How to Make the BEST Christmas Cookie Box || Plus 12 recipes!
A festive Christmas cookie box is the perfect DIY gift for family and friends. There are few times of year that we spend more time in the kitchen than during the Christmas season. One of our favourite things to make during this festive time of year is Christmas cookies and treats!
A big box of Christmas baking is a fun DIY gift that you can give to family and friends you know they are going to love. I mean who doesn’t love all the different fun and festive snacks that seem to only come around at this time of year.
Not only do these make great gifts, a beautiful arrangement of Holiday baking is perfect to bring to work Christmas parties, family potlucks, or as a thoughtful Christmas present to give to teachers on the last day before the Christmas break.
For all the holiday parties and get togethers, it is well known that I will be bringing the Christmas cookies. With endless holiday events, gifts for neighbours, and drop in guests, how do I get it all done?
How to get it all done
Planning your Christmas cookie box
Christmas cookie boxes are extremely easy to put together, as long as you plan everything out before hand.
With so many recipes, ingredients, different times you will be needing the baked goods; things can get a little overwhelming. To save myself from all this chaos, I make lists. Sometimes multiple lists.
Once you see everything written down and have a clear and concise plan, things will all of a sudden seem very doable and even fun!
recipes for the best christmas cookie box
The amount of recipes you choose is up to you. I stick to the rule that the majority should be cookies, with a few other treats like, squares, bars, fudge, biscotti, etc. to add interest to the box.
I like to choose recipes that will look very different from each other, like gingerbread, decorated sugar cookies, chocolate haystacks, and coated truffles. All of these provide an arrangement of colours, textures, and even shapes to the cookie tin.
If you are a novice baker or someone who feels at home in the kitchen, choose the recipes accordingly. Christmas treats come in a variety of difficulty. Make sure to choose recipes that will not stress you out!
Allergies
This may not be something that you want to consider, but allergies are part of the world we live in. Some events where you might be bringing your baking, like schools, may have a no nuts policy.
This can be tough because a lot of holiday treats are full of nuts. Make note of this before and adjust the recipes you will be making, if needed.
Amount
Sometimes overlooked, but a very important step to planning the perfect Christmas cookie box. How many boxes are you making, how many cookies will you need, and how many cookies will the recipe make. For me I always make extra just incase of breakage, a quick gift to give to an unexpected drop in guest, or some hungry little hands that find the cookie stash!
Picking the right container
There are so many beautiful ways to display your festive treats. Make sure to stock enough of these. The boxes should be full but not so crammed together that you risk breaking any of cookies.
Some great options are,
- Small cake and pastry boxes, especially if you can find ones with the clear window in the top to display the treats inside.
- Christmas tins. These can often be picked up inexpensively at dollar stores. They also seal well and keep cookies fresh.
- Wooden boxes. Perfect for making a rustic display at something like a pot luck.
- Festive platters. Perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
Added flourishes
All of the added decorations and flourishes are really what will put your Christmas cookie box over the top. Depending on what type of look you are going for, pick up a few extras to make these gifts festive and bright!
- Ribbons, bows, and twine to wrap or tie around the boxes, adds the perfect festive touch.
- Festive labels. Print off a festive label to personalized each gift.
- Mini craft supplies can be added like bells, snowflakes, or even little Christmas lights.
Make a shopping list
There is nothing worse than getting into a recipe only to find that you don’t have all the ingredients! Before getting started make a shopping list of everything you will need for each recipe.
Make sure to add things like festive sprinkles, cookie cutters, parchment paper, icing bags, food colouring etc. These things might not always be included in the recipe.
Print off the recipes
To save yourself from flipping through your phone through countless websites of recipes, print everything off before.
Make a schedule
During the holidays we are all busy. Look at your schedule and see when you can fit it all in. Try to break it up over a few days.
The earlier you start the better. For most Christmas cookie baking, you can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make note of which recipes freeze well and take advantage of it.
Storing big batches of cookies in the freezer is one of my favourite time saving tips and really the only way, for me, to get all of my Christmas cookie boxes done!
This is also perfect since not all of your holiday boxes are going out at the same time. Make up Christmas cookie boxes and trays as needed by picking out an assortment from the freezer!
Decorating
I like to add some decorated cookies to my Christmas cookie boxes. They don’t have to be intricate or time consuming. Even just a quick melted chocolate dip and a few festive sprinkles will elevate your cookies.
That being said, decorating does take time and you have to wait for cookies to cool and icing to set. I
n the case of royal icing, often a full 24 hours of setting time is needed for the icing to be completely set. Make sure to factor in this decorating time as well.
Decorating kits
These are a hit with all the kids on my list. Making simple cookie decorating kits are not only super simple but a fun interactive gift that kids love to receive.
To make these easy DIY Christmas cookie decorating kits.
- Fill the boxes with cutout cookies, like gingerbread men and festive sugar cookies.
- Included a disposable piping bag with icing, such as buttercream. You can tint these with food colouring if desired.
- Include a little package of festive sprinkles.
12 of the BEST Christmas baking recipe to fill your Christmas cookie box
This is a collection of my favourite go-to recipes that I use to fill my Christmas cookie boxes year after year! These cookies are all fan favourites with kids and adults alike! So, let’s get baking.
Thumbprint Cookies
These classic little cookies are delicious and beautifully festive with these bright little fruity centres.
This is a great make ahead freezer friendly recipe which make cookie boxes a breeze!
No-bake Chocolate Haystacks
This easy recipe is no-bake so it is ready in a hurry!
Made with only a handful of simple ingredients, these cookies are always a hit and highly addictive!
Add some festive sprinkles and a drizzle of icing for that added festive touch.
Orange Cardamom Shortbread
These melt-in-your-mouth flavoured shortbread cookies are a super simple slice and bake cookie recipe.
Make these cookies extra special will a dip of white chocolate and festive sprinkles.
Another great freezer friendly cookie recipe!
Gingerbread Men
An iconic Christmas cookie that I love including in Christmas cookie tins and DIY cookies decorating kits as well.
These are soft and tender while still being sturdy enough to decorate.
These cookies freeze perfectly to get a head start on holiday baking.
Traditional Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies are made with only a handful of ingredients. They are extremely delicious, tender, and melt in your mouth.
These can be made simply and cut into bite-sized cookies are pressed into molds for a more festive looking cookie.
This is an iconic Christmas cookies that we look forward to year after year!
Mint Chocolate Shortbread
These melt-in-your-mouth flavoured shortbread cookies are a super simple slice and bake cookie recipe.
Dip these cookies in melted mint chocolate for the most delicious cookies.
These are a top requested Christmas cookie recipe at our house and a great freezer friendly cookie recipe!
Soft and Chewy Gingerbread
Iconic gingerbread cookies delicately coated in sugar and dipped in white chocolate.
This over the top festive cookie will be on the top of everyones list for Christmas cookies.
It is also a great freezer friendly cookies recipe to get a head start on holiday baking.
Decorated Sugar cookies
Decorating sugar cookies at Christmas is one of those family traditions that everyone looks forward to.
To make your Christmas cookie boxes full of holiday cheer, make sure to add at least one decorated sugar cookie.
If you are making DIY cookie decorating kits. This is the perfect sturdy cookie that kids can decorated themselves!
A perfect freezer friendly recipe.
Coated Chocolate Truffles
Another super simple recipe that adds a break and interest from all of the cookies.
This recipe is made right on the stove top and can be coated in any number of festive toppings.
These are rich and decadent and always a crowd pleaser.
Place each truffle in a mini muffin cup before going into your Christmas cookie box.
Soft Caramel Candies
Impress everyone with your homemade candy making skills!
These easy homemade caramels are soft and chewy. Individually wrapped to fit conveniently into your cookie boxes.
It is a great change up from the texture and shape of the cookies for a well rounded cookie box.
Chocolate marshmallow Fudge
This festive treat is quick and easy to make at home with only a few simple ingredients.
This is a great recipe to included in a cookie box, for a break from all of the cookies.
This is a soft and tender fudge, that will have everyone licking their fingers clean!
Macaroons
This is truly one of the simplest recipes on the list.
These tender coconut macaroons are a treat for the true coconut lover.
Make this recipe in either vanilla or chocolate. Drizzle with chocolate and decorate with festive sprinkles for an added festive twist.
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