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.
10 Nature-Inspired Holiday Cookie Recipes
1. Star-Shaped Jam Cookies
Photo: My Organized ChaosThe 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.
2. Cloud Cookies
Photo: The Bearfoot BakerFrom 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.
3. Christmas Reindeer Cookies
Photo: Foodness GraciousA simple sugar cookie gets a wildlife-inspired upgrade with a sweet and abstracted reindeer face—seasonally appropriate red nose and all.
4. Christmas Dove Cookies
Photo: Baked BreeSymbols of peace and purity, Christmas dove cookies are a lovely way to mark the season—and the perfect excuse to up your frosting intake.
5. Pine Needle Shortbread Cookies
Photo: A Virtual VeganIn addition to taking the shape of an evergreen, these cookies call for pine needles in the recipe, making for an addictively earthy dessert.
6. Maple Leaf Sandwich Cookie
Photo: An Italian in My KitchenSweet 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.
7. Holly Cookies
Photo: Recipe GirlThese holly clusters are less cookie, more Krispie treat, but we think the texture better mimics the woody shrub.
8. Snowflake Cookies
Photo: Marcellina In CucinaLet it snow! White snowflakes get an imaginative upgrade when adorned with silver and pearlescent details—or colored blue and pink.
9. Chocolate Dipped Walnut Acorn Cookies
Photo: Healthy Gluten-Free FamilyThese 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.
10. Cranberry Christmas Cookies
Photo: Barefeet in the KitchenWhile 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.