Christmas Cookie Extravaganza!

Our 12 favourite cookie recipes for your holiday exchange, right here.

1. Chocolate Crackle Cookies

Gooey and chocolatey, these winners can easily be switched up with tasty additions.

2. Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies

Prettied up in a mug or cookie tin, they also make the perfect hostess gift.

3. Homemade Gingerbread Cookies

These sweet little guys are a family recipe from designer Chad Falkenberg.

4. Classic Shortbread

For truly great shortbread, don’t overwork the dough—you don’t want the gluten to develop in the flour. It’s also the perfect base for other additions.

5. Thumbprint Cookies

These are a Western Living classic, dating back to 1957. Love the look of some of the other cookies in this mix? Then try the Lebkuchen—from a 1964 WL—or from the same year, Cinnamon Stars.

6. Sugar Cookies

Basic sugar cookie dough is so flexible, you’ll want to try a few options with it as well—like Linzer cookies.

7. Christmas Crack

The simplest and most addictive of the holiday treats—you won’t stop with one pan.

8. Chewy Ginger Molasses Crinkle Cookies

Molasses ginger cookies are a holiday classic, and are better than any potpourri for making your house smell wonderful.

9. Milk Bar Chocolate Chip Cookies

Don’t underestimate the humble chocolate chip cookie. Chef Christina Tosi does them right.

10. Faubourg’s Checkerboard Cookies

These will be the prettiest cookies on your plate—and worth the effort.

11. Almond Tuilles

Just a few ingredients transform almonds into can’t-stop-eating delights.

12. …And 24 More Cookies

Yes, there are so many variations to make on a few basic doughs, you’ll be in cookies for weeks.