Cookie Guide: 25 recipes for the best holiday treats

From thumbprints to exotic shortbread, our collection of holiday cookie recipes has something for everyone. This year, we’ve highlighted the handiwork of bakers with local connections.

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Sugar Cookie Tree - Washington native Gail Dosik of OneToughCookie shares her charming ways of creating edible holiday art; watch her demo at wapo.st/cookietrees.

Matt McClain / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/double-chocolate-coconut-cookies'>Double Chocolate Coconut Cookies</a> - Toasted coconut in the dough is the secret behind these treats from Whisked! partners Stephanie Willis and Jenna Huntsberger.

Double Chocolate Coconut Cookies - Toasted coconut in the dough is the secret behind these treats from Whisked! partners Stephanie Willis and Jenna Huntsberger.

Deb Lindsey / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/orange-mincemeat-squares'>Orange Mincemeat Squares</a> - From Washington cookbook author Carol Cutler, these small treats get a flavor boost from orange-flavored liqueur and brandy.

Orange Mincemeat Squares - From Washington cookbook author Carol Cutler, these small treats get a flavor boost from orange-flavored liqueur and brandy.

Deb Lindsey / For The Washington Post

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/blackberry-thumbprints'>Blackberry Thumbprints</a> - The flavors of lemon zest and thyme complement the fruit filling. These are from Washington baker Erica Skolnick, of Frenchie’s Handmade Pastries.

Blackberry Thumbprints - The flavors of lemon zest and thyme complement the fruit filling. These are from Washington baker Erica Skolnick, of Frenchie’s Handmade Pastries.

Deb Lindsey / DEB LINDSEY/FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/white-chocolate-and-peppermint-studded-chocolate-m'>White Chocolate and Peppermint-Studded Chocolate Mountains</a> - Washington area cookbook author Nancy Baggett’s ode to favorite holiday flavors.

White Chocolate and Peppermint-Studded Chocolate Mountains - Washington area cookbook author Nancy Baggett’s ode to favorite holiday flavors.

Deb Lindsey / For The Washington Post

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/speculoos-wafers'>Speculoos Wafers</a> - A favorite at Patisserie Poupon in Georgetown, these crisp, thin French cookies can be enjoyed with or without a chocolate coating.

Speculoos Wafers - A favorite at Patisserie Poupon in Georgetown, these crisp, thin French cookies can be enjoyed with or without a chocolate coating.

Deb Lindsey / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/white-chocolate-cherry-and-almond-cookies'>White Chocolate, Cherry Almond Cookies</a> - An easy and festive drop cookie from Colleen O’Hanolan, pastry chef at the Clifton Inn in Charlottesville.

White Chocolate, Cherry Almond Cookies - An easy and festive drop cookie from Colleen O’Hanolan, pastry chef at the Clifton Inn in Charlottesville.

Deb Lindsey / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/salty-chocolate-nutella-thumbprints'>Salty Chocolate Nutella Thumbprints</a> - A guaranteed crowd pleaser, from Whisked! partners Stephanie Willis and Jenna Huntsberger.

Salty Chocolate Nutella Thumbprints - A guaranteed crowd pleaser, from Whisked! partners Stephanie Willis and Jenna Huntsberger.

Deb Lindsey / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/gluten-free-chocolate-chip-cookies'>Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies</a> - These cookies are a favorite of “Top Chef Just Desserts” finalist Matthew Petersen, who serves them at CityZen and Sou’Wester.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies - These cookies are a favorite of “Top Chef Just Desserts” finalist Matthew Petersen, who serves them at CityZen and Sou’Wester.

Deb Lindsey / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/chocolate-chocolate-chip-pistachio-apricot-cookies'>Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Pistachio Apricot Cookies</a> - A fruity, crunchy, chewy treat, from Susan Wallace, executive pastry chef at BlackSalt restaurant in the Palisades.

Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Pistachio Apricot Cookies - A fruity, crunchy, chewy treat, from Susan Wallace, executive pastry chef at BlackSalt restaurant in the Palisades.

Deb Lindsey / DEB LINDSEY/FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/almost-nutter-butter-sandwich-cookies'>Almost Nutter Butter Sandwich Cookies</a> - A popular treat at Willow restaurant in Ballston, from executive pastry chef Kate Jansen. Any filling left over would taste great on a toasted bagel.

Almost Nutter Butter Sandwich Cookies - A popular treat at Willow restaurant in Ballston, from executive pastry chef Kate Jansen. Any filling left over would taste great on a toasted bagel.

Deb Lindsey / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/no-bake-chocolate-oat-cookies'>No-Bake Chocolate Oat Cookie</a> - Food editor Joe Yonan ups the ante with almond butter, dried cherries and fleur de sel.

No-Bake Chocolate Oat Cookie - Food editor Joe Yonan ups the ante with almond butter, dried cherries and fleur de sel.

Deb Lindsey / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/cherry-pistachio-oatmeal-cookies'>Cherry Pistachio Oatmeal Cookies</a> - Whisked! partners Stephanie Willis and Jenna Huntsberger add oomph to a basic recipe.

Cherry Pistachio Oatmeal Cookies - Whisked! partners Stephanie Willis and Jenna Huntsberger add oomph to a basic recipe.

Deb Lindsey / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Low-fat <a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/sesame-poppy-crisps'>Sesame-Poppy Crisps</a> - Use the freshest walnut oil to make these delicate, low-fat tuiles, from chef Michel Richard.

Low-fat Sesame-Poppy Crisps - Use the freshest walnut oil to make these delicate, low-fat tuiles, from chef Michel Richard.

Deb Lindsey / For The Washington Post

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/kolache'>Kolache</a> - These cookies are a traditional part of any Eastern European holiday celebration, from Washington cookbook author Carol Cutler.

Kolache - These cookies are a traditional part of any Eastern European holiday celebration, from Washington cookbook author Carol Cutler.

Deb Lindsey / DEB LINDSEY/FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/chickpea-cookies-nan-e-nokhodchi'>Chickpea Cookies (Nan-e nokhodchi)</a> - Roasted chickpea flour creates a distinct but tender texture in these Persian/Iranian cookies, from Washington cookbook author and cooking instructor Najmieh Batmanglij.

Chickpea Cookies (Nan-e nokhodchi) - Roasted chickpea flour creates a distinct but tender texture in these Persian/Iranian cookies, from Washington cookbook author and cooking instructor Najmieh Batmanglij.

Deb Lindsey / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/spiced-cranberry-orange-zingers'>Spiced Cranberry Orange Zingers</a> - These are bright-tasting and low-fat, with an orange buttercream, from Washington area cookbook author Nancy Baggett.

Spiced Cranberry Orange Zingers - These are bright-tasting and low-fat, with an orange buttercream, from Washington area cookbook author Nancy Baggett.

Deb Lindsey / For The Washington Post

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/frangelico-crinkles'>Frangelico Crinkles</a> - The liqueur adds sophistication to these soft cookies, from Mary Lee Montfort of Mary Lee’s Desserts in Vienna.

Frangelico Crinkles - The liqueur adds sophistication to these soft cookies, from Mary Lee Montfort of Mary Lee’s Desserts in Vienna.

Deb Lindsey / DEB LINDSEY/FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/lime-thai-basil-shortbread-passion-fruit-glaze'>Lime Thai Basil Shortbread With Passion Fruit Glaze cookies</a> - These cookies have a subtle but complex flavor, and can be made with or without the glaze, from Kate Jansen, executive pastry chef at Willow restaurant in Ballston.

Lime Thai Basil Shortbread With Passion Fruit Glaze cookies - These cookies have a subtle but complex flavor, and can be made with or without the glaze, from Kate Jansen, executive pastry chef at Willow restaurant in Ballston.

Deb Lindsey / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/almond-macaroons'>Almond Macaroons</a> - Chewy and dairy-free, this recipe is from Washington culinary historian and chef Amy Riolo.

Almond Macaroons - Chewy and dairy-free, this recipe is from Washington culinary historian and chef Amy Riolo.

Deb Lindsey / DEB LINDSEY/FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/mm-bars'>M&M Bars</a> - Change the colors of the candies inside to reflect the season, from Mary Lee Montfort of Mary Lee’s Desserts in Vienna.

M&M Bars - Change the colors of the candies inside to reflect the season, from Mary Lee Montfort of Mary Lee’s Desserts in Vienna.

Deb Lindsey / For The Washington Post

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/cardamom-brown-sugar-snickerdoodles'>Cardamom-Brown Sugar Snickerdoodles</a> - Food editor Joe Yonan’s take on a classic holiday cookie, with only 3 grams of fat each.

Cardamom-Brown Sugar Snickerdoodles - Food editor Joe Yonan’s take on a classic holiday cookie, with only 3 grams of fat each.

Deb Lindsey / For The Washington Post

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/gingerbread-cookie-tree'>Gingerbread Cookie Tree</a> - Washington native Gail Dosik of OneToughCookie starts with a Cook’s Illustrated recipe to build a whimsical, edible Christmas decoration.

Gingerbread Cookie Tree - Washington native Gail Dosik of OneToughCookie starts with a Cook’s Illustrated recipe to build a whimsical, edible Christmas decoration.

Deb Lindsey / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/coreans-oatmeal-cookies'>Corean's Oatmeal Cookies</a> - Coconut adds a nutty taste to these cookies, which have a nice balance of crispy and chewy textures; from the mom of Washington Post staffer Twila Waddy.

Corean's Oatmeal Cookies - Coconut adds a nutty taste to these cookies, which have a nice balance of crispy and chewy textures; from the mom of Washington Post staffer Twila Waddy.

Deb Lindsey / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

<a href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/12/07/cheesecake-pecan-bars'>Cheesecake Pecan Bars</a> - A rich, satisfying bite is packed into these small squares, from Susan Wallace, executive pastry chef of BlackSalt in the Palisades.

Cheesecake Pecan Bars - A rich, satisfying bite is packed into these small squares, from Susan Wallace, executive pastry chef of BlackSalt in the Palisades.

Deb Lindsey / DEB LINDSEY/FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

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Full coverage: Holiday food & entertaining

Which holiday cookie are you? Take our quiz.

Take our quiz for recipe suggestions.

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Gail Dosik of "One Tough Cookie" in New York City demonstrates how to build and decorate a Christmas tree using cookies.

Fudge and other holiday candy recipes

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Cookie Guide: 25 recipes for the best holiday treats

From thumbprints to exotic shortbread, our collection of holiday cookie recipes has something for everyone. This year, we’ve highlighted the handiwork of bakers with local connections.

Featured Photo Galleries

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