Get On Santa's Good Side 

Cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It's the one time of year you have a free license to bake them and eat them excessively. Whether you're married to the classics or are looking for something new to add to your repertoire, here are 10 classic Christmas cookies and 10 creative twists to try. 

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1. Piped Shortbread

Ah, buttery, fluffy, piped shortbread. One of the most beautiful festive cookies you can make. It takes a little artistry and baking know-how, but the end result is worth it. 

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2. Gingerbread Men

Nothing says Christmas quite like gingerbread men. They're as fun to make as they are to eat, especially if you have young kids. You can play with the designs, decorations, and colors to your heart's content.

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3. Chocolate Chip

Make Santa's day with his favorite cookies. Chocolate chip cookies are as classic as it gets and there are countless recipes out there, some with brown butter, others with fleur de sel. Don't be afraid to get fancy.

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4. Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are suitable for even the pickiest eater: they're the vanilla ice cream of cookies. You can give them a seasonal twist by rolling them out and cutting them with cookie cutters. 

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5. Ginger Cookies

There's something about ginger spice that just scream Christmas. Ginger cookies are a no-fail baking project that everyone loves. You can adjust the spice level depending on your audience.

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6. Snickerdoodles

A cookie that's as fun to say as it is to eat, snickerdoodles get their name from the German schneckennudel which is a type of cinnamon bun. Cinnamon is the star of these soft cookies which also get a nice tanginess from the addition of cream of tartar. 

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7. Linzer Cookies

They may not be in your repertoire unless you're Scandinavian, but they're undeniably a Christmas classic. Linzer cookies are a bit more of a process than most other cookies, but if you're an advanced baker who enjoys detailed work, you'll love making this pretty cookie.

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8. Oatmeal Cookies

Whether or not you put raisins in these is a polarizing subject. You can leave them plain or add chocolate chips. Whatever you decide, you'll have amazing, soft cookies that are (slightly) healthier thanks to the addition of oats. 

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9. Lemon Squares

You could argue they're not technically a cookie, but we're such big fans we just had to include them on our list anyway. The bright and refreshing lemon filling is contrasted against the buttery shortbread base. 

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10. Scottish Shortbread

We know we already have a shortbread on this list, but Scottish shortbread, we'd argue, are just different enough to be included as a whole other cookie. Make the dough and roll it into a pan before poking the surface with a fork. The result is a flaky, buttery, and not-too-sweet delight. 

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Now that we've covered the absolute classic A-listers, let's go over some of the more creative cookies that caught our eye. 

1. Psychedelic Shortbread Cookies

These psychedelic shortbread are a fun take on a classic cookie. Split your dough into three hunks and die each with different Christmas-y colors. Then roll them back together into logs and slice them to create fun, psychedelic patterns.

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2. Peppermint Biscotti

These crispy Italian cookies are the perfect pairing with your morning coffee. Coat them in dark chocolate and candy cane pieces for the perfect Christmas treat.

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3. Eggnog Cookies

Eggnog but edible? Yes, please. The sweet beverage is the main ingredient of both the cookie and frosting on this tantalizing treat.

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4. S'More Ravioli

We love them in hot chocolate as much as the next person, but you'll want to save some marshmallows for this clever cookie. Chocolate ravioli made from a graham cracker crust base gets stuffed with marshmallow and milk chocolate pieces. 

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5. Pineapple-Coconut Macaroons

The piña colada is walking proof that pineapple and coconut are a match made in heaven. These cookies are a fresh and flavorful departure from the tired old classics. 

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6. Coffee and Milk Thumbprints

Here's one for the coffee lovers. Ground coffee beans give a sugar cookie base a rich and slightly bitter kick. Make a thumbprint with your finger, fill it with milky pastry cream, and let your tastebuds take a trip to heaven.

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7. Alfajores

Alfajores are an Argentinian classic. Sandwich rich dulce de leche between two buttery sugar cookies, then coat the sides with shredded coconut. 

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8. Creme Brûlée Sugar Cookies

Creme brûlée sugar cookies are exactly as delicious as they sound. Sugar cookies get upgraded with cream cheese frosting and coated with sugar which you then torch to a beautiful caramel crisp.

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9. Panettone Cookies

These cookies take all the yummy flavors of panettone like currants, orange peel, dried apricots, and almonds  and packs them into a tasty cookie. Granted, it won't have the same airy texture as the bread, but they're something a little different and certainly take a lot less work.

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10. Pfeffernüsse

This German classic combines rum, ginger, and orange zest for a perfectly warming, soft on the inside, crispy on the outside winter treat. Top them with cardamom-spiced frosting for something even more special. 

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