10 Nature-Inspired Holiday Cookie Recipes to Bake This Season

In the words of the ever-iconic Troop Beverly Hills:

It's cookie time.

In terms of food, December is pretty much synonymous with sugar, whether derived from candy, cocktails, or your favorite desserts. And while baking may be an inherently indoor activity, choosing nature-inspired holiday cookie recipes honors the best part of winter's landscape—even if the weather outside is frightful.

From pine trees to snowflakes, these thematic cookies are a delicious way to celebrate the natural world.

Photo: My Organized Chaos

The season's nights are long and

full of twinkling stars. Bring said shimmer into your kitchen with this star-shaped take on the jam thumbprint cookie.

Photo: The Bearfoot Baker

From rain to sleet to snow, stormy weather is part of what makes cozying up during the holidays such an enjoyable endeavor. These cloud cookies are actually crafted to rain blue sprinkles—a gimmick your family is sure to adore.

Photo: Foodness Gracious

A simple sugar cookie gets a wildlife-inspired upgrade with a sweet and abstracted reindeer face—seasonally appropriate red nose and all.

Photo: Baked Bree

Symbols of peace and purity, Christmas dove cookies are a lovely way to mark the season—and the perfect excuse to up your frosting intake.

Photo: A Virtual Vegan

In addition to taking the shape of an evergreen, these cookies call for pine needles in the recipe, making for an addictively earthy dessert.

Photo: An Italian in My Kitchen

Sweet and comforting tastes like maple are a huge part of the season's sensory experience. These delicious cookies sandwich the sweetness between two maple buttery—the ideal pairing for your morning

coffee or tea.

Photo: Recipe Girl

These holly clusters are less cookie, more Krispie treat, but we think the texture better mimics the woody shrub.

Photo: Marcellina In Cucina

Let it snow! White snowflakes get an imaginative upgrade when adorned with silver and pearlescent details—or colored blue and pink.

Photo: Healthy Gluten-Free Family

These vegan and gluten-free cookies are perfectly nutty—and made even more delectable when dipped in chocolate. Plus, an acorn shape means that they'll look adorable when presented on a plate.

Photo: Barefeet in the Kitchen

While not at all nature-inspired in shape (sorry), we couldn't help but include this cookie showcasing one of our favorite seasonal ingredients. Tart, buttery, and pretty, these are officially on our must-bake list.