Perfect Christmas Cookie Platter Recipe Easy Homemade Festive Treats

Let me tell you, the scent of cinnamon, vanilla, and freshly baked sugar cookies wafting through the house is enough to make anyone’s mouth water during the holidays. The first time I put together this perfect Christmas cookie platter, it was on a chilly December afternoon, with snow softly falling outside and a fire crackling in the background. I was instantly hooked—the kind of moment where you pause, take a deep breath, and just smile because you know you’re onto something truly special.

Years ago, when I was knee-high to a grasshopper, my grandma used to bake a variety of cookies each Christmas, filling tins with everything from buttery shortbreads to spicy ginger snaps. I always wished I’d discovered her secret combinations sooner because honestly, nothing says festive comfort like a homemade cookie spread that brings everyone together.

My family couldn’t stop sneaking cookies off the cooling rack (and I can’t really blame them). This Christmas cookie platter is dangerously easy to whip up and offers pure, nostalgic comfort—perfect for potlucks, sweet treats for your kids, or even brightening up your Pinterest cookie board. After testing this recipe multiple times in the name of research, of course, it’s become a staple for family gatherings and gifting. Trust me, it feels like a warm hug you can eat, and you’re going to want to bookmark this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this perfect Christmas cookie platter recipe ticks all the boxes for holiday baking success. After multiple kitchen trials and taste tests (sometimes with flour on my nose), here’s why you’ll be smitten:

• Quick & Easy: Comes together in under 90 minutes, perfect for busy holiday prep or last-minute festive cravings.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy grocery trips—chances are you already have most of these in your pantry.
• Perfect for Festive Gatherings: Great for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy family nights in.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Always gets rave reviews from kids and adults alike, with flavors everyone loves.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of buttery base, rich spices, and sweet glazes makes this platter the ultimate comfort food.

What makes this cookie platter different? It’s the perfect balance of classic holiday flavors with a twist—like using a blend of almond and vanilla extracts for a richer aroma, or adding a pinch of sea salt to cut through sweetness. It’s not just another cookie recipe; it’s the kind you close your eyes to savor after the first bite.

This Christmas cookie platter isn’t just tasty—it’s the kind of treat that brings back memories, sparks smiles, and turns simple moments into cherished traditions. Whether you’re impressing guests without stress or creating a cozy vibe with your family, this recipe has got you covered.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Most are pantry staples, making it super easy to gather everything ahead of your festive baking day.

• For the Cookie Dough:
  • 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour (I prefer King Arthur for consistent texture)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened (Room temp butter gives the best base)
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract (adds warmth and depth)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure, if possible)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
• For the Spiced Ginger Snaps:
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup (85g) molasses (for that classic ginger flavor)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
• For the Icing and Decoration:
  • 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk (whole or dairy-free, depending on preference)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Assorted sprinkles, colored sugar, and edible glitter (because, festive!)
  • Optional: chopped nuts or dried cranberries for texture

Substitution tips: Use almond flour for a gluten-free option, but note the texture will be a bit different. If you prefer dairy-free, swap butter with coconut oil and milk with almond or oat milk. For a seasonal twist, swap in fresh orange zest or cardamom in place of some spices.

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheets – I like using heavy-gauge, rimmed sheets for even baking and fewer burnt edges.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – essential to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
• Mixing bowls – at least two, one for dry ingredients and one for wet.
• Electric mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar much faster (though a sturdy wooden spoon works in a pinch).
• Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy matters, especially for baking soda and spices.
• Cooling racks – crucial for letting cookies cool evenly (don’t skip this or you’ll get soggy bottoms).
• Rolling pin – for sugar cookies, you want an even thickness; a non-stick or floured surface helps.
• Cookie cutters – festive shapes like stars, trees, or bells bring the platter to life.

If you don’t have cookie cutters, no worries—you can shape cookies by hand or use a glass rim with a sharp knife. I’ve also used silicone mats that imprint patterns for a fun texture. For budget-friendly baking, parchment paper can often substitute a silicone mat with great results.

Preparation Method

1. Make the Sugar Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups (345g) flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup (227g) softened butter and 1 ½ cups (300g) sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes). Beat in the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Wrap dough in plastic and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight (this helps prevent spreading).
2. Prepare the Ginger Snap Dough: In another bowl, whisk the 2 cups (250g) flour, spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg), baking soda, and salt. Cream ½ cup (115g) butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and molasses. Slowly add dry ingredients until just combined. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
4. Roll Out Sugar Cookie Dough: Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin. Roll dough to about ¼ inch (6mm) thickness. Cut into festive shapes with cookie cutters. Transfer to prepared sheets, spacing about 1 inch (2.5cm) apart.
5. Shape Ginger Snaps: Roll dough into 1-inch (2.5cm) balls and place on baking sheets. Gently flatten with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar for a slight crunch.
6. Bake: Bake sugar cookies for 8-10 minutes or until edges start to turn golden. Ginger snaps need about 10-12 minutes. Watch closely; you want them crisp but not burnt. Rotate pans halfway for even baking.
7. Cool Completely: Transfer cookies to cooling racks immediately after baking to prevent soggy bottoms. Let them cool fully before icing.
8. Prepare Icing: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more milk if too thick or sugar if too thin.
9. Decorate: Spread or pipe icing on cooled cookies. Sprinkle with festive decorations while icing is still wet. Let dry for at least 30 minutes.
10. Arrange Platter: Once dry, arrange cookies on a large festive platter. Alternate shapes, colors, and textures for a visually stunning spread.

Pro tip: If your dough gets too warm, pop it back in the fridge before rolling. Also, chilling dough overnight improves flavor and texture—you’ll thank me later.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Let’s face it, holiday baking can get hectic, so here are some tips I’ve learned the hard way:

• Don’t overmix your dough. Once the flour goes in, mix just until combined to keep cookies tender, not tough.
• Chilling dough is key. It stops cookies from spreading too much and develops flavors—you can even make dough a couple of days ahead.
• Use room temperature ingredients. Butter and eggs blend better, giving you that perfect cookie crumb.
• Watch your oven like a hawk. Baking times can vary. Cookies go from perfectly golden to burnt in a blink.
• Cool cookies completely before icing. Otherwise, your icing will melt off and get all messy.
• For icing consistency, thin it with milk drop by drop to avoid runny messes.
• Multitask smartly: While cookies bake, prep the icing and decorations to save time.

One time, I forgot to chill the dough and ended up with flat, sad cookies. Lesson learned! Now, I never skip that step. Also, if you want even baking, try rotating your pans halfway through the bake cycle.

Variations & Adaptations

This perfect Christmas cookie platter can easily be customized to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it.
• Vegan: Replace butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil, and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) instead of eggs. Use plant-based milk for icing.
• Flavor Twists: Add orange zest and a pinch of cardamom to the sugar cookie dough for a bright citrus note. Or mix in chopped peppermint candies into the icing for a festive crunch.
• Alternative Cooking Methods: If you don’t have an oven, try using an air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 8-10 minutes, checking often to avoid burning.
• Personal Favorite: I once swapped half the sugar in the ginger snaps for maple syrup—adding a deeper, richer sweetness that wowed my guests.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This cookie platter shines best served at room temperature, allowing all the flavors to sing. Arrange on a festive tray with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly for that extra holiday charm.

Pair your cookies with a warm beverage—hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or a robust coffee complement the sweet, spicy notes perfectly.

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, freeze uniced cookies in a single layer, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Icing can be added after thawing.

When reheating, pop cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to regain a just-baked texture. Flavors often deepen after a day, so sometimes waiting a bit is worth it!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Per serving (1 cookie, approx.): 150-180 calories, 7g fat, 22g carbs, 1g protein (values vary by cookie type).

This recipe incorporates wholesome ingredients: butter for richness, spices like cinnamon and ginger which have anti-inflammatory properties, and real vanilla for antioxidant benefits. Using real extracts avoids artificial additives often found in store-bought treats.

For dietary considerations, this recipe can be adapted for gluten-free or vegan needs without sacrificing flavor. Just be mindful of common allergens like nuts if you add toppings.

I appreciate how this cookie platter delivers festive joy without feeling overly indulgent—perfect for sharing and celebrating with loved ones.

Conclusion

So there you have it—the perfect Christmas cookie platter that’s easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and sure to impress every guest (and your family too!). Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors and decorations to make it truly your own.

I love this recipe because it combines simplicity with that warm, nostalgic feeling only holiday baking can bring. It’s become one of my go-to festive treats, and I hope it becomes a beloved tradition for you as well.

Give it a try, share your baking stories, and don’t forget to drop a comment below if you try any fun variations. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!

FAQs

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Both doughs can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. This actually improves the flavor and texture.

How do I keep cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?

Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Also, make sure your dough isn’t too warm when baking, which can cause spreading and sticking.

What’s the best way to decorate cookies for beginners?

Start with a simple glaze icing that you can spread with a spoon or brush. Add sprinkles immediately before it dries for a pretty, easy finish.

Can I freeze the decorated cookies?

Decorated cookies don’t freeze as well due to icing texture changes. It’s better to freeze plain cookies and decorate after thawing.

What’s the secret to soft, chewy cookies?

Use room temperature butter and don’t overbake—take cookies out when edges are just golden but centers still look slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.

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