The Ultimate Guide to Assembling the Best Holiday Cookie Platter: Recipes, Tips & Sweet Traditions

Crafting the perfect holiday cookie platter is a delightful tradition, made simple with a collection of irresistible treats. Discover all the essential recipes, expert tips, and creative instructions you need right here to create a truly memorable festive assortment!

 

 

As the crisp autumn air transitions into the festive chill of winter, a cherished tradition begins in many homes, mine included: holiday baking. Every year, right after the Thanksgiving feast, my kitchen transforms into a sweet-smelling haven where the magic of Christmas cookies comes to life. I meticulously plan my holiday baking schedule, starting with treats that freeze beautifully – like robust cookie doughs or sturdy fudges – allowing me to build my inventory gradually. This systematic approach ensures that closer to delivery time, I can focus on the delicate items that need to be freshly made. For years, my holiday platters have been a staple for family and friends, and frankly, if I were to cease this tradition now, I anticipate more than a few disappointed faces.

 

This isn’t said with an ounce of arrogance; I genuinely understand the joy these platters bring because I’ve seen the reaction. A few years ago, I significantly scaled back my baking efforts, opting for smaller boxes just for immediate family. I skipped the two enormous platters of cookies and candies that I typically send to my husband’s office. The unexpected moment of embarrassment struck when one of the longest-tenured colleagues approached me, exclaiming with genuine excitement, “I can’t wait until you bring your cookie platter this year! I’ve been looking forward to it all month!” My heart sank a little as I realized the impact these homemade gifts had. That incident taught me a valuable lesson, and it certainly won’t happen again. The holiday cookie platter is more than just treats; it’s a gesture of warmth, a shared tradition, and a sweet token of appreciation during the most wonderful time of the year.

 

The Classic Sugar Cookie: An Essential for Every Holiday Platter

When you envision a truly traditional “Christmas cookie,” what image first comes to mind? For many, including myself, it’s invariably the classic sugar cookie. Its simple elegance, delightful sweetness, and versatile canvas for decoration make it an indispensable component of any holiday cookie assortment. To me, a festive cookie platter feels incomplete without at least one, if not several, varieties of these beloved confections.

 

These Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies hold a special place in my heart, as they are the very ones my Mom meticulously baked every year. This cherished recipe, passed down from my Great Aunt Vern, defined “sugar cookie” for me throughout my childhood. Even now, my mom continues this sweet tradition, baking a batch just for me. (And yes, I confess, I squirrel them away in my freezer to savor a little longer – but shhh, don’t tell anyone!) They offer a subtle sweetness and a wonderfully crisp yet tender texture that makes them truly irresistible.

 

My exploration of sugar cookies continued when I was introduced to another exceptional recipe: my friend’s Grandma’s Frosted Sugar Cookies. These quickly became a yearly tradition in my own kitchen. This recipe consistently yields outstanding frosted cut-out sugar cookies, perfect for decorating with festive icing and sprinkles. Their soft texture and sweet frosting are always a hit, bringing smiles to everyone who tries them.

 

 

More recently, I discovered and instantly fell in love with a delightful new addition: Old Fashioned Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Sour Cream Frosting. These cookies are nothing short of sensational. The sour cream adds an incredible tenderness and subtle tang that elevates the classic sugar cookie to new heights. You can absolutely count on them making a prominent appearance on my holiday platters this year, bringing a unique and cherished flavor to the collection.

 

A Touch of Warmth: Irresistible Spice Cookies for the Holidays

No holiday cookie platter is truly complete without the comforting aroma and complex flavors of spice cookies. The options are wonderfully abundant, ranging from the deep, rich notes of gingerbread and molasses to the zesty kick of gingersnaps, the cinnamon-sugar swirl of snickerdoodles, and the festive warmth of eggnog cookies. I always make it a point to include one or two of these aromatic delights on my platters, as they offer a perfect contrast to the sweeter, frosted varieties and add a beautiful depth of flavor.

 

My affection for gingerbread dates back to my childhood, when my Aunt Ellen would bake the most adorable, tiny gingerbread men and women every year. Later, my sister-in-law, Karen, shared her incredible Gingerbread Cookie recipe, which remains her son Alex’s absolute favorite cookie to this day. While traditional cut-out gingerbread cookies are lovely, I often opt for drop cookies now, focusing on maximizing variety and efficiency during my busy holiday baking season. This allows me to make more treats without sacrificing flavor or quality.

 

Gingersnaps are another absolute favorite of mine! Whether they’re soft and chewy or wonderfully crisp, a good ginger cookie is simply sublime. There’s truly nothing I enjoy more than pairing a warm, spiced ginger cookie with a steaming cup of tea or coffee on a chilly winter’s evening. The interplay of sweet and spicy notes is incredibly comforting and satisfying, making them a perfect addition to any festive spread.

 

 

And what if you could combine the delightful kick of a ginger cookie with the beloved cinnamon-sugar goodness of a snickerdoodle? Enter the Gingerdoodle! This hybrid cookie offers an irresistible fusion of flavors and textures, proving that sometimes, two classics are better together. It’s a wonderfully unique addition that always sparks conversation and delight on any holiday platter.

 

 

For another fantastic spiced option, my Frosted Eggnog Cookies are an absolute winner. These soft and chewy delights are infused with the quintessential holiday flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and, of course, eggnog – both in the cookie itself and in the decadent frosting. They bring a sophisticated yet comforting flavor profile to any dessert spread, capturing the spirit of the season in every bite.

 

It’s always a good idea to introduce a variety of shapes and textures onto your platter. My Mocha Rum Balls are perfect for this, offering a unique spherical shape and a delightful mix of flavors. Plus, they come with the added bonus of requiring absolutely no baking, making them a fantastic time-saver during the busy holiday season when oven space is at a premium.

 

Beyond Cookies: Decadent Candies & Creamy Fudge Additions

While cookies are undeniably the star of the show, a truly exceptional holiday platter demands a delightful assortment of complementary candies and fudges. These additions provide a welcome textural contrast, a burst of different flavors, and, crucially, a vibrant splash of color. Nobody wants a cookie platter that’s monochromatic and bland – imagine a sea of just brown cookies! Mixing in colorful candies and rich fudges elevates the visual appeal and makes the entire presentation far more inviting and festive.

 

Among my absolute favorite holiday candies are these incredibly simple yet utterly addictive Peanut Clusters! This cherished recipe comes straight from my Aunt Janette, and it’s a testament to how few ingredients can create something so profoundly delicious. They are super simple to prepare, making them a perfect last-minute addition that always disappears quickly from any platter, leaving everyone wanting more.

 

 

Truffles are inherently elegant and perfectly suited for holiday platters. These vibrant Red Velvet Truffles were a special creation by my youngest daughter, Josie, for a guest post a few years back, and they bring a beautiful pop of color and rich flavor. Beyond these, I also have popular recipes for Oreo Truffles and indulgent Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles, ensuring a truffle for every palate and a delightful variety for your guests.

 

This Easy Graham Cracker Toffee is another non-negotiable item for my holiday platters. It features layers of buttery toffee, rich semi-sweet chocolate, and crunchy pecans over a base of graham crackers. The beauty of this treat lies in its simplicity; it’s incredibly easy to make, and without fail, everyone absolutely adores it, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser that adds a wonderful crunch.

 

 

These Sugared Pecans, coated in a delicate candy shell and infused with the inviting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla, are wonderfully versatile. They make fantastic, thoughtful gifts on their own, but they also serve as excellent fillers for holiday platters, adding an elegant touch and a satisfying crunch amidst the softer cookies and fudges. Their aromatic appeal is simply irresistible.

 

 

If you’re looking for a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to execute, these Homemade Twix Bars are a must-try. Featuring layers of crisp Club crackers, luscious caramel, and a rich chocolate peanut butter ganache, they perfectly mimic the beloved candy bar. They add a sophisticated, homemade touch that guests will rave about, making them a standout on any holiday dessert table.

Fudge: The Unskippable Indulgence of the Season

For many, myself included, a holiday cookie platter without fudge is like Christmas in July – utterly out of place! Rich, creamy, and undeniably decadent, fudge is an indispensable element that brings a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth experience to any festive assortment. You simply *must* have fudge!

 

As certain as holiday carols fill the air, you will find this incredible Candy Bar Fudge gracing my cookie platters every single year. The magic lies in its simplicity: only three ingredients, and one of them is Snickers candy bars! Yes, please! It’s an unbelievably easy recipe that delivers a rich, satisfying fudge with irresistible chunks of caramel, nougat, and peanuts – a true indulgence for any sweet tooth.

 

 

This Eggnog Fudge is tailor-made for Christmastime. It boasts a wonderfully smooth and creamy texture, featuring the delightful combination of white chocolate and a gentle, inviting eggnog flavor. It’s a festive treat that everyone, even those who aren’t usually big eggnog fans, is sure to thoroughly enjoy. Its subtle spice and luxurious mouthfeel make it a standout on any holiday dessert array.

 

 

The Refreshing Kiss of Peppermint: Holiday Cookies & Candies

Peppermint – it’s more than just a flavor; it’s the very essence and signature taste of the holidays. What would Christmas be without that cool, refreshing burst of peppermint? This section kicks off with two of my favorite mint-infused fudge recipes, but keep reading, because there are even more delightful peppermint favorites to discover, perfect for adding a refreshing contrast to your holiday baking spread.

 

 

This Mint Fudge is so wonderfully simple to create that you’ll likely wonder why you hadn’t added it to your holiday repertoire sooner! Its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant mint flavor make it an absolute showstopper and a guaranteed favorite, offering a cool, refreshing counterpoint to richer treats.

 

 

 

Remember that versatile three-ingredient candy bar fudge I mentioned earlier? Here’s a brilliant way to switch it up: I created this spectacular version using beloved York Peppermint Patties. The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint creates a truly irresistible holiday treat that’s both familiar and exciting, perfect for peppermint lovers.

 

 

 

These Chocolate Mint Candy Cookies are another treasured recipe from my sister-in-law, Karen, and they happen to be my niece’s absolute favorite. They are truly a special treat – imagine the chewy richness of a brownie meeting the delightful texture of a cookie, then being gently kissed by the refreshing zest of peppermint. These are a non-negotiable bake for me every single year, and thankfully, they freeze exceptionally well, making them ideal for preparing in advance and enjoying throughout the season.

 

 

This visually striking Dark and White Chocolate Peppermint Bark is another item I love to prepare early in the season. It freezes beautifully and consistently looks absolutely stunning on any holiday tray, offering a beautiful contrast of colors and flavors. I often make two batches, alternating which chocolate layer is on top to create varied presentations. A smart tip: stock up on candy canes when they go on clearance after the holidays. You can crush them and use them for all your peppermint baking needs throughout the following year, making this festive treat even more economical and convenient!

 

To round out this comprehensive guide, let’s explore my absolute “must-have” cookies – those cherished recipes that are demanded by family members each year. While everyone has their personal favorites, I always strive to include a little something to keep everyone happy and satisfied on the holiday platter, ensuring a truly personalized and beloved assortment.

 

 

These delectable Almond Raspberry Thumbprints are a non-negotiable for my oldest son and youngest daughter. The rich, buttery shortbread, coupled with the bright tang of raspberry jam and a hint of almond glaze, creates an irresistible combination. What’s not to love about such a perfectly balanced and beautiful cookie, right? Their tender texture and vibrant flavor make them a perennial favorite.

 

My husband, or “the hubs” as I affectionately call him, has a deep fondness for Chocolate Crinkles. While I haven’t personally blogged this recipe, I faithfully use Betty Crocker’s classic recipe. I make at least a double batch every year, ensuring there are plenty of these fudgy, powder-sugar-dusted delights to go around and satisfy his holiday cravings.

 

 

Last but certainly not least, these Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies are an absolute must-have, requested by my youngest son, my oldest daughter, and her boyfriend. With their soft, chewy peanut butter base and the classic chocolate kiss nestled in the center, they are an iconic and universally adored holiday tray staple that truly embodies the spirit of sweet indulgence and tradition.

 

Explore ALL My Cookie Recipes Here!

Discover ALL My Candy Recipes Here!

 

Expert Tips: How to Package and Present Your Holiday Cookies and Candies

The presentation of your holiday treats is just as important as their deliciousness! Thoughtful packaging elevates your homemade gifts and makes them truly special. Here are some ideas for how to arrange and deliver your festive cookies and candies:

• Large Trays: Ideal for gatherings with many people, such as office parties, large family reunions, or neighborhood potlucks. These allow for a wide variety of treats and make a grand impression, showcasing your baking prowess.
• Small Boxes or Plates: Perfect for gifting to individual families, couples, or smaller groups. You can find charming, festive options at craft stores, often in various shapes and sizes that can be easily decorated with ribbons, tags, or holiday stickers.
• Classic Cookie Tins: A timeless choice that keeps cookies fresh and makes for a lovely, reusable gift. Tins come in countless holiday designs, adding to the festive cheer and creating a wonderful keepsake.
• Decorated Treat Bags: For a more casual or personalized touch, use clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, custom tags, or small ornaments. These are great for individual servings, party favors, or small assortments.

The choice of packaging largely depends on the recipient and the occasion. For grander affairs, like my husband’s office or our big family Christmas get-togethers, I opt for generous, beautifully arranged large trays. For more intimate gifting to individual couples or smaller families, I use smaller, more personal plates, festive tins, or charming boxes. My aim is always to ensure there’s at least one of each delightful treat for every person to savor. While I often forget to snap a perfect photo of my finished, plated creations before they head out the door, the joy and appreciation they bring is always the best feedback!

 

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Happy Holiday Baking, and may your platters be filled with endless joy and deliciousness!

 

 

Looking for more festive inspiration beyond cookies and candies? Check out these delightful popcorn and snack mixes: