15 Iconic New York Times Christmas Cookies to Bake This Year

The New York Times’ fifteen iconic Christmas cookies will transform your holiday baking with legendary recipes like their sea salt chocolate chip cookies that became part of NYC folklore. You’ll master classics including brown butter snickerdoodles, double chocolate crinkle cookies, and gingerbread with royal icing, plus sophisticated treats like salted caramel sugar cookies and chocolate peppermint sandwich cookies. Each recipe features expert techniques for perfect texture and flavor. Discover the complete collection of professional secrets below.

Key Takeaways

• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt feature overnight chilling for deeper flavors and coarse sea salt for bakery-style finish.
• Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies require generous powdered sugar coating and proper chilling to achieve signature cracked appearance when baked.
• Brown Sugar Molasses Cookies use precise spice ratios with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for traditional holiday warmth.
• Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies combine fudgy wafers with silky buttercream filling, perfect for make-ahead Christmas entertaining.
• Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies feature buttery dough with eggnog-infused filling and optional rum for festive holiday flavor profiles.

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies With Sea Salt

Transform your holiday baking with these elevated chocolate chip cookies that balance sweet indulgence with a sophisticated touch of sea salt.

You’ll discover why this recipe has become part of NYC folklore, passed down through generations of passionate bakers who understand that perfection lies in the details.

Celebrity chefs have long championed the transformative power of sea salt in desserts, and you’ll taste exactly why when you bite into these cookies.

The flaky crystals enhance the chocolate’s richness while adding textural contrast that keeps you reaching for more.

You’ll want to use high-quality chocolate chunks rather than standard chips – they create irregular pockets of melted chocolate that make each bite unique.

Don’t skip the overnight chilling step; it develops deeper flavors and prevents excessive spreading.

Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top just before baking.

You’ll create cookies that taste like they came from Manhattan’s finest bakeries.

Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

While those chocolate chip cookies showcase the magic of sea salt, brown butter snickerdoodles take classic cinnamon-sugar cookies to an entirely new level of sophistication.

You’ll transform ordinary butter by heating it until it develops a rich, nutty aroma that adds incredible depth to these beloved treats.

The browning technique requires your full attention as you watch the butter carefully in your saucepan.

You’ll know it’s ready when it turns golden amber and releases those distinctive toasted notes.

Don’t rush this process – the nutty complexity you’re building becomes the foundation of extraordinary flavor.

Once you’ve mastered the brown butter, you’ll mix it into your dough and roll each cookie in cinnamon sugar before baking.

The result? Tender cookies with crispy edges, warm spice, and that unmistakable brown butter richness that elevates every bite beyond the ordinary snickerdoodle.

Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies

Golden caramel swirls through tender sugar cookie dough, creating an irresistible combination that’ll become your new holiday obsession.

These sophisticated cookies elevate the classic sugar cookie with ribbons of buttery caramel and a finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

You’ll achieve bakery-quality results by following these essential steps:

1. Prepare homemade caramel – Cook sugar until amber, then whisk in cream for silky smoothness
2. Marble the dough – Gently swirl cooled caramel through cookie dough without overmixing
3. Chill thoroughly – Refrigerate dough for easier handling and better shape retention
4. Finish with salt – Sprinkle flaky sea salt immediately after baking while cookies remain warm

For dietary modifications, try gluten free adaptation using almond flour blends.

Vegan substitutions work beautifully here – replace butter with coconut oil and use cashew cream for the caramel.

The result? Tender cookies with sophisticated flavor that’ll impress every guest.

Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

You’ll master the art of creating those signature powdered sugar cracks that make these cookies so visually stunning.

Getting the perfect crinkle pattern requires specific chilling and rolling techniques that we’ll explore.

Once you’ve baked them to perfection, you’ll want to know the best methods for keeping them fresh and presenting them beautifully.

Perfect Crinkle Technique

Although achieving the perfect crinkle pattern might seem like baking magic, it’s actually the result of a simple scientific process that you can master with the right technique.

The contrast between dark chocolate dough and white powdered sugar creates stunning surface scoring that defines these cookies.

Follow these essential steps for optimal powdering patterns:

1. Chill the dough for at least two hours to prevent excessive spreading
2. Roll balls generously in powdered sugar, coating every surface completely
3. Don’t press down when placing on baking sheets to maintain rounded shape
4. Bake until set but still soft in centers for maximum crack formation

The magic happens as heat causes the dough to expand while the sugar coating stays rigid, creating those signature beautiful cracks.

Storage and Serving

Once your double chocolate crinkle cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Layer parchment paper between rows to prevent sticking and maintain their distinctive cracked appearance.

For longer storage, freeze cookies for up to three months in freezer-safe containers.

Implement a labeling system with dates and cookie types when storing multiple batches.

This prevents confusion and ensures you’re serving the freshest treats first.

When serving, follow proper display etiquette by arranging cookies on festive platters with adequate spacing.

You’ll want to showcase their beautiful crinkled tops and powdered sugar coating.

Serve at room temperature for optimal texture and flavor.

These cookies pair excellently with hot chocolate, coffee, or cold milk during holiday gatherings.

Gingerbread Cookies With Royal Icing

The warm scent of cinnamon and molasses fills your kitchen as these classic gingerbread cookies bake to golden perfection. These spiced treasures become your canvas for creative royal icing designs that’ll impress everyone at your holiday gatherings.

You’ll love how architectural templates help you create precise gingerbread houses, while stencil patterns ensure consistent decorative elements across multiple cookies.

The dough’s sturdy texture holds its shape beautifully, making it ideal for intricate cutouts.

Follow these steps for flawless royal icing application:

1. Mix powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until peaks form
2. Divide icing into separate bowls for different colors
3. Use flooding consistency for base coats and piping consistency for details
4. Allow each layer to dry completely before adding new elements

Your finished gingerbread cookies will showcase professional-looking designs that rival bakery displays, transforming simple ingredients into edible artwork.

Lemon Shortbread Bars

You’ll find lemon shortbread bars offer a bright, citrusy contrast to the warm spices of gingerbread cookies in your holiday baking lineup.

These buttery bars combine a tender shortbread base with a tangy lemon curd topping that’s both simple to execute and impressive to serve.

We’ll cover the essential techniques for achieving the perfect texture, plus smart storage methods to keep your bars fresh throughout the holiday season.

Perfect Lemon Shortbread Recipe

While traditional sugar cookies dominate most holiday platters, lemon shortbread bars offer a bright, citrusy alternative that’ll elevate your Christmas cookie collection.

This recipe delivers exceptional zest intensity while maintaining the perfect buttery crumb texture that makes shortbread irresistible.

You’ll achieve bakery-quality results by following these essential steps:

1. Use room temperature butter – This ensures proper creaming and prevents dense, heavy bars
2. Zest lemons before juicing – Fresh zest provides maximum citrus oils and aromatic punch
3. Don’t overmix the dough – Gentle folding preserves the tender crumb texture shortbread demands
4. Chill before cutting – Cold bars slice cleanly without crumbling or breaking apart

The finished bars balance sweet and tart perfectly, creating memorable cookies that guests will request year after year.

Baking Tips and Storage

How can you ensure your lemon shortbread bars emerge from the oven with perfect golden edges and a tender center?

Start with proper pan maintenance—line your baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. This prevents sticking and ensures clean cuts.

For ingredient substitutions, swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend at a 1:1 ratio.

Replace butter with vegan alternatives, though texture may vary slightly.

Fresh lemon juice works better than bottled for optimal flavor.

Bake until edges turn light golden but centers remain pale.

Cool completely before cutting—patience prevents crumbling.

Store bars in airtight containers at room temperature for five days or freeze for three months.

Layer between parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture.

Peppermint Bark Brownies

Combining rich chocolate brownies with festive peppermint bark creates an irresistible holiday treat that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

You’ll love how the cool mint balances the deep chocolate flavors perfectly.

These brownies transform ordinary dessert into something spectacular:

1. Base Layer: Bake fudgy brownies using your favorite recipe or quality box mix
2. Chocolate Coating: Melt dark chocolate and spread evenly over cooled brownies
3. White Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted white chocolate in decorative patterns
4. Peppermint Finish: Sprinkle crushed candy canes or peppermint pieces on top

The nutrition facts show these treats are rich in calories, so they’re perfect for special occasions.

For allergen alternatives, you can substitute dairy-free chocolate and use coconut oil instead of butter.

Store them covered at room temperature for up to five days, or refrigerate if you prefer firmer texture.

Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies

You’ll love how cranberry orange oatmeal cookies bring together tart cranberries and bright citrus zest for the perfect festive flavor combination.

To achieve that ideal chewy texture, don’t overbake these cookies—they should look slightly underdone when you pull them from the oven.

Follow precise baking time guidelines of 10-12 minutes at 350°F, watching for lightly golden edges while keeping centers soft.

Festive Flavor Combination

When winter’s chill settles in and holiday anticipation fills the air, cranberry orange oatmeal cookies deliver the perfect balance of tart and sweet that captures the season’s essence.

The dried cranberries burst with jewel-like tartness while fresh orange zest brightens every bite with citrusy warmth.

This dynamic duo transforms ordinary oatmeal cookies into something extraordinary:

1. Cranberries provide chewy texture and vibrant ruby color
2. Orange zest adds aromatic oils that complement the fruit’s tartness
3. Rolled oats create hearty substance and rustic appeal
4. Brown sugar deepens the sweetness with molasses notes

You’ll discover this combination rivals sophisticated flavors like pomegranate rosemary or fig cardamom cookies.

The familiar comfort of oatmeal paired with festive cranberry-orange makes these cookies irresistible for holiday gatherings and gift-giving.

Chewy Texture Tips

Achieving the perfect chewy texture in your cranberry orange oatmeal cookies depends on mastering a few key techniques that work together to create that coveted soft, tender bite.

Control your mixing speed to avoid overdeveloping the gluten, which creates tough cookies. Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Proper flour hydration ensures optimal moisture distribution throughout your dough.

Technique	Method	Result
Butter Temperature	Room temperature, not melted	Creates proper creaming
Flour Measurement	Spoon and level method	Prevents dense cookies
Baking Time	Remove when edges set	Centers stay soft
Cooling Process	Cool on pan 5 minutes	Finishes cooking gently
Storage Method	Airtight container with bread	Maintains moisture

These techniques guarantee consistently chewy cookies every time.

Baking Time Guidelines

Perfect timing transforms your cranberry orange oatmeal cookies from good to extraordinary, and understanding the visual cues makes all the difference.

You’ll want to bake these cookies for 10-12 minutes at 350°F, but don’t rely solely on time.

Watch for these key indicators:

1. Golden edges – The perimeter should be lightly golden while centers remain soft
2. Set appearance – Cookies look firm but not completely dry on top
3. Slight underbake – Remove when centers still appear slightly underdone
4. No browning – Avoid overbaking as oats continue cooking on hot pans

Remember oven calibration affects timing significantly – invest in an oven thermometer for accuracy.

Altitude adjustments require reducing time by 1-2 minutes above 3,000 feet.

Your cookies will continue firming as they cool.

Maple Pecan Sandies

The buttery crunch of toasted pecans meets the warm sweetness of maple syrup in these melt-in-your-mouth cookies that’ll transport you straight to a Vermont sugar house.

You’ll want to focus on pecan sourcing first—choose fresh, plump halves from Georgia or Texas for maximum flavor impact. The maple pairing requires pure Grade A syrup, not imitation versions that lack depth.

Toast your pecans lightly before chopping to intensify their nuttiness.

Cream butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar and maple syrup. The dough should hold together without being sticky.

Roll portions into logs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least two hours.

Slice into rounds and bake at 325°F for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden. These sandies develop their signature crumbly texture as they cool.

Store in airtight containers for up to one week, though they rarely last that long.

Cinnamon Roll Cookies

While sandies offer simple elegance, cinnamon roll cookies bring bakery-style indulgence to your holiday spread with layers of buttery dough swirled through cinnamon-sugar filling.

You’ll create miniature versions of beloved breakfast pastries that capture all the comforting flavors in cookie form.

These cookies require patience as you roll, fill, and slice the dough, but they’re worth every minute.

You’ll master the technique quickly:

1. Roll thin – Keep dough even for consistent spirals
2. Spread filling edge-to-edge – Ensure flavor in every bite
3. Chill before slicing – Prevents dough from spreading
4. Bake until golden – Watch edges for perfect doneness

Explore filling variations beyond classic cinnamon-sugar.

Try brown butter with cardamom or maple with chopped pecans.

Your glaze experiments can transform these cookies further—cream cheese glaze adds tanginess while vanilla bean glaze provides sweetness.

Each batch becomes a canvas for creativity.

Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies

Creamy eggnog transforms ordinary thumbprint cookies into festive holiday treats that capture the season’s signature flavors in every bite. You’ll start with a buttery cookie dough infused with classic eggnog spices, then create wells for the rich, creamy filling that makes these cookies irresistible.

Ingredient	Amount
Butter	1 cup
Sugar	2/3 cup
Egg yolk	1 large
Eggnog	1/4 cup
Flour	2 cups

The secret lies in the eggnog-infused filling that you’ll spoon into each thumbprint. You can experiment with rum substitution by adding a tablespoon of dark rum to enhance the traditional eggnog flavor profile. Once baked and cooled, finish each cookie with a delicate nutmeg garnish that adds visual appeal and reinforces the seasonal taste. These cookies store beautifully in airtight containers, making them perfect for holiday entertaining.

Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies

Combining rich chocolate wafers with cool peppermint cream creates the ultimate holiday sandwich cookie that’ll become your new seasonal favorite.

These sophisticated treats deliver the perfect mint balance without overwhelming your palate, while the texture contrast between crisp chocolate cookies and smooth filling provides an irresistible eating experience.

You’ll love how these cookies elevate traditional holiday flavors into something truly special.

The deep cocoa notes complement the refreshing peppermint beautifully, creating layers of flavor that develop with each bite.

Here’s what makes these cookies exceptional:

1. Double chocolate wafers – Rich, fudgy cookies that hold their shape perfectly
2. Silky peppermint buttercream – Smooth filling with just the right mint intensity
3. Professional presentation – Clean edges and uniform thickness impress guests
4. Make-ahead friendly – Assemble days before serving for enhanced flavor melding

The result? Bakery-quality sandwich cookies that capture the essence of the holiday season in every delightful bite.

Brown Sugar Molasses Cookies

You’ll find brown sugar molasses cookies require precise spice ratios to achieve that signature warm, complex flavor that defines the perfect holiday treat.

The secret to their irresistibly chewy texture lies in understanding how molasses interacts with your other wet ingredients and knowing exactly when to pull them from the oven.

Proper storage techniques will keep these soft, spiced gems fresh for weeks, ensuring you’re ready for unexpected holiday visitors.

Perfect Spice Blend Ratios

The secret to exceptional brown sugar molasses cookies lies in achieving the perfect balance of warm spices that complement rather than overpower the rich, deep flavors of molasses and brown sugar.

You’ll want to master this aromatic balance through careful ratio testing to create cookies that sing with holiday warmth.

Here’s your winning spice formula:

1. Ground ginger (2 teaspoons) – provides the dominant warm bite
2. Cinnamon (1½ teaspoons) – adds sweet warmth and familiarity
3. Ground cloves (½ teaspoon) – delivers intense, concentrated heat
4. Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon) – contributes subtle complexity

Start with these proportions for two dozen cookies, then adjust based on your taste preferences. The ginger should lead, with cinnamon supporting, while cloves and nutmeg provide depth without overwhelming the molasses base.

Chewy Texture Secrets

While spices create the flavor foundation, achieving that coveted chewy texture requires mastering three key techniques that transform ordinary cookie dough into irresistibly tender treats.

First, you’ll want to slightly underbake your cookies—they should look set around edges but still appear soft in centers.

This prevents over-drying that leads to crumbly results.

Second, consider humidity impact on your dough consistency. On dry days, add an extra tablespoon of molasses or brown sugar to maintain moisture. During humid conditions, reduce liquid ingredients slightly.

Third, make altitude adjustment if you’re baking above 3,000 feet.

Decrease sugar by two tablespoons and increase flour by one tablespoon to prevent spreading and maintain structure.

Store finished cookies with a slice of bread to preserve that perfect chewy texture.

Storage and Freshness Tips

Beyond proper baking techniques, maintaining your brown sugar molasses cookies’ signature softness depends on strategic storage methods that lock in moisture and prevent staleness.

You’ll want to implement these essential storage practices:

1. Cool completely before storing – Hot cookies create condensation that leads to soggy textures
2. Use airtight containers – Glass jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids preserve moisture
3. Add bread slices – Place a piece of fresh bread in your container for humidity control
4. Separate strong flavors – Store molasses cookies away from peppermint or citrus varieties for odor prevention

Your cookies stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature.

For longer storage, freeze them in freezer bags for up to three months.

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

Craving a cookie that perfectly balances buttery richness with tropical flair? These white chocolate macadamia nut cookies deliver exactly that. You’ll want to focus on macadamia sourcing – premium Hawaiian nuts provide superior flavor and crunch compared to cheaper alternatives.

White chocolate requires careful handling. Proper chocolate tempering prevents seizing and ensures smooth incorporation into your dough. Chop it coarsely for distinct pockets of sweetness.

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Butter	1 cup	Room temperature
Brown sugar	3/4 cup	Packed firmly
White chocolate	8 oz	Chopped coarsely
Macadamia nuts	1 cup	Roasted, salted
Vanilla extract	2 tsp	Pure preferred

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla. Gradually mix in flour, salt, and baking soda. Fold in chocolate and nuts gently. Chill dough thirty minutes before baking at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden.

Spiced Apple Cider Cookies

From tropical indulgence, we shift to autumn’s warm embrace with spiced apple cider cookies that capture the essence of fall in every bite.

These cookies transform liquid comfort into baked perfection through careful technique and quality ingredients.

The secret lies in creating a concentrated cider reduction that intensifies apple flavor without adding excess moisture.

You’ll simmer fresh apple cider until it becomes a thick, amber syrup that infuses every cookie with deep autumn essence.

Spice sourcing becomes crucial for authentic flavor development:

1. Freshly ground cinnamon provides warmth without bitterness
2. Whole nutmeg, grated fresh, adds aromatic complexity
3. Ground ginger contributes gentle heat and brightness
4. Allspice berries, ground fine, round out the spice profile

You’ll fold the cooled cider reduction into tender cookie dough, creating treats that taste like liquid autumn.

Each bite delivers concentrated apple flavor balanced with warming spices, making these cookies perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter evenings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do New York Times Christmas Cookies Stay Fresh After Baking?

Your New York Times Christmas cookies’ shelf life depends on proper storage methods.

You’ll keep most cookies fresh for one week at room temperature in airtight containers.

If you’re storing frosted or delicate varieties, they’ll last 3-5 days.

You can extend their freshness by freezing them for up to three months.

Don’t store different cookie types together, as softer ones will make crispy cookies lose their texture.

Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough for These Recipes Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can freeze most New York Times Christmas cookie dough ahead of time. Try flash freezing individual portions on baking sheets before transferring to freezer bags.

Different portioning methods work well – scoop dough balls, roll logs to slice later, or flatten discs.

Most doughs stay fresh frozen for up to three months. You’ll save time during busy holiday baking sessions.

What Makes New York Times Cookie Recipes Different From Traditional Versions?

You’ll notice ingredient innovation sets New York Times recipes apart – they often feature unexpected additions like brown butter, sea salt flakes, or premium chocolate.

Technique precision also elevates these cookies; you’re following detailed methods like specific chilling times, exact mixing instructions, and temperature controls.

These refinements create deeper flavors and better textures than standard recipes, transforming familiar cookies into bakery-quality treats.

Are There Gluten-Free Substitutions Available for These New York Times Cookies?

Yes, you can adapt these recipes using flour alternatives like almond flour, rice flour blends, or gluten-free all-purpose flour.

You’ll need thickener options such as xanthan gum or guar gum to replicate gluten’s binding properties.

Start with a 1:1 substitution ratio, but expect slightly different textures.

Some cookies may spread more or have denser crumbs, so you might need recipe adjustments.

Which New York Times Christmas Cookies Are Easiest for Beginner Bakers?

You’ll find the NYT’s sugar cookies and chocolate crinkles are perfect starter recipes for beginners.

These cookies use easy techniques like simple mixing and basic rolling or scooping.

The sugar cookies require just creaming butter with sugar, while chocolate crinkles involve straightforward bowl mixing.

Both recipes forgive minor mistakes and don’t need specialized equipment, making them ideal for building your baking confidence this Christmas season.

Conclusion

You’ve got an incredible lineup of New York Times Christmas cookies to choose from this holiday season. Whether you’re craving the comforting warmth of brown butter snickerdoodles or the festive charm of gingerbread with royal icing, there’s something here for every taste. Don’t forget to experiment with flavors like salted caramel sugar cookies or chocolate peppermint sandwiches. Start baking today and create delicious memories that’ll last all season long.