So last evening I sat in my car at the Starbucks drive-thru for 25 minutes (yes, I’m that lazy stereotype) to get a peppermint mocha that I ultimately only drank half of because I don’t really like coffee. And the whole time I could only think about one thing: cookies.
It’s definitely cookie season!
I firmly believe you should never show up anywhere empty-handed. During the holidays, homemade tins or trays of cookies are always the biggest hit. My grandmother, Mother Lovett, used to bake constantly; even when her chocolate walnut fudge bore her fingerprints, people still loved it. Sometimes we pair a little cookie tray with a bottle of wine, but these days wine is almost expected and can feel overdone. (Full disclosure: I don’t think wine can ever really be overdone—if you visit me, bring boatloads.)
Is there any other time of year when it’s appropriate to arrive with a huge snowman plate piled high with a dozen different kinds of cookies? I don’t think so. Sure, I’d be thrilled if someone showed up like that in August, but it just doesn’t happen.
I bake. A lot. Baking cookies for the holidays is therapeutic for me—it’s not work. I don’t need to stage everything in perfect light or spend half an hour trying to stack three cookies for a photo. Holiday baking is for early mornings, late nights, rainy days, and is camera-free. I blast Christmas music while I bake. I learned alongside Mother Lovett for years, and baking now feels like a tribute to her.
Below is what I plan to bake this season—or at least what I desperately want to bake if time allows. I’ve shared this list every year, and last year I made a little more than half the recipes. I’m a bit ambitious, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What are you baking? Tell me! Share recipes, links, and ideas—overshare, if you like. I love seeing new inspiration and holiday creativity.
[Clearly I have too much time on my hands. Oye.]
brown butter oatmeal chunk cookies: I’ll make these, and I’ll also make a batch of traditional chocolate chip cookies—both with brown butter. Trust me, it’s worth it.
giant M&M cookies: my all-time favorite cookie recipe and the base I use for many variations. Swap in red and green candies for a festive touch.
cake batter chocolate bark: colorful, playful, and a fun offshoot to include on a holiday tray.
peanut butter drizzled chewy milk chocolate cookies: for anyone who loves the peanut butter and chocolate combo.
soft gingersnap cookies: I’m not usually a ginger fan, but these are irresistible. I often multiply this recipe because everyone asks for them.
baklava: I tried this last year and found it surprisingly approachable. It makes a lot and adds variety to the usual cookie selection.
fluffy snickerdoodles: a classic favorite that never gets old.
snickerchip doodles: think snickerdoodles, just a little more exciting.
perfect peanut butter blossoms: a timeless favorite—I always reach for these first.
mocha coconut fudge: a nice twist on plain fudge with a little coffee-chocolate-coconut flair.
butterball cookies: another Mother Lovett staple that brings nostalgia with every bite.
Mother Lovett’s orange cookies: bright, citrusy, and part of our family tradition.
holiday thumbprints: a nostalgic classic—jam-filled and perfect for sharing.
chewy chocolate chip oatmeal cookies: similar to the brown butter oat cookies but with a chewier texture.
Oreo balls: so simple and always a crowd-pleaser—people go wild for them.
chocolate fudge s’mores thumbprints: rich and nostalgic with a campfire twist—yum.
red velvet marshmallow thumbprints: red velvet lovers lose their minds over these.
gooey chocolate coconut truffles: delightfully easy and indulgent.
coconut oil chocolate chip cookies: for anyone who loves coconut—these are addicting.
crazy confetti compost cookies: loaded with mix-ins and finished with festive red and green sprinkles.
Finally, a note about cookie cookbooks: my friend Maria created an excellent cookie cookbook and recently released a holiday cookie collection with several new recipes. If you know someone who loves to bake, that kind of cookbook makes a wonderful gift—especially for a young baker just starting out.
Have I lost my mind with all these baking plans? Absolutely—but I wouldn’t trade it. Happy baking, and may your holiday cookie tins be overflowing.