Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes For Kids

There’s something magical about baking Christmas cookies with your kids during the holidays. It’s not just about the cookies—it’s about the laughter, the mess, and the memories that stick around far longer than the sprinkles on the floor.

When you're baking with little ones, it’s best to stick to simple, forgiving recipes. That way, the experience is more about joy than perfection. Classic sugar cookies are always a hit—especially the kind meant for cutting into festive shapes. The dough is easy to work with, and once it’s rolled out, cookie cutters shaped like trees, stars, or snowmen take over. And let’s be honest: kids love anything that involves shapes and imagination.

No-bake treats are another lifesaver, especially when time is short or attention spans are shorter. Think chewy oat cookies with a hint of cocoa, or the ever-popular pretzel bites topped with melty chocolate. These kinds of snacks are super kid-friendly and come with way less clean-up.

Thumbprint cookies are also a favorite. Kids get a kick out of pressing the dough and filling those little craters with jam or melted chocolate. It’s hands-on and fun—and they get to be part of every step.

And of course, decorating is where the real magic happens. Set out bowls of colored icing, sprinkles, tiny candies, and edible glitter, then let the creativity flow. It’s not about getting it perfect—it’s about the silly faces, the sugar highs, and the stories you’ll tell every December after.

Simple peanut butter cookies marked with a criss-cross of a fork, or chocolate chip cookies dressed up with red and green sprinkles, round things off perfectly. In the end, the best part isn’t the cookies—it’s the time spent together.