When it comes to the holidays, Crisco and cookies go together like Santa and elves. Like wrapping paper and bows, like… you, get the picture.
There’s a reason generations of bakers have sworn by Crisco cookie recipes. Crisco’s creamy texture and higher melting point help dough hold its shape, giving cookies that perfect balance—crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and beautifully uniform every time.
So whether you’re a once-a-year holiday baker or a seasoned cookie pro, these 12 Days of Christmas Cookies recipes should inspire and delight; a dozen festive Christmas cookies with Crisco, each one bringing something sweet (and perfectly baked) to your holiday lineup.
Day 1: Classic Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs
Get the holiday magic started with a batch of Crisco’s Classic Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs, a timeless favorite for decorating, gifting, or sneaking straight off the cooling rack.
Why you’ll love it: These cookies bake soft in the middle with delicately crisp edges, thanks to Crisco Shortening. The dough rolls out smoothly, holds its shape beautifully, and stays tender even after decorating.
Serving tip: Use festive cookie cutters (stars, trees, snowflakes) and decorate with royal icing or colored sugar. For softer cookies, roll thicker (⅜ inch); for crisp, go thinner (¼ inch).
Day 2: Holiday Spritz Cookies
Keep the celebration going with the classic shape-press cookie. The Crisco “Holiday Spritz Cookies” recipe uses one-half-cup butter-flavor Crisco shortening (along with butter) and a cookie press to make festive tree or wreath shapes.
Why you’ll love it: Crisp edges, quick bake time (6-7 minutes), great for customizing with colored sprinkles or red/green sugar.
Serving tip: Press onto parchment-lined sheets, chill the dough slightly if it gets too soft, and decorate while warm.
Day 3: Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies
Crisco’s “Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies” call for ¾ cup butter-flavor Crisco shortening, brown sugar, milk, vanilla , plus semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans.
Why this is a standout: The shortening gives these cookies a chewier-on-the-inside, crisp-on-the-outside texture.
Cooking Tip: For extra chew, bake 8-10 minutes; for more crisp, 11-13 minutes.
Day 4: Mexican Wedding Cookies (aka Snowball Cookies)
Day 4 is all about melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. Crisco’s “Mexican Wedding Cookies” uses 2 cups of butter-flavor shortening, powdered sugar, almond & vanilla extract, flour and pecans.
Holiday vibe: These cookies look like snowballs. They’re rolled in powdered sugar while warm, then served snowy white.
Pro tip: Get the contrast by rolling while warm, and once again when cooled for a thick sugary coating.
Day 5: Double Chocolate Cookies
On the 5th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: chocolate! If you’ve got room in the cookie tin for more (and who doesn’t!), Double Chocolate Cookies will bring all the chocolate you crave.
Why Crisco? Crisco shortening helps to maintain structure while achieving rich chocolate flavor.
Serving suggestion: Place on a festive platter alongside Day 3’s chip-loaded cookies for the chocoholics.
Day 6: Italian Lemon Drop Cookies
Day 6 brings citrus brightness to your cookie box with Italian Lemon Drop Cookies.
Why you’ll love it: This cookie is a refreshing contrast to heavy chocolate and nut cookies. The shortening helps keep the lemon-drop texture light rather than dense.
Serving tip: Sprinkle with a touch of lemon zest or glaze with powdered sugar for extra holiday sparkle.
Day 7: Gingerbread Cookie Cups
Halfway through the cookie countdown and we’re still going strong (and baking deliciously) with our Gingerbread Cookie Cups.
Why you’ll love it: These bite-sized cups are packed with classic gingerbread flavor but remain tender and easy to enjoy. The Crisco ensures a soft, slightly chewy texture that holds up beautifully to fillings like chocolate, caramel, or cream cheese.
Serving tip: Sprinkle with a touch of powdered sugar or fill with a dollop of whipped cream or chocolate ganache for extra holiday cheer.
Day 8: Toasted Pecan Cookies
Rich, nutty, and just the right amount of cozy, these Toasted Pecan Cookies bring southern charm to your holiday cookie tray. The pecans are toasted to deepen their flavor, giving each bite a buttery crunch that’s perfectly complemented by Crisco Shortening.
Flavor profile: A warm, nut-forward cookie with caramelized undertones and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Pairing idea: Serve with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk after dinner, or crumble a few over vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert upgrade.
Day 9: Raspberry Linzer Rounds
Day nine brings elegant, jam‑filled sweetness to your cookie box with Raspberry Linzer Rounds.
Why you’ll love it: These delicate sandwich cookies pair the buttery, almond‑infused dough with bright raspberry preserves peeking through the cut‑out tops. The contrast of soft cookie and fruity center makes them feel festive, yet easy enough for a home bake.
Serving tip: Dust the tops with powdered sugar just before serving for extra holiday sparkle, and consider plating them around a sprig of fresh mint or a few whole raspberries to elevate the presentation.
Day 10: Candy Cane Cookies
Day ten adds festive flair to your cookie box with Candy Cane Cookies, where classic peppermint meets the cheery shape of a holiday staple.
Why you’ll love it: These cookies combine a buttery dough made with Crisco (for that light, tender texture) with two elegantly twisted ropes of plain and red‑tinted peppermint dough that curl into candy‑cane shapes. The result is sweet, minty, and visually delightful.
Serving tip: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving, or drape a thin ribbon around each stick‑shaped cookie to elevate presentation and turn them into edible tree ornaments.
Day 11: Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Cookies
These Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Cookies are the kind you’ll want to eat straight off the baking sheet. Crisco® shortening helps the cookies keep their tender, chewy texture while amplifying their warm cinnamon aroma.
Serving note: The combination of sugar and spice makes these a perfect companion to a mug of hot cocoa or chai tea.
Baking Tip: Roll each dough ball in extra cinnamon sugar before baking for a sparkling, golden finish that makes them look as special as they taste.
Day 12: Almond Butter Cookies with Chocolate
The grand finale of your holiday cookie lineup, these Almond Butter Cookies with Chocolate are rich, nutty, and just a touch decadent. Crisco Shortening helps the dough hold its shape during baking, ensuring beautifully uniform cookies that are as sturdy as they are delicious.
A sweet ending: These cookies are elegant enough for gifting, yet cozy enough to enjoy at home with a cup of coffee or tea.
Bonus note: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking to heighten the almond and chocolate flavors for a gourmet twist.
Whether you’re creating crisp cutouts, chewy centers, or delicate shortbreads, these Crisco cookie recipes will help you get it right every time, so you can focus on what matters most: sharing something homemade and delicious this holiday season.
