Few things are more synonymous with the holidays than cookies. They speak of sweet moments, our own memories and backgrounds, and a promise of sharing and caring. Simple and fun to make, especially with little ones, they are a sure-fire gift for friends and family, and a way to continue and honor cherished traditions. With that in mind, Fine Cooking decided to turn to its own experts—its staff—for their favorite recipes. What resulted is a patchwork of American heritages, a roundup that reflects the many cultures represented within this magazine—and they’re not cookie-cutter ideas! We offer them, from our families to yours, with great joy.
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RecipeSpiced Cranberry-Pecan Chocolate-Chip Cookies
Here’s the perfect holiday-season chocolate-chip cookie: loaded with chunks of chocolate, nuts, and dried fruit; a little crisp around the edge; and chewy in the middle. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and other winter spices warm up these treats. -
RecipeGluten-Free Vanilla-Bean Cutout Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze
Thin, crisp, and melt-in-your mouth buttery, these scrumptious gluten-free cookies are every bit as delightful as their traditional counterparts. This dough keeps very well in the refrigerator or freezer, so fresh cookies can always be on hand. -
RecipeMaple-Bacon Ginger Cookies
Savory bacon and sweet maple syrup give a modern spin to classic ginger cookies. Just like the classics, these are crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside. -
RecipeChocolate-Dipped Cherry-Pistachio Biscotti
These sweet and tart cookies are crunchy because they’re baked twice, which makes them ideal for dunking into espresso or dessert wine. Dipping them in melted chocolate is optional, but adds an extra layer of flavor. -
RecipePecan Tassies
Buttery, nutty, and satisfying, these two-bite pecan tartlets are as easy to make as they are to like. -
RecipeKourabiedes
These melt-in-your-mouth Greek cookies are traditionally made with regular almonds, but test kitchen director Diana Andrews upgrades them with Marconas for a sweeter, more delicate flavor. -
RecipeItalian Neapolitan Cookies
These buttery cookies are a traditional Italian treat and easier to make than they look. The recipe uses one dough divided onto three portions and flavored with almond, mocha, and hazelnut. -
RecipeChile-Chocolate Rugelach
With guajillo chile chocolate and toasted pepitas, this traditional Jewish cookie takes on a Mexican twist. -
RecipeThumbprint Cookies
If kids are nearby, get them to help make these cookies. They’ll love poking the balls of dough to make the pocket for the jam. -
RecipeGlazed Oatmeal Spice Bars
Ginger and spice and everything nice, that’s what these cookies are made of. (And by everything nice, we mean loads of dried fruit and rolled oats.)
