She's finally here, the best holiday cookie box of the season. This right here is my favourite thing to do during the Christmas holiday season -- baking cookies and packaging them up to gift to family and friends. I mean, there really is no better gift than a box of homemade cookies baked with love.
It has taken me months to plan out this year's cookie box, because given everything we have been through in 2020, this is one thing that had to be epic. Today, I am sharing my full complete how-to guide for making the best holiday cookie box including all of the best and most popular Christmas cookies to include along with tips for making it a success, so that you can stop your search right here. These cookie boxes truly make the best holiday gifts.
How to Create the Best Holiday Cookie Box
- Choose the cookies. Whether you are including homemade cookies, storebought, or both, you want to choose a variety of cookies with different shapes and sizes and flavours. This will make the cookie box look interesting. I suggest baking anywhere from 4 to 8 different types of cookies (this year I went overboard with 15 different cookies). I plan out my cookie boxes about one month ahead of time, and make changes to it as I get inspired to add new cookies, and take some off my list.
- Choose other treats. Think about whether or not you want to include other treats such as candy canes, festive chocolate kisses, or peppermint candies.
- Check that you have the required baking equipment. Once you have a set list of cookies that you will be baking, determine what baking equipment you will need. Typically, for most cookies, you will need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, a hand mixer or stand mixer, large half sheet baking pan, silicone baking mat, and a wire cooling rack. You may also need a cookie scoop, Christmas cookie cutters and a rolling pin, depending on the cookies you are baking.
- Make a shopping list.
- Ingredients: Make a shopping list of all the ingredients that you will need (including any treats or candies that you are including).
- Baking equipment: Do an inventory of the baking equipment that you have at home and determine what you need to purchase. Add anything you need to your shopping list.
- Cookie boxes and accessories: For the cookie boxes, choose something that is shallow with a lid. It can be disposable cardboard boxes (like these plain boxes or these festive decorated boxes) or keepsake cookie tins. My number one question is where I got this wooden box. You may also want to add mini cupcake liners (to layer in smaller cookies), burlap twine or ribbon (to tie a stack of cookies together), and cardstock (to divide parts of the box) to your shopping list.
- Make a schedule. It can be overwhelming when you have a list of cookies to bake, even if it is just four. Some cookies need to be chilled for hours, some need to be rolled and cut out, some need to be decorated with icing, some are sandwiched together... you get the drift. Go through each cookie recipe that you want to make, and starting with the easiest, write out a schedule starting at prep. Then, incorporate the next cookie into that schedule. Depending on the cookies you are baking, you may be able to schedule everything in one day, or spread it out over the course of a few days or weeks. The best thing is that most cookies freeze really well, so you can start baking the cookies even a month ahead and freeze them as you bake. Once you are ready to assemble your boxes and gift the cookies, just take them out of the freezer.
- Assemble the box. Arrange the cookies in different ways and put cookies of different shapes, sizes and colours next together to make it look interesting. You don't want to have a big section of cookies that all look the same. Use cupcake liners and burlap twine or ribbon to group certain cookies together. Use cardstock to divide and section off areas of the box.
The Best Cookies for a Holiday Cookie Box
The following are all the cookies that I included in this holiday cookie box this year, including the classics like Christmas sugar cookies, chocolate crinkle cookies, gingerbread men, and peanut butter blossoms, and some fun cookies like gingerbread linzer cookies, Christmas shortbread cookie bites, and peanut butter thumbprint cookies.
Christmas Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing are golden brown and crisp on the outside, but soft and tender inside. The best and festive gourmet holiday cookie.
Classic gingerbread cookies are soft and chewy in the centre but crisp on the edges, and warmly spiced. Decorate with royal icing to complete the look on these festive holiday cookies.
Sweet buttery linzer cookies are a classic Christmas cookie with flaky shortbread and fruit jam. The perfect festive holiday treat that melts in your mouth.
Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites
Funfetti Christmas shortbread cookie bites are little bites of buttery melt-in-your-mouth shortbread packed with festive sprinkles for a fun holiday treat.
Soft chewy ginger cookies packed with ginger, molasses, and cinnamon spice is the most warm and cozy cookie ever. These holiday cookies stay soft for days.
Sweet and nutty pecan snowball cookies (Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies) are little melt-in-your-mouth balls of buttery shortbread with nuts.
Soft and chewy peanut butter blossoms topped with a chocolate kiss are a classic Christmas cookie that is easy to make during the holidays or any time of year.
Gingerbread Linzer Cookies with Chocolate Filling
Soft and warmly spiced gingerbread linzer cookies with white chocolate ganache and dusted with confectioners' sugar is a delicious Christmas holiday cookie.
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Cranberry orange shortbread cookies are bursting with flavour from dried cranberries and fresh orange zest. These easy cookies are rolled, sliced and baked.
Soft tender chewy chocolate crinkle cookies are a classic Christmas cookie that tastes like a rich fudgy brownie with a crackly crust and coated in sugar.
Festive red and green M&M Christmas cookies are super soft and chewy with the crispiest edges. Quick and easy to make in under 20 minutes with no chill time.
Festive cranberry pistachio biscotti are crunchy, delicious, and perfect for dunking. This Italian cookie is easy to make with warm holiday flavours.
White Chocolate Peppermint Gingerbread Cookies
Festive white chocolate peppermint gingerbread cookies are soft and chewy, dipped in white chocolate, with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy canes.
Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies with Maple Cinnamon Glaze
Melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter thumbprint cookies with raspberry jam and a drizzle of maple cinnamon glaze are the best holiday cookies and easy to make.
Slice and Bake Pecan Shortbread Cookies
Easy slice and bake pecan shortbread cookies are sweet, nutty and buttery shortbread cookies packed with finely chopped pecans that melt in your mouth.
More Cookie Recipes
- Snickerdoodles
- Butter Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Jam-Filled Thumbprint Cookies with Almond Glaze
- Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
- French Macarons with Vanilla Buttercream Filling
- Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
- The Best Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffles
- Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cookies
- Easy Almond Biscotti
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Cookies
- Rice Cookies with Poppy Seeds
How to Store Cookies
You can make or prepare all of the cookies for this holiday cookie box ahead of time, and most keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for at least 3 days, up to one week.
Cookies generally also freeze really well. Store these cookies in an airtight container in layers divided by parchment paper, or in a freezer bag (depending on the cookies), and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Making a batch of cookies at a time and storing in the freezer is an efficient way to make a holiday cookie box with a variety of cookies.
Did You Make any of the Cookies in this Holiday Cookie Box?
Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this holiday cookie box guide and round up of cookie recipes. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.
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PrintRecipe
The Best Holiday Cookie Box
- Total Time: 3 hours (to bake all cookies + more time to plan and prep)
- Yield: 16-24 cookies per box
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Complete how-to guide to make the best holiday cookie box with the top Christmas holiday cookies including recipes and tips. It's the best Christmas gift.
Ingredients
- cookies - you may need flour, sugar, butter, baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, peanut butter, chocolate chips, sprinkles
- baking equipment - measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, stand mixer or hand mixer, half sheet baking pan, silicone baking mat, and wire cooling rack. You may also need a cookie scoop, Christmas cookie cutters, and a rolling pin.
- other treats - such as candy canes, chocolate and candies.
- cookie box - you can use disposable cardboard cookie boxes or festive cookie tins.
- accessories - such as cupcake liners, burlap rope and/or ribbon.
Instructions
- Choose the cookies. Whether you are including homemade cookies, storebought, or both, you want to choose a variety of cookies with different shapes and sizes and flavours. This will make the cookie box look interesting. I suggest baking anywhere from 4 to 8 different types of cookies (this year I went overboard with 15 different cookies). I plan out my cookie boxes about one month ahead of time, and make changes to it as I get inspired to add new cookies, and take some off my list.
- Choose other treats. Think about whether or not you want to include other treats such as candy canes, festive chocolate kisses, or peppermint candies.
- Check that you have the required baking equipment. Once you have a set list of cookies that you will be baking, determine that what baking equipment you will need. Typically, for most cookies, you will need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, a hand mixer or stand mixer, large half sheet baking pan, silicone baking mat, and a wire cooling rack. You may also need a cookie scoop, Christmas cookie cutters and a rolling pin, depending on the cookies you are baking.
- Make a shopping list.
- Ingredients: Make a shopping list of all the ingredients that you will need (including any treats or candies that you are including).
- Baking equipment: Do an inventory of the baking equipment that you have at home and determine what you need to purchase. Add anything you need to your shopping list.
- Cookie boxes and accessories: For the cookie boxes, choose something that is shallow with a lid. It can be disposable cardboard boxes (like these plain boxes or these festive decorated boxes) or keepsake cookie tins. You may also want to add mini cupcake liners (to layer in smaller cookies), burlap twine or ribbon (to tie a stack of cookies together), and cardstock (to divide parts of the box) to your shopping list.
- Make a schedule. It can be overwhelming when you have a list of cookies to bake, even if it is just four. Some cookies need to be chilled for hours, some need to be rolled and cut out, some need to be decorated with icing, some are sandwiched together... you get the drift. Go through each cookie recipe that you want to make, and starting with the easiest, write out a schedule starting at prep. Then, incorporate the next cookie into that schedule. Depending on the cookies you are baking, you may be able to schedule everything in one day, or spread it out over the course of a few days or weeks. The best thing is that most cookies freeze really well, so you can start baking the cookies even a month ahead and freeze them as you bake. Once you are ready to assemble your boxes and gift the cookies, just take them out of the freezer.
- Assemble the box. Arrange the cookies in different ways and put cookies of different shapes, sizes and colours next together to make it look interesting. You don't want to have a big section of cookies that all look the same. Use cupcake liners and burlap twine or ribbon to group certain cookies together. Use cardstock to divide and section off areas of the box.
Notes
How to store: You can make or prepare all of these Christmas cookies ahead of time, and most keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for at least 3 days, up to one week.
How to freeze: Store these cookies in an airtight container in layers divided by parchment paper, or in a freezer bag (depending on the cookies), and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Making a batch of cookies at a time and storing in the freezer is the best way to make a holiday cookie box with a variety of cookies.
- Prep Time: 2 hours (+possible chill time)
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 200
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Shar Bremer says
Where did you get the wooden cookie box shown in your picture?
Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says
Hi Shar! This the wooden box I used.
Sherrie Mumm says
Love this article with yummy recipes which I plan to try. Question...I would love to give the cookies in the same divided wooden box you show yours displayed in. Where would I order them or do you make them for sale? Thank you for your cleaver idea. S
Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says
Thank you Sherrie! This the wooden box I used.
Angela says
Lovely! May I ask where you purchased the wooden box shown?
Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says
Thanks Angela! This the wooden box I used.