Short on time but still want homemade Christmas treats? These quick Christmas cookie recipes come together in 30 minutes or less, using simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep. Perfect for last-minute baking, holiday parties, or edible gifts.
1. Classic Shortbread Cookies (3 Ingredients)
Why you’ll love them: Buttery, crumbly, and effortlessly elegant.
Ingredients:
1 cup softened butter
½ cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
Method:
Mix butter and sugar until smooth, add flour, chill dough for 20 minutes, shape, and bake at 170°C (340°F) for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies
Why you’ll love them: Soft, rich, and naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients:
1 cup peanut butter
½ cup sugar
1 egg
Method:
Mix all ingredients, roll into balls, flatten with a fork, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes.
3. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies (Cake Mix Hack)
Why you’ll love them: Fudgy center with a crackled sugar top—no mixer needed.
Ingredients:
1 box chocolate cake mix
2 eggs
⅓ cup oil
Powdered sugar for rolling
Method:
Mix cake mix, eggs, and oil, chill 10 minutes, roll in powdered sugar, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10–11 minutes.
4. Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs (No Chill)
Why you’ll love them: Perfect for decorating, no chilling required.
Ingredients:
½ cup butter
¾ cup sugar
1 egg
1½ cups flour
½ tsp baking powder
Method:
Cream butter and sugar, add egg and dry ingredients, roll, cut shapes, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes.
5. Nutella Christmas Cookies (3 Ingredients)
Why you’ll love them: Deep chocolate-hazelnut flavor with zero effort.
Ingredients:
1 cup Nutella
1 egg
1 cup flour
Method:
Mix, scoop onto tray, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes.
6. Coconut Macaroons
Why you’ll love them: Chewy, lightly crisp, and naturally festive.
Ingredients:
2½ cups desiccated coconut
¾ cup condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla
Method:
Mix all ingredients, shape mounds, and bake at 170°C (340°F) for 12–15 minutes.
7. Cornflake Christmas Cookies (No Bake)
Why you’ll love them: No oven, kid-friendly, and ready in minutes.
Ingredients:
1 cup chocolate chips
½ cup peanut butter
3 cups cornflakes
Method:
Melt chocolate and peanut butter, fold in cornflakes, spoon onto tray, and let set until firm.
8. Oatmeal Raisin Christmas Cookies
Why you’ll love them: Cozy, soft, and lightly spiced.
Ingredients:
½ cup butter
½ cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 cup oats
¾ cup flour
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp baking soda
½ cup raisins
Method:
Cream butter and sugar, add egg and dry ingredients, scoop, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes.
9. Snowball Cookies (Mexican Wedding Cookies)
Why you’ll love them: Melt-in-the-mouth cookies dusted in snow-white sugar.
Ingredients:
1 cup butter
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1¾ cups flour
½ cup finely chopped nuts
Method:
Mix, roll into balls, bake at 170°C (340°F) for 12–14 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar while warm.
10. Bonus Tip: Make Them Even Faster
• Use parchment paper (no greasing)
• Chill dough in the freezer for 5–10 minutes instead of the fridge
• Bake multiple trays together and rotate once
Final Thought
These 30-minute Christmas cookies prove that festive baking doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you want no-bake treats, 3-ingredient cookies, or classic holiday favorites, this list has you covered.