The holidays are all about sharing, and few treats make it easier to spread a little sweetness than a batch of homemade cookies. Whether you’re preparing for a neighborhood cookie exchange, filling gift tins for friends and family, or setting out a platter for holiday guests, festive cookie recipes are a delicious way to make the season special.
With Crisco, you can bake a variety of crowd-pleasing cookies, from classic chocolate chip favorites to peppermint-filled treats and colorful creations that look just as good as they taste. Ready to preheat the oven? Here are six cookie swap recipes to add to your holiday baking list.
Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies
Some holiday traditions are worth keeping classic. Our Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies deliver the familiar combination of brown sugar, vanilla, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and chopped pecans. Made with Crisco Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening, they’re a delicious addition to any holiday cookie lineup.
Cookie swap tip: Prefer your cookies extra chewy? Bake them for the shorter recommended time. For a crispier cookie, leave them in the oven a little longer, following the recipe instructions. You can also omit the pecans and add extra chocolate chips instead.
Classic Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs
Give your holiday cookie swap a festive touch with these Classic Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs. Made with Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, these tender cookies hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for decorating with Christmas trees, snowflakes, stars and more. Finish with frosting and your favorite holiday decorations for cookies that look as good as they taste.
Cookie swap tip: Let the frosting dry completely before packing, then layer cookies between sheets of wax paper to keep your decorations looking picture-perfect.
Candy Cane Cookies
Bring a classic holiday shape to your cookie platter with Candy Cane Cookies. These festive treats feature red and plain cookie dough twisted together and shaped into miniature candy canes. A hint of peppermint extract gives them a minty flavor that fits right in with the season’s sweetest traditions.
Unlike the hard crunch of a candy cane, these festive red-and-white cookies are soft and tender, thanks to Crisco Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening.
Cookie swap tip: Remember to plan ahead, as the dough needs several hours to chill before shaping.
Toasted Marshmallow Chocolate Cookies
Bring the cozy flavors of hot cocoa to your holiday cookie swap with our Toasted Marshmallow Chocolate Cookies; rich chocolate cookies topped with toasted marshmallow creme and a drizzle of melted chocolate. Made with Crisco Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening, they’re a delectable addition to any Christmas cookie spread.
Cookie swap tip: Pack these cookies in a single layer to keep their marshmallow topping and chocolate drizzle looking their best. If stacking is necessary, use parchment paper between layers.
Chocolate Peppermint Cream Filled Cookies
For a cookie that feels like a holiday indulgence, try Chocolate Peppermint Cream Filled Cookies. Rich chocolate cookies sandwich a sweet peppermint cream filling, with crushed peppermint candy adding an extra festive touch.
This recipe uses Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening in both the chocolate cookies and the cream filling, making it a great way to showcase the versatility of this pantry staple. The result is a decadent, chocolatey treat with a refreshing peppermint finish.
Cookie swap tip: Allow the cookies to cool and chill as directed before adding the filling. Store the finished sandwich cookies in an airtight container.
Gingerbread Cookie Cups
Give your holiday cookie swap a little extra charm with our Gingerbread Cookie Cups. These bite-sized treats combine classic gingerbread spice with a fun, festive presentation. They’re a delicious way to bring something a little different to the cookie tray and make your holiday baking stand out.
Cookie swap tip: Make these cookie cups a day ahead and add the filling just before serving to keep them looking their best. Pack them in a single layer in a sturdy container to help protect their shape on the way to the swap.
Make Your Holiday Cookie Swap Sweeter
A fun cookie swap is about more than finding the perfect recipe. It’s an opportunity to spend time with the people you love, exchange family favorites, and discover new treats to enjoy year after year.
A little planning can make your holiday baking even more fun, so here are some tips for your next swap:
- Plan ahead: Check each recipe for chilling time and preparation requirements so you can spread your baking across several days.
- Package with care: Let cookies cool completely before arranging them in tins or containers, and separate delicate decorations to help protect them.
- Share the recipe: Include recipe links with your cookie swap contributions so friends and family can recreate their favorites at home.
From classic chocolate chip cookie recipes to festive candy cane creations and chocolate-peppermint treats, Crisco has plenty of inspiration for making your holiday baking memorable. Pick a few recipes, gather your ingredients, and get ready to share something sweet this season.
Happy baking from Crisco!
