Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 10 Food Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

      10 Food Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

      Here are the popular flavors we think will be big this year, plus recipes to try these trends at home. Read More
    • 22 Vegetarian Lunches You Can Make in 10 Minutes

      22 Vegetarian Lunches You Can Make in 10 Minutes

      When you're short on time, you can still make a quick, healthy lunch that will help you power through the afternoon. Whether you prefer a simple grain bowl with lots of veggies, a slice of loaded avocado toast or a delish salad, there's something for you in this mix. You need just 10 minutes in the kitchen to pull together recipes like our Egg Tartine and Chickpea Salad Sandwich. Read More
    • What Is Taperakia? For These Greek Moms, Sending Meals to Their Kids is an Act of Love

      What Is Taperakia? For These Greek Moms, Sending Meals to Their Kids is an Act of Love

      Learn about the Greek practice of shipping adult children Tupperware containers of food, plus get their recipes to make at home. Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Healthy Holiday & Occasion Recipes
  4. Healthy Christmas Holiday Recipes
  5. Christmas Baking & Dessert Recipes
  6. Christmas Cookie Recipes
  7. Eye-Catching Holiday Cookies

Eye-Catching Holiday Cookies

Updated December 05, 2019
Skip gallery slides
Pin
5852721.jpg
Start a new tradition this year and make naturally decorated cookies that are better, healthier and more beautiful than ever! These gorgeous Christmas cookies are sure to impress at any cookie-swap gathering or holiday celebration.Watch Video
Start Slideshow

1 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Stained Glass Sugar Cookies

5852721.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You won't believe how easy it is to make these seriously impressive cookies. Crushed ard candy melts in the center of these festive sugar cookies, making a gorgeous stained-glass effect. Use any shape cookie cutter you like, just make sure you have two--a big one for each cookie, and a slightly smaller one for the hole in the middle.

1 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Snowman Meringue Cookies

snowman meringue
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You've never made a snowman like this! These cute lightened-up cookies are awesome on their own, or float one in a cup of hot chocolate and watch it melt away. When making meringues, make sure that your bowl and beaters are clean and that there is not a trace of yolk in the egg white; the smallest amount of fat will prevent the egg whites from forming meringue. Depending on the humidity in your kitchen, the baking time might vary considerably. Check to make sure your cookies are crisp throughout before removing them from the oven.

  • Watch Video

2 of 34

3 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mini Gingerbread House Cookies

4576555.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Holiday cookies don't get any cuter than these mini gingerbread houses that kids and adults alike will love. Use a mini gingerbread house cookie cutter to cut out all the parts (the kids will love helping with this part), then build the houses and let the kids go to town decorating. Line up your finished creations to make a gingerbread house village, eat them up or prop them up on mugs of cocoa for dipping and munching.

  • Watch Video

3 of 34

Advertisement

4 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Clementine & Cocoa Nib Meringues

3759170.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These flourless orange-and-chocolate-flavored meringues are an easy and healthy dessert cookie recipe perfect for after dinner or alongside a cup of afternoon tea. If you don't have a star-tip and pastry bag, improvise with a gallon-size plastic bag (snip 1/2 inch off one corner). Look for orange flower water and cocoa nibs in the baking section of natural-food markets and well-stocked supermarkets, or substitute dark chocolate shavings.

4 of 34

5 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles

4784229.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Looking for a fun cooking project to do with kids? Make chocolate truffles! In this easy vegan dessert recipe, we make a chocolate ganache filling with peanut butter and coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Make chocolate bark with the leftover chocolate and wrap it up together with a few truffles for a beautiful edible gift.

5 of 34

6 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Nut & Honey Biscotti

4027903.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This crunchy Italian cookie recipe isn't traditionally very sweet, so just a touch of honey adds flavor along with mild sweetness. Dipping them in chocolate makes them extra special.

6 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vanilla Candy Cane Peppermint Bars

Vanilla Candy Cane Peppermint Bars on cookie sheet
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These festive bars are easy to make for a cookie swap or holiday treats for friends and family.

  • Watch Video

7 of 34

8 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

5841536.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Coconut oil stands in for butter in this dairy-free, eggless cookie recipe for completely mouthwatering gingerbread cut-outs. Decorate cookies with a simple vegan icing or sanding sugar.

8 of 34

9 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Apricot-Almond Sandwich Cookies

3756377.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Elegant and delicious, these cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday spread. For a variation, try with raspberry preserves; you can show off the jewel-like filling by cutting the center out of half of the cookies. If giving these as a gift, be sure to pack them carefully with a layer of wax paper between each cookie.

9 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Raspberry-Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

3756378.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These cookies taste decadent, yet are made with ingredients that have healthful benefits: oats, almonds, fruit and chocolate. The thumbprints are versatile as well--use a different type of filling or different extracts to create a completely different cookie.

10 of 34

11 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Festive Fruit & Nut Balls

3756376.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A no-bake, make-ahead treat, this perfect combination of fruit and nuts is a nutritious and delicious mouthful. Rolling them in shredded coconut gives them their festive look.

11 of 34

12 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Double Nut & Date Tassies

4570786.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The two-bite pecan tarts satisfy the sweet tooth with far less guilt than pecan pie.

  • Watch Video

12 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chocolate, Almond & Jam Thumbprint Cookies

4221767.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy chocolate thumbprint cookie recipe incorporates dried cranberries and toasted hazelnuts into the chocolate cookie dough before it's rolled into jam-filled cookies. Here the cookies are rolled in chopped almonds and filled with cherry jam, but you can use any type of jam or nuts.

13 of 34

14 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Almond & Honey-Butter Cookies

3757094.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This thumbprint cookie uses honey as the only sweetener and tender ground almonds to replace much of the butter found in similar cookies. Just a touch of butter mixed with honey in the filling gives it a rich flavor without too much saturated fat.

14 of 34

15 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fig 'n' Flax Thumbprint Cookies

3757276.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We love how the ground flax adds a nutty flavor and the brown sugar caramelizes on the outside of these thumbprint cookies. Fig preserves make this cookie special; other fruit preserves could be used as well.

15 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cranberry-Orange-Nut Cookies

3756699.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Crisp, moist and chewy, this cookie created by Georgene Egri of Walnut Creek, California, has the essential ingredients for the holidays: citrus, nuts and cranberries. These cookies travel well for gift-giving and lunchboxes.

16 of 34

17 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Iced Sugar Cut-Out Cookies

4221771.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthier sugar cut-out cookie recipe uses white whole-wheat flour, honey and lemon zest to make a delicious cookie perfect for decorating. Pull out all your cookie cutters and decorate these adorable cookies with natural decorating sugar and icing.

17 of 34

18 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints with Key Lime Curd

3758807.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this healthy coconut macaroon recipe, Key lime curd brightens the center of a lightly sweetened coconut cookie. If you can't find ripe Key limes, you can substitute bottled Key lime juice, which is widely available, or try another citrus flavor like more traditional Persian limes, lemons or even bright blood oranges that will produce a coral-colored curd.

18 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lusciously Nutty Holiday Logs

3756997.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Registered Dietitian Mary LaRock flavored these phyllo rolls with orange and dark chocolate for a winning cookie that will be a lovely addition to any holiday cookie platter.

19 of 34

20 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Iced Gingerbread Cut-Out Cookies

3758519.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy gingerbread cut-out cookie recipe has all the flavor of traditional gingerbread cookies but incorporates white whole-wheat flour and uses less butter. Pull out all your cookie cutters and decorate these adorable cookies with natural decorating sugar and icing.

20 of 34

21 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chia Seed Sugar Cookie Thins

4221763.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy sugar cookie recipe makes delicate, thin cookies by using the bottom of a glass to press the dough into cute wafers, which are then pressed with a small cookie cutter to make an etched design. The cookie thins are sprinkled with fiber- and omega-3-rich chia seeds, which add a little health boost. Make them look extra special by adding a bit of naturally dyed orange icing.

21 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Joy Cookies

3757583.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These coconut-chocolate-almond-topped shortbread cookies are reminiscent of Almond Joy candy bars.

22 of 34

23 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Almond Cherry Bites

3757272.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Dried cherries, ground almonds and a drizzle of chocolate make these cookies festive for the holidays.

23 of 34

24 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Princess Tea Cakes

3756703.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Working on this makeover of a classic Russian Tea Cake made Bridget Klein feel closer to her late sister, Gina, because they are “a great match for her personality: delicate and refined, pretty to look at, and yet a definite character that inspires adoration and loyalty.” Gina's middle name, Sarah, means “princess,” in Hebrew; hence the name of these confections. Klein's mom “swore these cookies couldn't be made without butter,” she says, “until she tasted them.” Klein continues: “Gina was a traditionalist, too, but I think I might have been able to fool her with these.”

24 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Date Bran Jingle Balls

3756700.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Trisha Kruse, an administrative assistant, created quick, easy, no-bake date-nut balls to fill that special niche in your holiday repertoire.

25 of 34

26 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Boot Tracks

3756698.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Patti Anderson, a professional quilter, had never entered a cooking contest before she took our challenge. This quick, no-fuss, chewy chocolate cookie is made on your waffle iron. No need to haul out the big mixer, you can mix the batter with a small hand mixer or even by hand. Kids love these!

  • Watch Video

26 of 34

27 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cranberry-Honey Spice Pinwheel Cookies

3755999.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These cookies boast a bright, zesty filling and spicy aroma. They make a large batch and are extremely convenient, since you can make the logs of cookie dough ahead, then pull them out of the freezer and slice and bake as many cookies as you need. Recipe by Nancy Baggett for EatingWell.

27 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Angel Delights

4261852.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Frances Van Vynckt, 78, combined dates, toasted rice cereal and coconut into an easy no-bake treat that won EatingWell's 2008 cookie contest.

28 of 34

29 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Double-Chocolate Biscotti

3755765.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Dense and crunchy, these are the classic Italian dunking cookies. Although they are traditionally dipped in Vin Santo, a sweet Italian dessert wine, these chocolaty biscotti are ultra-satisfying with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.

29 of 34

30 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemon Meringue Sandwich Cookies

Lemon Meringue Sandwich Cookies
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These pretty and lemony gluten-free sandwich cookies make tasty light treats.

  • Watch Video

30 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Almond Linzer Cookies

3758808.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this almond cookie recipe, star-shaped cutters give these classic jam-filled sandwich Linzer cookies holiday sparkle, but you can also use a more traditional round or scalloped cookie cutter. Almond flour adds crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Look for it near other specialty flours in natural-foods markets.

31 of 34

32 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

One Nutty Date

3756702.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Financial advisor Linda Croley was inspired by childhood memories of a family treat when she created these peanut butter-date cookies. “I get a great feeling when I bite into these cookies and think of my family who are around me today, and those whose memories I'll always cherish,” says Croley. Once you try them, you may never make an ordinary peanut butter cookie again.

32 of 34

33 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pignoli Cookies

3758809.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This crispy-on-the-bottom-and-chewy-on-the-inside gluten-free cookie recipe is a twist on a traditional Italian holiday treat, pignoli, or pine nut cookies. Look for almond paste--a mixture of ground almonds and sugar (available in tubes or sometimes tubs)--near other baking supplies in well-stocked supermarkets or specialty stores. Sweeter marzipan doesn't work well in these cookies.

33 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spritz Cookies

7331539.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

It's time to break out your spritz cookie press for these festive Christmas spritz cookies! These easy Christmas cookies can be decorated with sprinkles or flavored with citrus, spices or sweet sugar glaze. And if you're looking for healthy cookies, these fit the bill thanks to whole-wheat pastry flour that keeps their texture soft while giving them a boost of fiber.

34 of 34

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 34 Stained Glass Sugar Cookies
    2 of 34 Snowman Meringue Cookies
    3 of 34 Mini Gingerbread House Cookies
    4 of 34 Clementine & Cocoa Nib Meringues
    5 of 34 Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles
    6 of 34 Nut & Honey Biscotti
    7 of 34 Vanilla Candy Cane Peppermint Bars
    8 of 34 Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
    9 of 34 Apricot-Almond Sandwich Cookies
    10 of 34 Raspberry-Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
    11 of 34 Festive Fruit & Nut Balls
    12 of 34 Double Nut & Date Tassies
    13 of 34 Chocolate, Almond & Jam Thumbprint Cookies
    14 of 34 Almond & Honey-Butter Cookies
    15 of 34 Fig 'n' Flax Thumbprint Cookies
    16 of 34 Cranberry-Orange-Nut Cookies
    17 of 34 Iced Sugar Cut-Out Cookies
    18 of 34 Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints with Key Lime Curd
    19 of 34 Lusciously Nutty Holiday Logs
    20 of 34 Iced Gingerbread Cut-Out Cookies
    21 of 34 Chia Seed Sugar Cookie Thins
    22 of 34 Joy Cookies
    23 of 34 Almond Cherry Bites
    24 of 34 Princess Tea Cakes
    25 of 34 Date Bran Jingle Balls
    26 of 34 Boot Tracks
    27 of 34 Cranberry-Honey Spice Pinwheel Cookies
    28 of 34 Angel Delights
    29 of 34 Double-Chocolate Biscotti
    30 of 34 Lemon Meringue Sandwich Cookies
    31 of 34 Almond Linzer Cookies
    32 of 34 One Nutty Date
    33 of 34 Pignoli Cookies
    34 of 34 Spritz Cookies

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2022 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Eye-Catching Holiday Cookies
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.