187 christmas cookie recipes

Chocolate and caramel give this thumbprint cookie from Kathy T. Preston of Milwaukee a different twist.

Experimentation led Mary Ann Zarczynski of Franklin to create this recipe, which she described as "very rich and delicious."

Twice-baked Italian almond cookies studded with bright maraschino cherries, spiked with kirsch and Grand Marnier. Perfect holiday gift.

Soft cream cheese cookies studded with pecans and swirled with apricot preserves, topped with matching apricot frosting and coconut for pillowy sweetness.

Lots of pecans and whole wheat flour give these wafers a very nutty and tangy flavour, also we use half butter and half oil to cut down the saturated fat, but the amount of butter gives the enough buttery taste and texture.

Mexican wedding cookies shaped into crescents with butter, crushed pecans, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Tender, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth with just six ingredients.

They are absolutely the greatest cookies in the world. They are buttery, flakey and chocolaty. Delicious treats at Christmas or at any occasion.

The Pennsylvania Dutch settlers made these at Thanksgiving and stored them in a stoneware crock until Christmas. The cookies can be made at any time, but allowed to age for 4-6 weeks.

Citrus lovers will like this refreshing crispy cookie from Jocelyn Moritz of Waukesha.

This recipe, though fussy to make, is attractive and tasty. Cheryl Kaufenberg of Darien said it came from a very old Better Homes & Gardens magazine

These cookies with a candy bar center, from Bev Bosveld of Waupun, are packed with coconut.

Homemade dog biscuits packed with wholesome whole wheat, rye, and cracked wheat, baked until golden and crunchy. Made with real beef or chicken broth, these bone-shaped treats store for months and make tail-wagging gifts.

Macaroon is always a delicious and healthy substitution of rich buttery cookies, they are so light and meringue gives the different texture when you bite into it; make some macaroons to delight your guests!

Preschoolers will love these delicious cub-shaped cookies, made with nutty butter and crispy graham crackers. You and the kids can even create these cookies together!

Mary Wilhelm of Sparta sent her signature cookie, which she said she has prepared for the Food Network, Warrens Cranfest and Taste of Home magazine. Two classic flavor pairings - brown sugar and cashews, and orange and cranberry - come together.

This co-winner in the filled-cookie category from Gerry Cofta of Milwaukee has a great, rich flavor in the filling.