Happy December, Reader!

Every time I think of Christmas cookies, I think of the failed batch of gingerbread cookies that my mom and I made (rather, attempted to make) years ago. We made a handful of different cookies that year from a well-known magazine—including three-color pinwheels that turned out great!—but for some reason, the gingerbread dough turned into a literal brick in the fridge.

We tried rolling it out, and it wouldn't budge at all.

We thought letting it sit out might soften it. Nope, still hard as a rock!

We figured we didn't have much to lose and tried to roll it out again with and without flour, but it broke into a million crumbly pieces, and we couldn't put it back together again—not even after trying to incorporate another egg!

We worked to revive the dough for 15 minutes, but we finally had to give up and throw it away. It was frustrating, to say the least.

I share that story because I know exactly how disappointing it is to make a cookie dough and have it not turn out! To hopefully prevent that from happening to you this year, the following are cookie recipes I have tested and made multiple times. You can count on them being great additions to your cookie baking this year.

P.S. Stay tuned for my next recipe ;)

Cookie Box Favorites

One of my favorite Christmas cookies, these chocolate gingerbread cookies are a twist on the classic gingerbread with cocoa powder and melted chocolate right in the dough! It makes for a super forgiving cookie dough that's ready to roll out immediately with no chill time. Chocolate gingerbread cookie recipe

Another no-chill cookie dough, these Linzer cookies can be made in the traditional circles or in your favorite fun shapes, like gingerbread men! I filled mine with pomegranate jelly and cookie butter. No-chill Linzer cookie recipe

My husband's favorite Christmas cookies! These chocolate peppermint cookies are studded with peppermint-flavored baking chips, then topped with crushed candy canes (optional, but fun!). Also no chill time ;) Chocolate peppermint cookies recipe

These chocolate chip cookies with caramel chips are super easy and delicious! I use the sea salt and caramel baking chips from Trader Joe's, but any caramel chip will do. Caramel chocolate chip cookies recipe

These white chocolate pomegranate macarons require more effort than the other cookies, but I promise they're worth it! They're made with a cardamom-spiced macaron shell, a white chocolate buttercream, and a pomegranate jelly filling. White chocolate pomegranate macarons recipe

And while not technically a cookie, these peppermint brownies will still fit in your cookie boxes! Just make sure to put them in a zipper bag so the rest of your cookies don't get minty. Peppermint brownies recipe

Behind the Scenes

• Austin and I have taken a serious/non-smiling Thanksgiving picture every year we've been together, and it's the only picture he looks forward to taking—even if it doesn't look like it. Happy Thanksgiving from us!
• I hosted my first Thanksgiving this year, and we had my parents and Austin's parents come up for the weekend! I now have so much more respect for everyone who hosts every year. My mom kept telling me how thankful she was that she didn't have to host this year 😂

May all your cookie doughs roll out beautifully this season ;)

Happy baking!
Alyssa

P.S. If you make any of these recipes, it would mean the world if you leave a review of how the recipe turned out! It goes a long way to let others know it's a tried and trusted recipe 💛