Christmas Cookies

Christmas Cookies are soft, buttery holiday cookies filled with cream cheese, chopped pecans, vanilla, and warm seasonal flavor. They are simple enough for a family baking day but festive enough for cookie trays, parties, gift boxes, and Christmas gatherings. Christmas Cookies have lightly crisp edges, tender centers, and a rich nutty texture that makes every bite feel special.

This version is inspired by cream cheese pecan cookies, with a dough that stays soft and easy to shape. A pecan half on top gives each cookie a classic homemade look.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 12 to 14 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, optional
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans

For Topping

• 24 pecan halves
• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar, optional
• Powdered sugar for dusting, optional

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Christmas Cookies are easy to mix, easy to shape, and full of familiar holiday flavor. Cream cheese gives the dough a tender texture while butter adds richness and helps the edges bake golden.

Another reason to love Christmas Cookies is that they are ideal for gifting. They hold their shape well, travel nicely, and look beautiful in tins or cookie boxes.

The recipe is also flexible. You can add orange zest, mini chocolate chips, cinnamon, or white chocolate drizzle without changing the basic dough.

How to Make Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheets

Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Set them aside while you prepare the dough.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

Add the softened butter and cream cheese to a large mixing bowl.

Beat with an electric mixer for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything mixes evenly.

Step 3: Add the Sugars

Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar.

Beat for another 2 minutes until the mixture looks light and creamy.

This step helps Christmas Cookies develop a soft texture with lightly crisp edges.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Flavorings

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract.

Mix only until combined.

Vanilla gives the cookies a classic flavor, while a small amount of almond extract works especially well with pecans.

Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Whisking helps distribute the leavening evenly through the dough.

Step 6: Make the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.

Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms.

Do not overmix after the flour is added because too much mixing can make the cookies less tender.

Step 7: Add the Pecans

Fold the chopped pecans into the dough with a spatula.

The dough for Christmas Cookies should be soft, thick, and slightly sticky.

Step 8: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.

Chilling makes the dough easier to shape and reduces excessive spreading in the oven.

Step 9: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F or 175°C.

Step 10: Portion the Cookies

Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie.

Roll gently into balls and arrange on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each one.

Step 11: Add the Pecan Topping

Press one pecan half gently into the top of each dough ball.

If desired, sprinkle with a little coarse sugar.

At this point, Christmas Cookies should look evenly shaped and ready for the oven.

Step 12: Bake

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set.

The cookies may still look slightly soft in the center when they come out of the oven.

Step 13: Cool

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Then transfer them to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.

Step 14: Finish and Serve

Dust Christmas Cookies lightly with powdered sugar if desired.

Serve once cooled, or store them for holiday gifting and cookie trays.

Serving Suggestions

Christmas Cookies are perfect with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, milk, or spiced cider.

Serve these cookies on a holiday dessert board with fudge, truffles, gingerbread, chocolate bark, and fresh fruit.

For a festive cookie box, combine them with sugar cookies, shortbread, chocolate crinkle cookies, and peppermint treats.

They also make a lovely edible gift when packed in parchment-lined tins.

For another easy breakfast idea, try our Fluffy Cottage Cheese Oat Pancakes made with cottage cheese, oats, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon for a soft and satisfying start to the day.

Recipe Tips

Use room-temperature butter and cream cheese so the dough blends smoothly.

Do not melt the butter. Softened butter should still hold its shape.

Chop the pecans fairly small so they distribute evenly through the dough.

For the best Christmas Cookies texture, chill the dough before baking.

Measure flour carefully. Too much flour can make the cookies dry.

Do not overbake. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.

Toast the pecans beforehand if you want a deeper nutty flavor.

If the kitchen is warm and the dough becomes too soft while shaping, refrigerate it for another 10 to 15 minutes.

Easy Variations

Christmas Cookies can be customized in many ways.

For an orange-pecan version, add 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest to the dough.

For a chocolate variation, add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips.

You can make these cookies with walnuts instead of pecans for a slightly different flavor.

For extra holiday spice, add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and a small pinch of nutmeg.

A white chocolate drizzle also looks beautiful on cooled cookies.

You can also roll the dough balls lightly in coarse sugar before baking for a sparkling finish.

You may also enjoy our Key Lime Pie–Inspired Low-Carb Dessert for a cool, creamy treat with fresh lime flavor and an easy no-bake preparation.

Make-Ahead Instructions

The dough can be made up to 2 days ahead.

Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.

You can also portion the dough into balls and refrigerate them on a covered tray.

When ready to bake, add the pecan halves and place the chilled dough directly into the oven.

These cookies can also be baked in advance and stored for several days, making them ideal for holiday entertaining.

Storage and Freezing

Store Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Because the cookies contain cream cheese in the baked dough, they are generally fine at room temperature for short-term storage once fully baked, but refrigerating them can extend freshness.

For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.

To freeze, place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.

Freeze for up to 2 months.

Thaw at room temperature before serving.

You can also freeze unbaked dough balls. Freeze them until firm, transfer to a freezer bag, and bake from frozen with a few extra minutes of baking time.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per cookie:

Calories: 175
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 70 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the butter, cream cheese, pecans, toppings, and cookie size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without pecans?

Yes. Leave them out or replace them with walnuts, almonds, or another nut you enjoy.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes. If using salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

The dough may have been too warm or the butter may have been overly soft. Chilling the dough helps control spreading.

Can I freeze Christmas Cookies?

Yes. Both baked cookies and portioned cookie dough freeze well.

Can I add chocolate?

Yes. Mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or a chocolate drizzle all work well.

Can I make the dough ahead?

Yes. Refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but full-fat cream cheese generally gives the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Cookies are a simple holiday treat that combines buttery dough, cream cheese, pecans, and vanilla into a soft and flavorful cookie.

Because Christmas Cookies are easy to prepare, easy to store, and beautiful on a cookie tray, they work well for parties, gift boxes, family baking days, and holiday gatherings.

Keep this Christmas Cookies recipe handy whenever you need a dependable seasonal cookie with a soft center and nutty crunch.

With tender texture, golden edges, rich pecan flavor, and a festive appearance, Christmas Cookies are a homemade holiday classic that deserves a place on your Christmas baking list.