The Ultimate Holiday Baking Guide for Busy Moms

It’s that time, moms. Mariah Carey is officially the only song you’ll hear on the radio, you’re guaranteed to forget to buy at least one gift, and running out of Scotch tape has become a ritual. Still, amidst all the seasonal chaos, spending time with your kids is what really matters — and that means one thing: baking holiday cookies. To keep it simple, we’ve made baking easy and breezy with these festive cookie recipes and simple hacks to make your season merry and bright. 

Our Favorite Christmas Cookies and Baked Goods Recipes

Sugar Cookies

• Get the Recipe: Sugar Cookies

The holidays wouldn’t be complete without sugar cookies. They’re the perfect base for creating culinary wonders. Set out frosting in holiday-approved colors like red and green, plus toppings like sprinkles, candies, or sanding sugar, and let your mini Matisse make their masterpiece.

Snowball Cookies

• Get the Recipe: Snowball Cookies

Once the snowball fight in the front yard is over, dry off and get ready to make Snowball Cookies. It’s the confectioners’ sugar that brings these snowballs to life. Just keep an eye on the clock — these cookies can melt (and burn) faster than you can say “Ho, ho, ho.”

Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

No matter what the season is, you never need a reason to make chocolate chip cookies. Cookie lovers often have strong preferences — some like them crisp, while others like a soft center. For chewy and gooey cookies, melt the butter first. Yum. 

Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Get the Recipe: Snickerdoodle Cookies

Santa won’t snicker when he sees these Snickerdoodle cookies waiting for him. Four teaspoons of cinnamon will make you feel all warm inside — literally — making this recipe perfect when the weather outside is frightful.

Santa's Whiskers

• Get the Recipe: Santa’s Whiskers

Help Santa’s whiskers stay white with these festive Santa’s Whiskers. Ingredients like flaked coconut, candied cherries, and chopped pecans make them a more sophisticated treat. They might not be a big hit with your child, but Santa will surely appreciate the effort.

Thumbprint Cookies

• Get the Recipe: Thumbprint Cookies

Watching little hands knead dough and press their thumb into the center of Thumbprint Cookies is pure holiday magic. Fill the indentation with jam or get creative with melted chocolate, peanut butter, or even (swoon) hazelnut chocolate and top with sprinkles or chopped candy canes.

Ultimate Brownie

• Get the Recipe: Ultimate Brownie

Who says that the confections left out for Santa have to be cookies? These brownies are sure to sleigh, especially when baked with chopped nuts. 

Gingerbread Men

• Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Men

It happens to the best of us. You think that your gingerbread men are ready, but they look like blobs when they come out of the oven. Thankfully, this Gingerbread Man recipe ensures a firmer dough that keeps its shape — but only if left to rest on the counter for a minimum of two hours. The wait is worth it when the scent of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves fills your home.  

Candy Cane Cookies

• Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies

Is there a more iconic candy for the holidays than candy canes? We think not. Making candy cane cookies should definitely be on your nice list. Kids will love crushing the unwrapped candy canes with a rolling pin — just be sure to seal them in a food storage bag first. And remember: a little extract goes a long way, so follow the recipe’s measurements to avoid an overpowering minty flavor.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

• Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Of all the cookies baked with love for Santa Claus, you could argue that oatmeal raisin cookies are the “healthiest.” (Or not.) Regardless, this recipe calls for 1 ½ cups of raisins, but if no one likes them, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are all they’ll want for Christmas.

Holiday Baking Hacks For Busy Moms

These hacks will make baking with your sugar plum fast, fun, and stress-free. 

Gather All Your Ingredients Ahead of Time

There’s nothing worse than getting your kid excited to make marshmallow hot cocoa cookies — and realizing you don’t have marshmallows. Read through the ingredients list ahead of time to make sure you have everything you need. 

Pay Attention to the Directions

Sure, you bought extra butter — but do you know how it should be used? Holiday cookies can vary: some call for ice-cold butter, while others need it at room temperature. Check the directions ahead of time for other specifics that require prior preparation.

Care for Your Cutters

If your cookie cutters aren’t cutting it, try this: dip them in flour before pressing into the dough. This simple step ensures clean cuts every time. 

Bang Your Sheet Pan 

Poofy cookies aren’t always the look you want. Drop your pan onto the counter a few times to release trapped air bubbles in the dough. Forgot to do it before baking? A good thump right after the cookies come out of the oven works, too. 

Make a Double Batch

Sure, baking Christmas cookies with your kids is fun…until it isn’t. Save baking time (and more eating time) by making double or triple batches at once. 

Freeze Extra Dough for Later

There’s no such thing as too many cookies. If you have extra dough, separate it into portions, wrap it tightly, and freeze it for another day.

Set A Timer

All it takes is refereeing one sibling squabble, and your shortbread cookies are shot. Set a timer so that cookies come out perfectly every time.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©irina2511/Shutterstock.com