8 Delicious Chanukah Cookie Recipes to Light Up Your Holiday

Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is a time for family, celebration, and of course, delicious food! While latkes and sufganiyot often steal the show, Chanukah cookies are a delightful and versatile way to add sweetness to the holiday. They’re perfect for gifting, sharing, and enjoying with a warm cup of tea or coffee. This blog post is dedicated to bringing you eight mouthwatering Chanukah cookie recipes, ranging from traditional to modern twists, complete with detailed instructions to ensure your baking success. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked cookies this Chanukah!

## Why Chanukah Cookies?

Before diving into the recipes, let’s explore why cookies are such a great addition to your Chanukah celebrations:

* **Variety:** Cookies offer endless possibilities for flavors, shapes, and decorations. You can cater to everyone’s preferences with a diverse cookie selection.
* **Portability:** Cookies are easy to transport, making them ideal for bringing to Chanukah parties or gifting to friends and neighbors.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Children love cookies, and baking them together is a fun and engaging Chanukah activity.
* **Creativity:** Decorating cookies allows for artistic expression and adds a personal touch to your holiday treats.
* **Shelf-Stable:** Many cookie recipes have a longer shelf life than other Chanukah treats, allowing you to enjoy them throughout the eight days of the festival.

## Essential Baking Tips for Chanukah Cookies

Before you start baking, here are some essential tips to ensure your Chanukah cookie creations are a success:

* **Read the Recipe Carefully:** Take the time to read the entire recipe before you begin. Understanding the steps and ingredients will prevent mistakes and ensure a smoother baking process.
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Unless otherwise specified, use room temperature butter, eggs, and other dairy products. This helps them incorporate more easily and creates a more uniform batter.
* **Measure Accurately:** Baking is a science, so accurate measurements are crucial. Use measuring cups and spoons specifically designed for baking. For dry ingredients, spoon the ingredient into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
* **Chill the Dough:** Many cookie recipes benefit from chilling the dough before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and also enhances the flavor.
* **Use Parchment Paper:** Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
* **Bake Evenly:** Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure the cookies bake evenly.
* **Cool Completely:** Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking.
* **Store Properly:** Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.

## 8 Delicious Chanukah Cookie Recipes

Now, let’s get to the recipes! We’ve included a variety of options to suit different tastes and skill levels.

### 1. Classic Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

These classic sugar cookies are perfect for decorating with festive Chanukah themes like menorahs, dreidels, and Stars of David.

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Cookies:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* **For the Royal Icing:**
* 4 cups powdered sugar
* 3 tablespoons meringue powder
* 1/2 cup warm water
* Gel food coloring (blue, silver, gold)

**Instructions:**

1. **Make the Cookie Dough:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
3. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).
4. **Roll and Cut the Cookies:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
6. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
7. **Bake the Cookies:** Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. **Make the Royal Icing:** In a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar and meringue powder. Gradually add the warm water, mixing until smooth.
10. **Color the Icing:** Divide the icing into separate bowls and add gel food coloring to achieve your desired shades of blue, silver, and gold.
11. **Decorate the Cookies:** Use piping bags or squeeze bottles to decorate the cooled cookies with royal icing. Let the icing dry completely before serving or storing.

### 2. Chocolate Chip Mandel Bread (Jewish Biscotti)

Mandel bread, also known as Jewish biscotti, is a twice-baked cookie that is perfect for dipping in coffee or tea. This chocolate chip version adds a touch of sweetness.

**Ingredients:**

* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup chocolate chips
* 1/2 cup chopped almonds (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Make the Dough:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
3. Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped almonds (if using).
4. **Shape the Loaves:** Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, shape each half into a log about 12 inches long and 3 inches wide.
5. **Bake the Loaves:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the loaves on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaves are lightly golden brown.
7. **Cool and Slice:** Let the loaves cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes.
8. Using a serrated knife, slice the loaves into 1/2-inch thick slices.
9. **Bake Again:** Arrange the slices cut-side up on the baking sheet. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the slices are golden brown and crisp.
10. Let the mandel bread cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.

### 3. Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Jam

These delicate sandwich cookies are filled with a sweet raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar. They are a classic holiday treat.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1 large egg yolk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup raspberry jam
* Powdered sugar, for dusting

**Instructions:**

1. **Make the Dough:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
3. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).
4. **Roll and Cut the Cookies:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out desired shapes. For half of the cookies, use a smaller cutter to cut out a hole in the center.
6. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
7. **Bake the Cookies:** Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. **Assemble the Cookies:** Spread about 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam on the flat side of each whole cookie. Top with a cookie with a hole in the center.
10. Dust the assembled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

### 4. Gelt Coins (Chocolate Sugar Cookies)

These cookies are shaped like gelt coins, traditional Chanukah money, and are made with a rich chocolate sugar cookie dough.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* Gold edible glitter or gold sprinkles (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Make the Dough:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and cocoa powder until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
3. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).
4. **Roll and Cut the Cookies:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.
6. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
7. **Bake the Cookies:** Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. **Decorate (Optional):** While the cookies are still slightly warm, sprinkle with gold edible glitter or gold sprinkles to resemble gelt coins.

### 5. Cinnamon Roll Cookies

These cookies capture the flavors of cinnamon rolls in a bite-sized treat. They are soft, chewy, and full of cinnamon-sugar goodness.

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Dough:**
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 cup milk
* **For the Filling:**
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
* **For the Icing (Optional):**
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk

**Instructions:**

1. **Make the Dough:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
4. **Make the Filling:** In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
5. **Assemble the Cookies:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 12×10 inches.
7. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough.
8. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough up tightly like a jelly roll.
9. Slice the roll into 1/2-inch thick slices.
10. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
11. **Bake the Cookies:** Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
12. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. **Make the Icing (Optional):** In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies.

### 6. Peanut Butter Blossoms with Blue and White Sprinkles

These classic peanut butter blossoms get a Chanukah twist with blue and white sprinkles.

**Ingredients:**

* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* Hershey’s Kisses
* Blue and white sprinkles

**Instructions:**

1. **Make the Dough:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
6. Roll each ball in granulated sugar and then in the blue and white sprinkles.
7. Place the cookies on ungreased baking sheets.
8. **Bake the Cookies:** Bake for 8-10 minutes.
9. Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

### 7. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These fudgy chocolate cookies are rolled in powdered sugar before baking, creating a beautiful crinkled effect.

**Ingredients:**

* 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* Powdered sugar, for rolling

**Instructions:**

1. **Melt the Chocolate and Butter:** In a double boiler or microwave, melt the chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
2. **Make the Dough:** In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture, mixing until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Cover the dough and chill for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours).
5. **Shape and Bake the Cookies:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
7. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar.
8. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
9. **Bake the Cookies:** Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

### 8. Coconut Macaroons

These chewy coconut macaroons are naturally gluten-free and easy to make.

**Ingredients:**

* 14 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
* 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well.
3. **Shape the Macaroons:** Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets.
4. **Bake the Macaroons:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
5. Let the macaroons cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

## Decorating Ideas for Chanukah Cookies

Here are some fun and festive decorating ideas to make your Chanukah cookies extra special:

* **Blue and White Icing:** Use royal icing or buttercream frosting in shades of blue and white, the traditional colors of Chanukah.
* **Menorahs, Dreidels, and Stars of David:** Use cookie cutters in these shapes to create festive cookies.
* **Gelt Coins:** Decorate round cookies with edible gold glitter or gold sprinkles to resemble gelt coins.
* **Edible Markers:** Use edible markers to draw intricate designs on your cookies.
* **Sprinkles:** Add blue and white sprinkles, star-shaped sprinkles, or other festive sprinkles to your cookies.
* **Candies:** Use small candies like M&Ms or chocolate chips to add decorative accents.
* **Stencils:** Use stencils to create intricate designs on your cookies with powdered sugar or cocoa powder.

## Storing Chanukah Cookies

To keep your Chanukah cookies fresh and delicious, store them properly:

* **Airtight Container:** Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
* **Separate Layers:** If stacking cookies, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.
* **Freezing:** Many cookies can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw completely before serving.
* **Iced Cookies:** Store iced cookies in a single layer to prevent the icing from smudging.

## Conclusion

Chanukah cookies are a wonderful way to celebrate the Festival of Lights and share joy with family and friends. With these eight delicious recipes and helpful tips, you’ll be able to create a stunning array of festive cookies that will be the highlight of your Chanukah celebrations. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some unforgettable Chanukah memories! Happy Baking and Happy Chanukah!