Lucy M. Nothing says Christmas in the UK quite like a tin filled with homemade biscuits, and that’s exactly why I’ve pulled together this list of 10 Christmas cookies worth baking this season. From gooey millionaire’s shortbread to delicate almond tuiles, these festive treats bring a mix of tradition, nostalgia, and a little indulgence to your holiday table.
Some of these recipes are classic British favourites, while others have travelled from abroad and made themselves at home in our kitchens. They’re perfect for gifting, sharing over a cuppa, or sneaking with a late-night mulled wine. Whether you love buttery shortbread, crisp brandy snaps, or chocolate-dipped Viennese fingers, there’s something here for every sweet tooth. So tie on your apron, preheat the oven, and let’s bake our way through the flavours that make Christmas feel truly magical.
The 10 Christmas Cookies You’ll Want to Bake This Festive Season
Here’s a mix of classic British favourites and elegant treats that will make your Christmas cookie tin impossible to resist.
1. Millionaire’s Shortbread – Buttery, Gooey Indulgence
Few bakes feel as indulgent as millionaire’s shortbread, and it’s one of those treats that always earns a spot on the Christmas table. With its buttery shortbread base, rich caramel middle, and glossy layer of chocolate on top, every bite is pure heaven. It’s the kind of cookie-bar hybrid that satisfies both biscuit lovers and chocolate fans in one go.
At Christmas, you can keep it classic or add a festive twist with sea salt, orange zest, or even a drizzle of white chocolate for a snowy effect. Cut into bite-sized squares, it is perfect for sharing with family, gifting in little tins, or sneaking when no one is looking. Millionaire’s shortbread proves that simple layers can create the most luxurious holiday treat.
2. Bishop’s Fingers – Shortbread with a Boozy Twist
Bishop’s Fingers may not be as widely known today, but they remain a nostalgic favourite in many British households. These buttery, almond-flavoured shortbread biscuits are often finished with a hint of sherry, giving them a lovely festive warmth. They’re light, crumbly, and just the right amount of indulgent.
Served with a cup of tea or alongside a glass of mulled wine, they bring an old-fashioned charm to Christmas gatherings. If you’re making them at home, shaping them into slim finger-sized bars keeps the tradition alive. They’re a beautiful reminder that Christmas baking is not only about sweets but also about carrying forward recipes that have been shared for generations.
3. Brandy Snaps – Crisp & Cream-Filled
Brandy snaps are a true showstopper when it comes to Christmas biscuits. Thin, golden, and lacy in texture, these crisp little rolls are made from sugar, syrup, ginger, and, of course, a splash of brandy. Once cooled, they’re usually filled with lightly whipped cream, making them as elegant as they are delicious.
Part of their magic lies in the contrast. The crunch of the shell followed by the soft, creamy filling. They’re perfect for serving after dinner when guests want something light but indulgent. Best of all, they look far more complicated than they really are, so you’ll impress everyone without too much effort.
4. Easter Biscuits – A Spiced Somerset Classic
Despite their name, Easter biscuits have long crossed over into Christmas baking, especially in Somerset where they originate. Light, crisp, and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, these biscuits are dotted with currants and often sprinkled with sugar for a festive sparkle.
They’re simple, homely, and carry that old-fashioned charm that makes you feel like you’re dipping into a family recipe book. Perfect with a cup of tea on a cold December afternoon, Easter biscuits are proof that good flavours aren’t bound to one holiday alone. A batch of these on your Christmas tray adds variety and a nod to tradition.
5. Almond Tuiles – Thin & Elegant
For something delicate and refined, almond tuiles are the perfect choice. These paper-thin, crescent-shaped biscuits are made with sliced almonds and a light batter, then gently curved over a rolling pin while warm to achieve their signature shape.
They’re crisp, buttery, and just sweet enough, making them ideal alongside after-dinner coffee or as part of a Christmas dessert platter. While they look fancy, they’re surprisingly easy to make and add an elegant touch to your holiday spread. Almond tuiles show that sometimes the simplest flavours, when done well, create the most memorable treats.
6. Anzac Cookies – A Taste from Down Under
Anzac cookies may have their roots in Australia and New Zealand, but they’ve become a well-loved treat in the UK too. Made with oats, golden syrup, desiccated coconut, and butter, these cookies have a chewy, caramelised texture that makes them irresistible.
Their hearty, wholesome ingredients make them perfect for wintertime baking, and they keep well too. It means you can make a big batch ahead of Christmas. With their chewy bite and hint of coconut, they add a different flavour to the Christmas cookie tin, balancing out the richness of chocolate and caramel-heavy bakes.
7. Sugared Pretzels – Festive and Fun
Sugared pretzels are one of those playful Christmas cookies that bring a smile to every face. Shaped into festive pretzel knots, they’re sprinkled generously with sugar before baking, giving them a sweet crunch.
These cookies strike the perfect balance between fun and tasty. Ideal for baking with children or gifting in little bags tied with ribbon. You can even dip one side in chocolate or add coloured sprinkles for extra festive flair. Sugared pretzels may be simple, but they’re a sweet reminder that Christmas baking is as much about joy as it is about flavour.
8. Macaroons – Chewy Coconut Treats
Not to be confused with the colourful French macarons, these old-fashioned macaroons are chewy, coconut-packed biscuits that are both simple and satisfying. With their rustic look and golden tops, they’re a comforting addition to any festive spread.
They’re also wonderfully versatile. You can dip them in chocolate, press a cherry on top, or keep them plain and let the coconut shine. Macaroons are the kind of cookie that’s quick to make but always delivers on flavour, making them a reliable go-to for busy December baking days.
9. Chocolate Ganache Petits Fours – A Bite of Luxury
For those who like their Christmas baking on the elegant side, chocolate ganache petits fours are a perfect choice. These bite-sized confections feature a smooth, rich chocolate ganache centre, often coated in fondant or glossy glaze for a polished look.
They’re small but incredibly decadent, making them ideal for parties or as part of a festive afternoon tea spread. A few decorative touches such as gold leaf, sugared cranberries, or edible glitter elevate them into something truly special. At Christmas, when indulgence is part of the fun, these little bites of luxury fit right in.
10. Florentines – Nutty, Fruity & Chocolate-Dipped
Florentines are the kind of biscuit that make you feel instantly festive. Thin and crisp, they’re made with caramel, nuts, and dried fruits, then finished with a layer of chocolate on the back. Each bite is crunchy, chewy, and rich, a wonderful mix of textures.
They look beautiful in a Christmas tin, wrapped up as gifts, or served with coffee after dinner. Florentines may not be the easiest biscuit to make, but they’re worth the effort for the elegance they bring to a festive spread. They’re a fitting way to round off the cookie list, indulgent, festive, and very hard to resist.
Conclusion
Baking at Christmas is about more than filling the biscuit tin – it’s about creating moments to share. With these 10 Christmas cookies, you’ve got a mix of classics, playful bakes, and a few elegant showstoppers that will make your festive season feel extra special. Whether you’re whipping up a tray of millionaire’s shortbread, rolling out brandy snaps, or gifting a box of Florentines, each cookie adds its own sparkle to the holidays. So tie on your apron, turn up the carols, and let the sweet smell of cookies fill your kitchen – because Christmas is always better with something freshly baked.
