Drop Style Christmas Cookies Family Favorite Recipe

Published:

November 3, 2025

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Drop Style Christmas Cookies : Drop Style Christmas Cookies Family Favorite Recipe

Introduction

Have you ever wondered why, even with countless intricate recipes available, the most cherished holiday memories often revolve around the simplest treats? Research shows that during the bustling holiday season, the search for easy Christmas cookies skyrockets, not because we lack ambition, but because we crave connection over complexity. We’re looking for warmth, nostalgia, and a moment of shared joy, not a multi day baking project. That’s the beautiful secret behind these Drop Style Christmas Cookies. They aren’t just a recipe; they are a return to the heart of holiday baking. I still remember standing in my grandmother’s kitchen, the air thick with the scent of melting butter and sugar, watching her effortlessly spoon dollops of dough onto a baking sheet. She told me, “Ben, the best food isn’t the fanciest, it’s the food made with love and shared with the people you love.”

That wisdom is baked into every bite of these cookies. This is one of my go to Christmas cookie recipes because it’s incredibly forgiving, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for getting the whole family involved. My kids, Adams and Jana, love being in charge of the mix ins, debating whether we’ll add festive sprinkles, M&Ms, or a generous handful of chocolate chips. These cookies are our little tradition, a simple way to slow down and create something wonderful together. They are the quintessential holiday cookies for busy parents and joyful kids, proving that you don’t need complicated techniques to make memories that last a lifetime. They represent the pure, uncomplicated happiness of the season, scooped and dropped right onto the baking sheet.

Why You’ll Love These Drop Style Christmas Cookies

When the holiday rush begins, I find myself turning to recipes that promise comfort without chaos. These Drop Style Christmas Cookies are my anchor in the sweet storm of the season. They embody everything I love about holiday baking: simplicity, tradition, and the sheer delight of creating something delicious with my family. Emily and I have made these every year since the kids were tiny, and they have become a non negotiable part of our traditional Christmas cookies lineup. They are infinitely more straightforward than cutout cookies, yet they deliver all the festive flavor and cheer you could ever want. They are the perfect answer for a last minute Christmas cookie exchange, a thoughtful addition to your Christmas cookie gift ideas, or simply a warm treat to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa after a day of decorating.

Here’s exactly why this recipe will become your new holiday favorite:

Absolutely No Chilling or Rolling Required: This is the ultimate time saver. The dough comes together in minutes and goes directly from the mixing bowl to the baking sheet. Forget clearing space in the fridge or dealing with sticky, uncooperative dough and Christmas cookie cutters. This is a true mix, drop, and bake recipe, making it one of the most genuinely easy Christmas cookies you will ever find.
Perfect for Little Helpers: The simple “drop” method is ideal for kids. My children, Adams and Jana, love wielding the cookie scoop, feeling like professional bakers as they portion out the dough. It’s a wonderful, low-mess way to get them involved in the kitchen and start building their own precious holiday memories.
Endlessly Customizable: This recipe is a perfect canvas for your creativity. Keep it classic with just vanilla extract, or stir in your favorite additions. Think chocolate chips, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, festive sprinkles, or even dried cranberries for a pop of color and tartness. You can even create different batches from one bowl of dough to please everyone.
Soft, Chewy, and Oh So Comforting: These cookies bake up with perfectly crisp edges and a wonderfully soft, chewy center. It’s the texture that defines ultimate comfort food, reminiscent of the very best Christmas cookies from your childhood. The flavor is a classic symphony of butter, sugar, and vanilla.
Makes a Big Batch for Sharing: The holiday season is all about sharing, and this recipe yields a generous amount of cookies, perfect for gifting to neighbors, bringing to an office party, or stocking the cookie jar for visiting family and friends. For anyone searching for great holiday desserts, Serious Eats offers a fantastic roundup of Christmas Cookies that could complement these.

Ingredients for Drop Style Christmas Cookies

2 ¼ cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups of your favorite mix ins (e.g., chocolate chips, M&Ms, chopped nuts, festive sprinkles, or chopped dried cranberries)

Substitutions:

For Gluten Free Christmas Cookies: Replace the all purpose flour with a high quality 1:1 gluten free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum.
For Vegan Christmas Cookies: Use a plant based butter substitute and a vegan egg replacer (such as a flax egg or a commercial product). Ensure your chocolate chips and other mix ins are dairy free.
Spices: For a warmer flavor, feel free to add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg with your dry ingredients. This gives it a flavor profile similar to some Christmas snickerdoodle cookies.

How to Make Drop Style Christmas Cookies

This process is so simple and rewarding. It’s all about a few key steps: creaming the butter and sugars properly to create a light texture, and being careful not to overmix once the flour is added. It’s a method that ensures soft, chewy cookies every time.

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare Your Station: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Getting everything ready before you start is my number one tip for stress free baking.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking them together first ensures that the leavening is evenly distributed, which helps your cookies bake uniformly. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy. This should take about 1 minute. Add both the granulated sugar and the brown sugar. Beat them together on medium high speed for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. Don’t rush this step! This process incorporates air into the dough, which is the secret to a soft, tender cookie.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until it’s fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is mixing evenly. After the eggs are in, mix in the vanilla extract. The dough should look smooth and well combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture you set aside earlier. Mix only until the flour streaks have just disappeared. It’s very important not to overmix here; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour and lead to tough, dense cookies instead of soft, chewy ones.
Stir in the Fun Stuff: Remove the bowl from the mixer. Using a spatula, gently fold in your chosen mix ins, like chocolate chips, nuts, or festive sprinkles. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough. For some great inspiration, Allrecipes has a guide for super Easy Christmas Cookies with lots of fun ideas.
Drop and Bake: Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) or two spoons, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, placing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers look set. They might look slightly underdone in the very middle, but they will continue to bake on the hot pan.
Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up perfectly.

Pro Tips & Variations

Over the years, our family has made countless batches of these Drop Style Christmas Cookies, and we’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. These little details can elevate your cookies from simply good to absolutely unforgettable. And the best part about a foundational recipe like this is its versatility. Think of this as your base camp for exploring a whole world of Christmas cookie ideas. Whether you’re a purist or an adventurer, there’s a version of this cookie for you. From Christmas chocolate chip cookies to a spiced oatmeal variety, the possibilities are genuinely exciting.

Pro Tips for Cookie Perfection:

Room Temperature is Key: I can’t stress this enough. Using room temperature butter and eggs is crucial for a smooth, emulsified dough. Cold ingredients don’t combine as well, which can result in a lumpy batter and flatter cookies. Set your butter and eggs out on the counter about an hour before you plan to bake.
The Scoop Makes a Difference: Using a cookie scoop is my secret weapon for perfectly uniform cookies. It not only ensures that all your cookies are the same size (which means they bake evenly), but it also makes the process faster and less messy. If you don’t have one, two spoons work just fine!
Don’t Overbake: The number one culprit of hard, dry cookies is overbaking. You want to pull them from the oven when the edges are just beginning to turn golden and the centers look soft and slightly underdone. They will finish baking from the residual heat of the pan. This is the secret to that coveted soft and chewy texture.

Fun Variations to Try:

Christmas Oatmeal Cookies: Reduce the flour to 1 ¾ cups and add 1 cup of old fashioned or quick cooking oats. Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and fold in 1 cup of dried cranberries and ½ cup of white chocolate chips for a festive and hearty cookie.
Christmas Peanut Butter Cookies: For a delicious twist, swap out half the butter for creamy peanut butter. This creates a cookie with a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate chips. It is a simple way to make a drop style version of Christmas peanut butter cookies.
Ultimate Chocolate Lover’s Cookie: Add 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to your dry ingredients and use a mix of semi sweet, milk, and white chocolate chips as your mix in. This creates a rich, decadent cookie similar to my Easy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe.
Gingerbread Spice Drop Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced cookie that tastes like a gingerbread dream. A drizzle of simple Christmas cookie icing (powdered sugar and milk) on top would be perfect.

Serving Suggestions

One of the greatest joys of baking holiday cookies is deciding how to share and serve them. These Drop Style Christmas Cookies are wonderfully versatile, feeling just as right on a fancy platter as they do straight from the cooling rack. In our house, the first batch rarely makes it to the cookie jar. We gather around the kitchen island, hands reaching for warm cookies, with the scent of vanilla and melted chocolate filling the air. It’s a simple, perfect moment. But when it’s time for a more formal presentation, especially for a Christmas cookie exchange or family gathering, a little thought about pairing can make them shine even brighter.

Here are some of my favorite ways to serve these delightful cookies:

The Classic Milk and Cookies: There is nothing more iconic or comforting. Serve a plate of these warm cookies alongside a tall, cold glass of milk. For an extra festive touch, you could also serve them with a rich, mug of homemade hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
A Festive Cookie Platter: Create a stunning Christmas cookie gift ideas platter by arranging these drop cookies alongside other holiday favorites. Their simple, round shape provides a lovely contrast to more elaborate cookies. I love pairing them with the intricate design of Christmas spritz cookies, the spice of gingerbread men, and the beautiful jewel tones of jam thumbprints. The variety in shapes, flavors, and textures makes for an irresistible display.
With Coffee or Tea for the Grown Ups: These cookies are a perfect afternoon treat. Their buttery sweetness is a wonderful complement to the slight bitterness of a hot cup of coffee or a nice, spiced chai tea. It’s a simple pleasure that feels elegant and cozy.
As an Ice Cream Sandwich: For a truly decadent dessert, take two completely cooled cookies and sandwich a scoop of high quality vanilla bean ice cream between them. You can even roll the edges in mini chocolate chips or festive sprinkles for a dessert that will have everyone cheering.
Packed for Gifting: These cookies hold up well, making them ideal for gifting. Stack them in clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon, or arrange them in a decorative tin. They are a heartfelt and delicious way to share the holiday spirit with teachers, neighbors, and friends.

Storage & Reheating

One of anorganized baker’s best tools during the holidays is a good storage plan. Making your Christmas cookie recipes in advance can be a huge stress reliever, and these Drop Style Christmas Cookies are perfect for prepping ahead. Knowing you have a stash of dough in the freezer or a container of freshly baked cookies ready to go is like giving your future self a gift.

Storing Baked Cookies:

At Room Temperature: Once the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, you can add a slice of bread to the container; the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread.
In the Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies. Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer safe zip top bag or airtight container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them on the counter at room temperature for an hour or two.

Making the Dough Ahead:

In the Refrigerator: You can prepare the cookie dough, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes to soften slightly, then scoop and bake as directed. You may need to add a minute or two to the baking time.
In the Freezer: This is my favorite holiday hack! Scoop the cookie dough onto a parchment lined baking sheet, just as if you were about to bake them. Place the entire sheet in the freezer for about an hour, or until the dough balls are firm. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer safe bag. You can bake them directly from frozen whenever you crave a fresh, warm cookie! Just add 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating:

While these cookies are delicious at room temperature, there’s nothing like a warm cookie. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 2 to 3 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQ about Drop Style Christmas Cookies

1. Why did my cookies spread out and become flat?
This is a very common question! The most likely culprit is butter that was too soft or even melted. Your butter should be at room temperature, which means it’s soft enough to indent with your finger but still holds its shape. If your butter is too warm, the dough will be too soft and will spread excessively in the oven. Another reason could be not measuring your flour correctly. Be sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping it directly from the bag, which can compact it and result in using too little.

2. Can I make this cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is one of the best things about these drop cookies. You can prepare the dough and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for later. My favorite method is to scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer for a near instant batch of holiday cookies. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

3. What are the best mix ins for these Drop Style Christmas Cookies?
This is the fun part! The best Christmas cookies are the ones you love, so feel free to experiment. Classic semi sweet chocolate chips are always a winner. For a festive look, try using red and green M&Ms or a variety of sprinkles. For a different texture and flavor, chopped nuts like pecans and walnuts work beautifully, as do dried fruits such as cranberries or cherries. A combination of white chocolate chips and dried cranberries is one of my personal favorites for the holidays.

4. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The visual cues are key. You’re looking for the edges to be set and a light golden brown. The centers should look puffy and slightly undercooked. Don’t wait for the whole cookie to look brown and dry! They will continue to cook from the residual heat of the baking sheet after you take them out of the oven. Letting them rest on the pan for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack is a crucial step for achieving that perfect soft, chewy center.

5. Can I make these without a stand mixer?
Yes, you certainly can. A hand mixer works perfectly well for this recipe. If you don’t have an electric mixer at all, you can still make them by hand with a whisk and a sturdy spatula. It will require a bit more arm strength, especially for creaming the butter and sugar together, but it’s totally achievable. Just make sure you mix thoroughly at each step to get that light and fluffy texture.

Final Thoughts on DropStyle Christmas Cookies

To me, holiday baking is about so much more than just a final product. It’s about the process, the people, and the memories you create in the warmth of your kitchen. These Drop Style Christmas Cookies are the embodiment of that philosophy. They are a celebration of simplicity, a canvas for your creativity, and a delicious excuse to gather your loved ones. This is the Christmas cookie recipe I turn to year after year, the one my kids request, and the one that always brings a smile to everyone’s face. It’s proof that you don’t need to be a professional baker to fill your home with the incredible aromas and flavors of the season.

So, this holiday season, I invite you to slow down, preheat your oven, and scoop up some joy. Make a batch for a neighbor, bring them to a Christmas cookie exchange, or simply enjoy them with your family on a quiet evening. Every meal, every cookie, is a chance to make a memory.

I hope you love these cookies as much as my family does. If you make them, I would be thrilled to hear about it! Leave a comment below and let me know what fun mix ins you used. And if you’re looking for more family friendly holiday inspiration, be sure to save this recipe to Pinterest and subscribe to the Mister Recipes newsletter. From our kitchen to yours, happy baking