Looking for the best cookies to bake for holiday gifts? After more than 20 years of gifting homemade cookies to family and friends every Christmas, I’ve learned a few tricks to make your cookie box unforgettable. Here are my top tips for choosing cookies that will make the cut.
- Include a Variety. A mix of flavors and textures makes your gift feel special. Try including a chocolate cookie, a classic gingerbread, and a buttery shortbread. This way, you’ll have something for everyone, and the assorted colors will make your presentation look festive and beautiful.
- Make Them Look Festive. Holiday cookies should feel joyful! Add sprinkles, colored sugar, or candies to at least one cookie in your assortment. A pop of red and green instantly says “Christmas.”
- Keep Allergies in Mind. If you’re unsure about allergies, skip nuts. It’s better to play it safe so everyone can enjoy your gift.
- Skip Peppermint Cookies. I love peppermint lattes and peppermint cookies, but here’s the truth, peppermint flavors don’t mix well with other cookies in the same box. They tend to overpower everything else and make non-minty things taste unintentionally like toothpaste. So, unless you’re making an all-peppermint assortment, leave them out.
- Add Their Favorite. If you know the recipient’s favorite cookie, include it! It’s a thoughtful touch that earns you major brownie points (speaking of brownies, those work very well in gift boxes too!).
This cookie assortment is one of my favorites to gift during the holidays—pretty, tasty, and full of variety!
Pictured above: fudgy brownies, gingerbread men cookies, M&M cookies, chocolate chip cookies, jam sandwich cookies, Christmas M&M sugar bars, gingerbread drop cookies, and chocolate kiss cookies
