Easy Holiday Baked Goods Christmas – Best 30-Minute Treats

There's something magical about the smell of fresh-baked goods drifting through the house during the holidays. This Holiday Baked Goods Christmas recipe is my go-to for creating that warm, festive feeling without spending hours in the kitchen.

I remember the first time I made these for a cookie exchange – they disappeared in minutes! The combination of spices, cranberries, and white chocolate is pure holiday joy in every bite.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is forgiving and fun. Let's make some memories!

About the Ingredients

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

Provides structure. Substitute with gluten-free 1-to-1 flour for a GF version.

1 teaspoon baking powder

Helps them rise. Make sure it's fresh for best results.

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Adds lightness. Can substitute with extra baking powder if needed.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Warm spice. For a stronger flavor, use Ceylon cinnamon.

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Classic holiday spice. Freshly grated is more aromatic.

1/2 teaspoon salt

Balances sweetness. Use fine sea salt.

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened

Adds richness. Vegan butter works too.

3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar

Sweetness. Coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.

1 large egg

Binds ingredients. For vegan, use a flax egg.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Enhances flavor. Pure vanilla is best.

1/2 cup (80g) dried cranberries

Tart and chewy. Swap with raisins or chopped dates.

1/2 cup (90g) white chocolate chips

Sweet and creamy. Dark chocolate chips are a great alternative.

Tips & Tricks

• Don't overmix the dough – mix until just combined to keep them tender.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it's too sticky to handle – this prevents spreading.
• Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies that bake uniformly.
• Check for doneness at the minimum time – edges should be golden, centers slightly soft.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This incorporates air for a tender crumb.

4. Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Scrape down the sides as needed.

5. Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

6. Fold in Add-ins

Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. The dough will be slightly sticky.

7. Scoop and Arrange

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.

8. Bake to Golden

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set. The tops should look slightly cracked.

9. Cool and Serve

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Delicious Variations

Make them vegan

use flax egg and vegan butter, and choose dairy-free chocolate.

• Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate chips and add a pinch of orange zest.

How to Store Holiday Baked Goods Christmas

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope these Holiday Baked Goods Christmas treats bring as much joy to your kitchen as they do to mine. If you try them, let me know how they turn out in the comments below – I'd love to hear about your festive baking adventures!

Holiday Baked Goods Christmas

Holiday Baked Goods Christmas: festive, easy treats that fill your home with cozy aromas and bring everyone together.

★★★★½ 4.8 (187 ratings)

15 minPrep time12 minCook time24Servings145 kcalCalories

Print RecipePin Recipe

🧂 Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (80g) dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup (90g) white chocolate chips

📋 Instructions

1. 1Preheat Oven — Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. 2Whisk Dry Ingredients — In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution.
3. 3Cream Butter and Sugar — In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This incorporates air for a tender crumb.
4. 4Add Egg and Vanilla — Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Scrape down the sides as needed.
5. 5Combine Wet and Dry — Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. 6Fold in Add-ins — Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. The dough will be slightly sticky.
7. 7Scoop and Arrange — Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
8. 8Bake to Golden — Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set. The tops should look slightly cracked.
9. 9Cool and Serve — Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For an extra festive touch, drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes before serving.

Servings: 24

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Nutrition (per serving): 145 kcal · 2g protein · 20g carbs · 7g fat

Written by Maya Chen
Maya writes about sustainable living and zero-waste practices, focusing on small, actionable changes for everyday life. She shares practical tips on reducing plastic, composting, and mindful consumption, drawn from her own experiments at home.