10 Best Chocolate Cookie Recipes for Christmas

It’s Christmas! The season of joy, togetherness—and let’s be real—cookies. If you’re anything like me, the holiday season just wouldn’t be complete without that beautiful smell of freshly baked chocolate cookies filling the house. I know how busy the holidays can be, and that’s why I’m here to help you turn your kitchen into a cookie wonderland with these 12 amazingly easy chocolate cookie recipes that will leave your family (and Santa) asking for more!

With years of holiday baking under my apron and expertise in whipping up treats that both kids and adults love, I’ve carefully curated these chocolate cookie recipes to make your Christmas baking stress-free and, most importantly, fun. Whether you’re baking with your little helpers or preparing a sweet surprise for Christmas morning, these recipes are sure to spark joy—and lots of taste testing!

From gooey, fudgy chocolate crinkles to crunchy peppermint chocolate delights, these cookies will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but make you the cookie hero of the holiday season. Trust me—these tried-and-true recipes are family favorites, and you can count on them to be easy, delicious, and perfect for creating lasting holiday memories.

So, let’s get those mixing bowls ready—because the countdown to Christmas just got a lot sweeter!

1. Hot Chocolate Cookies

These Hot Chocolate Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with chocolatey goodness, just like your favorite cup of cocoa. Topped with a marshmallow frosting, mini marshmallows, and grated chocolate, they’re a cozy treat perfect for Christmas!

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• Mini marshmallows and grated chocolate, for decorating 
• Marshmallow frosting:
  • 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow fluff
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat together melted butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla and mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
5. Scoop the dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
6. For the frosting, beat together marshmallow fluff, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread on cooled cookies. Decorate with mini marshmallows and grated chocolate. 

2. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These classic Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are rich, fudgy, and rolled in powdered sugar before baking to create their signature crackled appearance. They’re soft on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside.

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix sugar, brown sugar, and oil. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
5. Roll the dough into balls and coat in powdered sugar. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

3. Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies combine rich chocolate with the refreshing taste of peppermint, making them a festive holiday favorite. Perfect for chocolate and mint lovers!

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• Crushed candy canes (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg and peppermint extract and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Stir in chocolate chips.
5. Scoop dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Top with crushed candy canes while still warm.

4. Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

These Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are buttery and soft with a rich, melted chocolate center. They’re perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for filling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Beat together butter, sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg yolk and vanilla, and mix until combined.
3. Gradually add flour and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll the dough into balls and press a thumbprint into the center of each. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
5. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave and spoon into the center of each cookie. Let cool before serving.

5. Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies

A holiday twist on the classic, these Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are studded with red and green M&M’s and chocolate chips, making them both festive and delicious.

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup red and green M&M’s

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add egg and vanilla and mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir in chocolate chips and M&M’s.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

6. Chocolate Cherry Cookies

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are soft and chewy, with bits of dried cherries and chunks of dark chocolate. The sweet-tart cherries perfectly complement the rich chocolate.

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add egg and vanilla, and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients and stir in dried cherries and dark chocolate chunks.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

7. Triple Chocolate Chunk Christmas Cookies

These Triple Chocolate Chunk Christmas Cookies are loaded with dark, milk, and white chocolate chunks for a truly indulgent treat.

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chunks
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chunks

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, and mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients and stir in chocolate chunks.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

8. Dark Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

These Dark Chocolate Cranberry Cookies combine the richness of dark chocolate with the tartness of cranberries. They’re perfect for those who love a sweet-tart flavor contrast.

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat together butter and sugar until creamy. Add egg and vanilla, and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients and stir in dried cranberries and dark chocolate chunks.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

9. Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Cookies

These buttery shortbread cookies are dipped in rich chocolate and sprinkled with festive toppings like red and green sprinkles or crushed candy canes.

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (for dipping)
• Sprinkles or crushed candy canes (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Beat together butter, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add flour and mix until a dough forms.
3. Roll the dough into a log and chill for 30 minutes.
4. Slice the dough and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
5. Melt the chocolate chips and dip each cookie halfway. Sprinkle with toppings and let set.

10. Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies

These chewy chocolate cookies are filled with gooey salted caramel for a sweet and salty treat. They’re rich, decadent, and perfect for holiday indulgence.

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 12 soft caramels
• Sea salt (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add egg and vanilla, and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll the dough into balls and flatten slightly. Press a caramel into the center and fold the dough around it.
6. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Sprinkle with sea salt before serving.

These 10 delicious Christmas chocolate cookie recipes are perfect for an activity with the kids, for adding to homemade festive hampers, or for serving at holiday parties and gatherings. Which of these ideas will you be baking?