There’s something magical about baking Christmas cookies that instantly fills the home with holiday cheer. The smell of gingerbread wafting through the kitchen, the joyful mess of sprinkles on the counter, and the satisfying feeling of pulling a tray of perfectly baked cookies from the oven—it’s all part of the season’s charm. Every year, I look forward to making a variety of cookies, both for family gatherings and as gifts for friends and neighbors. My personal favorites are thumbprints; they remind me of making them with my mom when I was little, carefully filling the centers with jam. This year, I’m also bringing back some classics like buttery kolaches, cranberry cookies for a tangy twist, and, of course, sugar cookies for decorating. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just enjoy indulging in these festive treats, I hope this list of recipes inspires you to create your own holiday baking traditions. Let’s get those ovens preheated and aprons tied—it’s cookie time!