There’s something magical about the smell of cookies baking in December. It’s the scent of comfort, celebration, and childhood memories wrapped into one. I still remember the first time I made a Christmas Cookie Box for my husband’s coworkers. I didn’t have a fancy plan, just a counter full of cookies, a few empty tins, and a whole lot of love. But the joy it sparked? Instant. From that year forward, it became our tradition. Now, every December, we bake, pack, and gift these sweet treasures.

In this post, I’ll show you how to build your own show-stopping cookie box that’s easy to assemble, wildly delicious, and full of holiday cheer.

Table of Contents

Making a Christmas Cookie Box isn’t just about cookies, it’s about spreading joy. It’s the perfect homemade gift: heartfelt, affordable, and impressive. Plus, it’s a chance to slow down and savor the season with your family. Kids love helping, and you can tailor the selection to anyone’s taste, from chocolate lovers to spice fans.

Each cookie in the box is carefully chosen to offer different textures and flavors: chewy, crunchy, buttery, and spiced. And you don’t need to be a pro baker. With simple recipes and a bit of planning, you can pull this off in one weekend and wow everyone on your list.

Need a festive and fun addition? These Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles are a show-stealer and easy to make with just a few steps.

Christmas Cookie Box

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

This Christmas Cookie Box is the ultimate edible gift. A festive assortment of six cookie favorites, packed beautifully and perfect for sharing holiday cheer.

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 cookie gift boxes 1x

Ingredients

Scale

2 dozen sugar cookies

2 dozen peppermint crinkles

1 dozen shortbread cookies

1 dozen gingerbread men

1 dozen chocolate thumbprint cookies

1 dozen snowball cookies

Parchment paper

Cookie box or tin Ribbons or tags

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Choose your cookie recipes and bake them.

2. Let all cookies cool completely.

3. Line the box with parchment paper.

4. Arrange cookies in cupcake liners or small sections.

5. Layer sturdier cookies at the bottom.

6. Top with wax paper.

7. Seal box and decorate with ribbon.

8. Include a label or recipe card.

Notes

Make ahead: Most cookies freeze well for up to 2 weeks.

Try to include a variety of textures and flavors.

Use cupcake liners or mini baking cups to separate cookies.

Author: Chef Saly
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie box
Calories: 950
Sugar: 60
Sodium: 280
Fat: 45
Saturated Fat: 25
Unsaturated Fat: 18
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 120
Fiber: 3
Protein: 8
Cholesterol: 120

You can mix and match based on your favorites, but a good cookie box usually includes at least 5–6 different cookies. Here’s a sample lineup:

Classic Sugar Cookies – Cut-out or drop-style, decorated or plain.
Peppermint Chocolate Crinkles – Fudgy centers with a festive peppermint twist.
Shortbread – Buttery and crumbly, plain or dipped in chocolate.
Spiced Gingerbread Cookies – A holiday classic with warm spices.
Jam or Chocolate Thumbprints – Sweet, chewy, and colorful.
Snowball Cookies (aka Russian Tea Cakes) – Melt-in-your-mouth powdered sugar dreams.

To pack:

Small paper cupcake liners or mini parchment squares
A sturdy box or tin with a lid
Wax paper, tissue, or parchment for layering

Want a crowd favorite with a festive twist? Add these Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies to balance richness and visual appeal in your cookie tray.

Step-by-step, here’s how to bring your cookie gift box to life:

Pick Your Recipes: Aim for variety; different flavors, textures, and shapes. At least one no-bake or quick recipe helps save time.
Make a Baking Schedule: Bake and freeze some cookies ahead of time (like shortbread or crinkles). Leave delicate ones for the day of packaging.
Set Up an Assembly Station: Clear a large surface. Use parchment or wax paper to protect your workspace.
Line and Layer: Use cupcake liners or parchment to separate cookie types and keep flavors from mixing.
Add Height and Shape: Stack round cookies, fan out rectangles, and place delicate ones in the center.
Seal and Decorate: Use tissue or wax paper on top before closing. Tie with ribbon or baker’s twine, and include a handwritten note.

Want to balance sweet cookies with a spiced baked treat? Include a slice or mini loaf of Christmas Bread for something comforting and seasonal.

Color Counts: Include something red (jam thumbprints), white (snowballs), and brown (chocolate cookies) for visual contrast.
Allergy-Friendly Options: Consider including one gluten-free or nut-free cookie so more people can enjoy.
Shelf Life: Choose cookies that stay fresh 5+ days. Avoid anything too gooey unless they’ll be eaten right away.
Freezer Tip: Most cookies freeze beautifully. Bake ahead, freeze, then thaw overnight before packing.
Go Mini: Make smaller versions of each cookie so recipients can try more without feeling overwhelmed.
Include a List: Add a card that names each cookie and mentions potential allergens.

Need a cozy cookie that freezes like a dream? These Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies add warm, nutty depth and pack beautifully.

How far in advance can I make the cookie box?
You can start baking up to two weeks ahead. Freeze cookies in airtight containers and thaw the night before assembling.

What cookies last the longest in a box?
Shortbread, biscotti, and sugar cookies typically last up to 10 days at room temp. Moist cookies like crinkles or jam thumbprints last about 4–5 days.

How do I ship a cookie box?
Use a sturdy tin or box, cushion with tissue or bubble wrap, and choose cookies that hold their shape (avoid fragile or frosted ones). Overnight or 2-day shipping is best.

What’s the best way to prevent cookies from going stale?
Wrap each type separately in wax paper, store in an airtight container, and keep away from heat or humidity.

Looking for a chewy, crowd-pleasing option? These Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies are rich, soft, and balance sweet and salty beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Creating a Christmas Cookie Box is more than a recipe, it’s a tradition wrapped in ribbon. Whether you’re gifting coworkers, neighbors, or faraway family, this simple gesture turns into a lasting memory. It’s thoughtful, fun, and full of flavor. So pick your favorites, preheat the oven, and let the baking magic begin. You’ll be surprised just how much joy one little box can bring.

For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!

Share with your loved ones:

Christmas Cookie Box