you want to give each person – I normally gift at least 5 cookies per person.
Total up how many cookies you will need to bake in total.
Decide which cookies you are going to make and how many batches you will make. I have found doubling recipes to be tricky so normally I just make one batch and cookie it all and then make a second batch.
Make a list of all the ingredients that you need to make the recipes. Do you have enough brown sugar, chocolate chips, festive sprinkles and vanilla extract on hand? You don’t want to run out mid-bake. Don’t forget to check how much butter and how many eggs you have – I don’t want to admit how often I haven’t realized that we were low on eggs and butter while baking holiday gifts.
Once you have all the dry ingredients gathered it simplifies the baking process. Pick a recipe and start baking.
Decorate the cookies to your liking – you can use royal icing, white chocolate, green sprinkles or any other festive decorations you want to use. No one that you are gifting cookies to expects you to be a master cookie decorator – so don’t stress if they aren’t perfect.
After you have all of the cookies made and the icing is dry. I love to set up an assembly line to package up the delicious cookies. Then check out the packaging tips below to make the perfect present with your sweet treats.

A great idea if you don’t want to do all the baking on your own you can always invite a family member or a friend over to help. Make a fun day of baking for both of you as you get to spend quality time together making your Christmas cookie gifts – it’s almost like your own little Christmas party!

Cookie Packaging Ideas for Your Homemade Christmas Cookies

Once your delightful array of Christmas cookies is ready, it’s time to add the perfect finishing touch with festive and creative wrapping. Transform your baked treats into a visually appealing and heartwarming gift with these thoughtful wrapping ideas:

Elegant Cookie Tins: Invest in decorative cookie tins or repurpose vintage tins for a touch of nostalgia. Layer your cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking, creating a charming and reusable package.
Festive Gift Bags: Opt for colorful and festive holiday-themed gift bags. You can find an array of designs, from classic Christmas patterns to whimsical winter scenes. Add a personalized touch by attaching a decorative gift tag with a heartfelt message.
Mason Jar Creations: Arrange your cookies in Mason jars for a rustic and charming presentation. Layer different types of cookies for a visually appealing display. Tie a ribbon around the lid and attach a small holiday ornament or a handwritten recipe card for a personal touch.
Cellophane Wrapping: Create individual cookie bundles using a cellophane bag or clear gift wrap. Tie each bundle with a vibrant ribbon or twine and consider adding a sprig of pine or holly for a festive touch or a cute little ornament. These cellophane bags from Amazon are super cute!*
Decorative Cookie Boxes: Choose decorative cookie boxes in various shapes and sizes. Line the boxes with festive tissue paper and carefully arrange your cookies. Seal the boxes with holiday-themed stickers or personalized labels. One of my favorite places to get these boxes is The Container Store. Check out these Christmas cookie boxes.*
DIY Cookie Trays: For a more personalized touch, arrange your cookies on festive trays or platters. Wrap the entire tray in clear cellophane and secure it with a bow. This option allows for a beautiful presentation and easy transport. This is a great way to present a large number of cookies, especially for a holiday party or a cookie exchange.
Cookie Ornaments: Turn your cookies into edible ornaments by poking a small hole in each treat before baking. After baking and cooling, thread a ribbon through the hole and tie it in a bow. Hang these delicious ornaments on a small decorative tree or attach them to gift bags.

Remember, the presentation is as important as the deliciousness of your cookies to create the perfect gift. The extra effort you put into wrapping up your cookie gifts will be appreciated by your friends, family, and co-workers.

As you embark on your Christmas cookie-baking adventure, armed with delicious recipes and creative wrapping ideas, remember that the true magic of the season lies in the joy of giving. Embrace the spirit of sharing with these delightful Christmas cookie gift ideas, whether it’s with friends, family, or co-workers. The effort and care you put into both baking and presenting your cookies will undoubtedly be cherished. The holiday season is not just about the taste of sweet delights but also about the warmth and love exchanged through thoughtful gestures. May your Christmas cookies bring smiles, delight, and the spirit of togetherness to everyone fortunate enough to receive them. Happy baking and spreading the sweetness of the season!