Transform your holiday baking from stressful to spectacular with these incredibly easy 3-ingredient Christmas cookies! Perfect for busy seasons, these recipes require minimal effort but deliver maximum festive flavor. Plus, we’ve included two free printables to help you package them up charmingly for gifting!

Looking for more delightful cookie inspiration? Don’t miss our Melted Snowman Cookies, classic Peppermint Sugar Cookies, or spicy Gingersnap Cookies for your next baking adventure!

Overhead shot of an assortment of 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies, including turtle, peppermint, palmiers, and macaroons, arranged on a festive holiday platter.

Contents

Easy 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies: Your Holiday Baking Secret Weapon

This holiday season, ditch the stress and embrace the joy of baking with these fantastic 3-ingredient cookie recipes. We’re sharing four unbelievably simple yet incredibly delicious cookie ideas that are ideal for holiday parties, thoughtful homemade gifts, or simply satisfying that sudden sweet craving. These recipes are not only quick to whip up but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them with your favorite festive add-ins.

Whether you find yourself short on time, preparing for unexpected guests, or just want to enjoy a quick, heartwarming treat, these recipes are your ultimate solution. And don’t forget to grab our charming, free printable packaging ideas at the end to make your cookie gifts extra special!

The Magic of Minimalist Baking: Why 3 Ingredients?

In the whirlwind of holiday preparations, finding time for elaborate baking can feel impossible. That’s where the beauty of 3-ingredient recipes shines. They simplify the process, cut down on grocery lists, and reduce cleanup, all while delivering cookies that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. The secret lies in selecting key ingredients that already pack a punch of flavor, allowing them to shine without needing a lengthy list of supporting components. These recipes prove that you don’t need complexity to create culinary magic, especially during the festive season. They’re perfect for involving kids in the kitchen, quick potluck contributions, or just a spontaneous baking session.

Close-up of decadent Chocolate Drizzled Turtle Cookies, topped with pecan caramel turtles and a rich chocolate drizzle, on a white background.

Chocolate Drizzled Turtle Cookies: A Decadent Delight

Indulge in the rich, chewy, and utterly irresistible flavors of classic turtle candies, transformed into a delightful cookie with just three core ingredients. These Chocolate Drizzled Turtle Cookies are a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and nutty, making them a holiday crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make.

What You’ll Need:

Chocolate-Chip Cookie Dough: For ultimate convenience, opt for store-bought refrigerated cookie dough. This is your fantastic shortcut! However, if you prefer a homemade touch, you can always use your favorite chewy chocolate chip cookie recipe from scratch. The pre-made option ensures these stay true to their “3-ingredient” promise.
Turtle Candies: The star of the show! Choose your favorite brand of pecan caramel turtle candies. Their gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and chocolate coating melt beautifully into the warm cookies.
Chocolate Chips: Used for that elegant drizzle. Dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate chips will all work wonderfully, depending on your preference for sweetness and intensity.
Shortening (Optional): A small amount of shortening can be added to your melting chocolate. This helps to thin it slightly, making for a smoother, glossier, and easier-to-drizzle consistency, preventing clumpy chocolate.

How To Make Turtle Christmas Cookies: Step-by-Step

Bake Cookies: Begin by preheating your oven according to the directions on your chosen cookie dough package. Arrange the cookie dough portions on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Bake until the edges are golden and the centers are just set.
Add Turtles: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, while they are still warm and soft, gently press one turtle candy into the center of each cookie. The residual heat will slightly melt the candy, allowing it to conform perfectly to the cookie. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 2-3 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial to ensure the turtles set properly and the cookies are firm enough for drizzling (approximately 30 minutes).
Drizzle Chocolate: Once the cookies are completely cool, melt your chocolate chips. Place the chocolate chips (and shortening, if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in short bursts of 15 seconds, stirring well for 10 seconds between each burst, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Using a spoon or a piping bag with a small hole, drizzle the melted chocolate artistically over each cookie.
Set and Enjoy: Finally, let the chocolate drizzle harden at room temperature. This may take 15-30 minutes, or you can speed it up by placing them in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Once set, your irresistible Chocolate Drizzled Turtle Cookies are ready to be enjoyed!

Easy Turtle Cookies

By Chelsea Lords

Only three ingredients to capture all the incredible flavors you know and love from classic turtle candies!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 24 cookies

Equipment

Sheet pan (15″ x 10″)
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Cooling rack

Ingredients

1 (16-ounce) package (ready to bake) chocolate-chip cookie dough, refrigerated (see note 1)
1 (4.7-ounce) package turtles candies (DeMet’s Original Turtles are excellent)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet)
1/4 teaspoon shortening (optional, for smoother drizzle)

Instructions

Preheat oven according to cookie package directions. Bake cookies on parchment or silicone-lined sheet pans as directed.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 2 minutes. Press a turtle candy into the center of each cookie. Let cool for another 3 minutes, then transfer from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Allow to cool completely (about 30 minutes).
Once cooled, place the chocolate chips (and shortening, if desired) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring for 10 seconds between each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Spoon the melted chocolate in a drizzle over each cookie.
Allow to set up at room temperature. Best enjoyed within 2–3 days.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: If you prefer homemade dough, you can use this cookie recipe as a base for delicious results.

Storage: Store leftover turtle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Overhead image of festive White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies on a tray, garnished with crushed candy canes.

White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: A Minty Marvel

Embrace the classic flavors of the holiday season with these dazzling White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. The combination of sweet sugar cookies, smooth white chocolate, and refreshing crushed peppermint creates a festive treat that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. These are incredibly simple, requiring minimal fuss for maximum holiday cheer.

Essential Ingredients:

Sugar Cookies: Start with pre-made sugar cookie dough for a quick and easy approach, or buy already baked sugar cookies from your favorite bakery. If you prefer to bake from scratch, this peppermint sugar cookie recipe makes an excellent base.
White Chocolate Chips: High-quality white chocolate chips are key for a smooth, creamy coating. Remember to microwave them in short bursts and stir frequently to prevent scorching and ensure a silky consistency.
Shortening (Optional): If your melted white chocolate seems too thick or clumpy, adding a small amount of shortening can help achieve a thinner, more desirable dipping consistency.
Crushed Candy Canes: The quintessential holiday topping! Place unwrapped candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into festive shards. The finer the crush, the easier they are to sprinkle and adhere.

How To Make Peppermint Christmas Cookies: The Simple Steps

Bake & Cool: Preheat your oven and bake the sugar cookies according to package instructions (or your chosen recipe). Once baked, let them cool completely on wire cooling racks. While they cool, prepare a large sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper for the dipped cookies.
Prep Toppings: Crush your candy canes. Place unwrapped candy canes in a sturdy plastic bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to break them into small pieces. Set aside.
Melt Chocolate: Place white chocolate chips and shortening (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring for 10 seconds between each, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
Dip & Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cooled, dip half of each cookie into the melted white chocolate. Gently tap the bottom of the cookie against the edge of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate. Immediately transfer the dipped cookie to the parchment-lined sheet pan.
Sprinkle & Set: While the white chocolate is still wet, liberally sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the chocolate-dipped portion of each cookie. Allow the cookies to harden at room temperature. This will allow the chocolate to set and the peppermint to firmly adhere.

White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Sugar Cookies

By Chelsea Lords

Soft sugar cookies get a dip in smooth, melted white chocolate and a sprinkle of crunchy peppermint for the perfect mix of creamy, sweet, and minty holiday cheer.

Servings: 24 cookies

Equipment

Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″)
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Cooling rack

Ingredients

1 (16-ounce) package prepared sugar cookie dough (or already baked sugar cookies; see note 1)
1 (11-ounce) bag white chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening (optional)
1/3 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions

Preheat oven according to cookie package directions. Bake cookies on parchment or silicone-lined sheet pans as directed.
Allow the cookies to cool completely on wire cooling racks. While cooling, line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. Crush candy canes by placing unwrapped candies in a plastic bag, sealing, and hitting with a rolling pin.
Add white chocolate chips and shortening (if desired) to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring for 10 seconds between each, until chocolate is melted and smooth.
Once cookies are completely cooled, dip half of each cookie into the white chocolate mixture. Slide the bottom of the cookie against the edge of the bowl to remove excess chocolate and immediately transfer to the parchment-lined sheet pan. (If the white chocolate starts to harden, microwave for another 15-20 seconds.)
Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint onto the melted white chocolate. Allow cookies to harden at room temperature.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: For a homemade sugar cookie base with a peppermint twist, use this peppermint cookie recipe.

Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Overhead image showcasing golden-brown Palmiers alongside other 3-ingredient Christmas cookies.

Palmiers: Elegant Simplicity

Often called “elephant ears” or “palm hearts,” Palmiers are a classic French pastry known for their delicate crispness and caramelized sugar coating. Despite their sophisticated appearance, these elegant cookies are incredibly easy to make with just three ingredients, making them a fantastic addition to your holiday dessert platter without the fuss.

Palmiers Ingredients:

Cane Sugar: This provides the signature sweet and caramelized crust. The key is to press the sugar firmly into the puff pastry to ensure it adheres well and creates a beautiful golden finish during baking.
Kosher Salt: A touch of kosher salt is essential to balance the sweetness of the sugar and enhance the overall buttery flavor of the pastry, preventing it from being overly sweet.
Puff Pastry: The ultimate shortcut! Use high-quality store-bought puff pastry sheets. Make sure to thaw the puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes until it’s pliable and easy to unfold and work with. It should still be cool to the touch.

How To Make Palmiers Christmas Cookies: A Guide to Perfect Flakiness

Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. In a small bowl, combine the cane sugar and kosher salt, mixing thoroughly.
Roll & Sugar: Spread about a quarter of the sugar-salt mixture evenly on a clean, dry work surface. Unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry directly onto the sugared surface. Sprinkle another quarter of the sugar mixture evenly over the top of the pastry. Using a rolling pin, gently roll the dough until it forms a roughly 13×13-inch square, ensuring the sugar is well pressed into both sides of the pastry. This helps create that delightful caramelized crunch.
Fold & Slice: Now, for the signature “elephant ear” shape. Fold the sides of the pastry inward towards the center, so they meet exactly at the middle of the dough. Then, fold those two halves together, creating a log-like shape. Using a sharp knife, slice the dough log into 3/8-inch thick pieces. Place these slices, cut-side up, on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each for expansion. Sprinkle any leftover sugar mixture over the tops of the sliced cookies for an extra sweet crust.
Bake: Bake the Palmiers for 6–8 minutes, or until the bottoms are beautifully caramelized and golden brown. Carefully flip each cookie over with a spatula and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the other side is also golden and crispy.
Cool: Transfer the baked Palmiers immediately to a wire cooling rack. They will crisp up further as they cool. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

Palmiers

By Chelsea Lords

These Palmiers are buttery, crisp, and coated in caramelized sugar. Just roll puff pastry in sugar, fold, slice, and bake until golden. Fancy-looking but secretly so easy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 11 minutes

Total Time: 26 minutes

Servings: 40 cookies

Equipment

Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″)
Parchment paper

Ingredients

2 cups cane sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 puff pastry sheets, defrosted (found in the frozen dessert aisle)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Combine the sugar and salt. Pour 1/4 of that mixture on a flat surface and unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry onto the sugar. Add another 1/4 of the sugar mixture on top, spreading it evenly.
Using a rolling pin, roll the dough until it’s approximately 13 by 13 inches, ensuring the sugar is firmly pressed into the puff pastry on both the top and bottom.
Fold the sides of the square toward the center so they go halfway to the middle. Fold them again so the two folds meet exactly at the middle of the dough. Then, fold those two halves together to form a log.
Slice the dough log into 3/8-inch slices and place them on the prepared sheet pan. Sprinkle any leftover sugar mixture on top of the sliced cookies.
Repeat with the other puff pastry sheet.
Bake the cookies for 6–8 minutes or until caramelized and brown on the bottom. Flip them over with a spatula and bake for another 5–7 minutes until caramelized on the other side. Transfer to a baking rack to cool.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Store leftover Palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge and reheat briefly in the oven to restore their delightful crispiness.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Overhead image of a tray filled with golden-brown coconut macaroons, some with optional chocolate drizzle.

Easy Coconut Macaroons: A Tropical Treat

These Easy Coconut Macaroons are a dream come true for coconut lovers and anyone seeking a simple yet satisfying holiday cookie. Chewy on the inside, lightly crispy on the outside, and bursting with tropical flavor, these cookies are a timeless favorite. My mom even made these for my sister’s wedding, and they were an absolute hit! They are delicious on their own, but if you’re like me, adding a touch of chocolate takes them to another level of indulgence.

The Simple Macaroon Ingredients:

All-purpose flour: A small amount of all-purpose flour helps bind the ingredients together, creating the perfect chewy texture and structure for these macaroons. It ensures they hold their shape beautifully.
Sweetened flaked coconut: This is the primary ingredient, and using sweetened flaked coconut is crucial as it eliminates the need to add additional sugar, keeping the ingredient count low. Its moist flakes contribute to the macaroon’s signature chewiness.
Sweetened condensed milk: This magical ingredient provides both sweetness and moisture, acting as the primary binder. For the best texture and flavor, always opt for full-fat sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk, as they are not interchangeable in this recipe.

How To Make Macaroon Christmas Cookies: A Sweet & Simple Process

Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sweetened flaked coconut, and salt (if using). Stir well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Next, pour in the sweetened condensed milk (and vanilla extract, if desired). Use your hands to thoroughly mix everything until all ingredients are completely combined and a cohesive, sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Shape Cookies: Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Using an ice cream scoop (about golf-ball size) or two spoons, scoop out portions of the coconut mixture and place them onto the prepared sheet pans. You can gently press them into a slightly rounded shape if desired, but their rustic appearance is part of their charm.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the macaroons for 11-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the coconut on top is lightly toasted. Keep a close eye on them, as ovens can vary.
Cool Completely: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the macaroons to cool completely on the pans. They will firm up as they cool.
Optional Chocolate Dip & Drizzle: For an extra special touch, melt milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl (in 15-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth). Once the macaroons are completely cool, dip the bottoms of the cookies into the melted chocolate and transfer them to a parchment-paper-lined tray. For an elegant finish, drizzle any remaining melted chocolate over the tops of the cookies. Allow the chocolate to set up at room temperature before serving.

Easy Coconut Macaroons

By Chelsea Lords

My mom made these for my sister’s wedding a couple of years ago, and they were a huge hit! They’re great with or without the chocolate, but you know I’ll always choose to add chocolate.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Servings: 24 cookies

Equipment

2 Large sheet pans (15″ x 21″)
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats

Ingredients

2/3 cup all-purpose flour
5-1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (full-fat; not evaporated milk!)
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional)
2/3 cup milk chocolate chips (optional, melted, for dipping/drizzling)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 large sheet pans with parchment paper or silicone liners and set aside.
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, coconut, and salt. Stir in sweetened condensed milk (and vanilla if desired), using your hands until completely combined. Do not overmix. Use an ice cream scoop to form golf-ball-sized cookies. Place cookies on the prepared sheet pans.
Bake for 11–14 minutes or until the coconut is lightly toasted on top. Remove and allow to cool completely.
If you want to dip these in chocolate, add the chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring for 10 seconds between bursts until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Dip the bases of the completely cooled cookies in the milk chocolate and transfer to a parchment-paper-lined tray. Using a spoon, drizzle remaining chocolate over the cookies.
Allow to set up at room temperature.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Cookies are best within 1–2 days of making. These cookies freeze and defrost really well without the chocolate coating!

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

A festive tray of various 3-ingredient Christmas cookies ready to be served, highlighting their simple elegance.

Holiday Gifting Made Easy: Festive Packaging with Free Printables

One of the most heartwarming traditions of the holiday season is sharing homemade treats with loved ones. These 3-ingredient Christmas cookies are not only delightful to bake but also make fantastic edible gifts. To add an extra touch of festive charm, we’ve created two adorable, free printable cookie covers that are perfect for packaging your culinary creations.

Imagine presenting a plate of these delicious cookies in a cute box, adorned with a special message from Mrs. Claus or Santa himself! These printables instantly elevate your simple bakes into thoughtful, personalized presents. Just follow the links below, save the images to your computer, and print them out. They fit perfectly on treat bags, small boxes, or as decorative tags.

Free Printable Cookie Covers Here:

Click on the links below and save to your computer to print!

Mrs. Claus Cookies Printable

Santa’s Cookies Printable

Final Thoughts on Effortless Holiday Baking

This collection of 3-ingredient Christmas cookie recipes proves that holiday baking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. From the rich indulgence of Chocolate Drizzled Turtle Cookies to the refreshing sparkle of White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, the elegant simplicity of Palmiers, and the tropical chewiness of Coconut Macaroons, there’s a quick and easy treat for everyone.

Embrace the joy of the season with less stress and more deliciousness. These simple cookie recipes are perfect for novice bakers, busy parents, or anyone looking to add a touch of homemade magic to their holiday celebrations without spending hours in the kitchen. Bake a batch (or all four!), share them with friends and family, and make this holiday season your most delicious and effortless yet!