25 holiday cookie recipes

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.

Almond Macaroons

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

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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.

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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.

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Cardamom-Brown Sugar Snickerdoodles

Food editor Joe Yonan's take on a classic holiday cookie, with only 3 grams of fat each

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Cheesecake Pecan Bars

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

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Cherry Pistachio Oatmeal Cookies

Whisked! partners Stephanie Willis and Jenna Huntsberger add oomph to a basic recipe.

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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.

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Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Pistachio Apricot Cookies

A fruity, crunchy, chewy treat, from Susan Wallace, executive pastry chef at BlackSalt restaurant in the Palisades.

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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.

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Double Chocolate Coconut Cookies

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

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Frangelico Crinkles

The liqueur adds sophistication to these soft cookies, from Mary Lee Montfort of Mary Lee's Desserts in Vienna.

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Gingerbread Cookie Tree

Washington native Gail Dosik of OneToughCookie starts with a Cook's Illustrated recipe to build a whimsical, edible Christmas decoration.

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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.

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Kolache

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

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Lime Thai Basil Shortbread With Passion Fruit Glaze

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.

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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.

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No-Bake Chocolate Oat Cookies

Food editor Joe Yonan ups the ante with almond butter, dried cherries and fleur de sel.

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Orange Mincemeat Squares

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

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Salty Chocolate Nutella Thumbprints

A guaranteed crowd pleaser, from Whisked! partners Stephanie Willis and Jenna Huntsberger.

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Sesame-Poppy Crisps

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

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Speculoos Wafers

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

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Spiced Cranberry-Orange Zingers

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

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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.

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White Chocolate, Cherry and Almond Cookies

An easy and festive drop cookie from Colleen O'Hanolan, pastry chef at the Clifton Inn in Charlottesville.

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White Chocolate- and Peppermint-Studded Chocolate Mountains

Washington area cookbook author Nancy Baggett's ode to favorite holiday flavors.

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GRAPHIC: Cara Kelly - The Washington Post. Published Dec. 6, 2011.