How to Make the Perfect Holiday Cookie Box (With 5 Crowd-Favorite Recipes!)

One of my favorite ways to celebrate the season—and spread a little cheer to family, neighbors, and friends—is by gifting a homemade holiday cookie box. It’s thoughtful, festive, and feels like a warm welcome wrapped up with a bow.

If you want to put together a cookie box that looks beautiful and tastes amazing, here’s your easy guide along with links to five delicious recipes.

Tips for Building a Stunning Cookie Box

1. Choose a Mix of Flavors + Textures

Aim for:

• Something chocolatey
• Something colorful
• Something nostalgic
• Something creamy
• Something crunchy
  
  

2. Use Different Shapes

Variety makes your cookie box feel full and curated:

• Swirls and slices
• Round cookies
• Mini bites
• Dipped treats
  
  

3. Keep Flavors Separate

Use cupcake liners, parchment dividers, or small paper cups—especially for strong flavors like peppermint and peanut butter.

4. Add Cute Extras

Try:

• Mini candy canes
• Wrapped chocolates
• A sprig of rosemary
• A small handwritten card
  
  

5 Recipes for the Perfect Holiday Cookie Box

Below are the treats I recommend including—each one adds something unique in color, texture, or festive flavor. Click the links for the full recipes!

1. Peanut Butter Blossoms

The classic holiday favorite with a chocolate kiss on top.
Recipe link:
Pillbury Has The Best Recipe For These

2. Sugar Cookie Swirls (Green, Red + White Pinwheels)

These beautiful spiraled cookies give your box the festive pop of color it needs.
Recipe link:
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies - Show Stopper in any box!

3. Hot Chocolate Cookies with Roasted Marshmallow

Soft, rich, and topped with perfectly gooey marshmallows.

Recipe link:
Hot Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
I know it says to add the marshmallows to the dough, and I beg you - don't listen to it. Add the marshmallows after baking and roast them for about a minute on top of the cookie in the oven. 

4. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels

Crunchy, sweet, salty, and the perfect filler snack between cookies.
Recipe link:
Who doesn't love Chocolate Covered Pretzels

5. Peppermint Cheesecake Swirl Cookies

A creamy, minty cookie that pairs beautifully with the rest of the box.
Recipe link:
Hands Down, My Husband's Favorite in this box

How to Assemble Your Cookie Box

Once the cookies are cooled and ready:

1. Line your box with parchment or decorative tissue.
2. Start by placing the largest cookies in first.
3. Add medium cookies in their own little parchment sections.
4. Fill empty gaps with chocolate pretzels or wrapped candies.
5. Finish with a ribbon or holiday tag on top.
   
   

Your family, friends, or neighbors will love the thoughtful touch—and it’s a delicious way to spread a little holiday magic.

Prefer Not to Bake? Here Are 4 Amazing Bakeries That Can Do the Work for You

If baking isn’t in your holiday plans this year, you can still gift a gorgeous, delicious cookie box—without preheating the oven. Many local bakeries offer incredible seasonal treats you can mix and match into your own curated box. Four consistently wonderful options include Tous Les Jours, Moon Bakeshop, Heart Baker Bakery, and L’Etoile. Each offers beautiful cookies, bars, macarons, and holiday treats that look homemade (without the mess or stress). Just pick an assortment, arrange them in a festive box, and you’ve got a bakery-quality gift that still feels personal and thoughtful.