Cookie Exchange Favorites

Got sprinkles? Then you've likely got everything you need in your kitchen for this eight-ingredient cookie. Balled up to look like a Christmas tree, it's the perfect addition to your cookie platter.

Sandwich raspberry preserves between sweet vanilla-sugar cookies for a dessert that's both pretty and tasty.

You don't have to tell anyone that the base of this cherry-topped sweet treat is a store-bought cookie. You enhance the flavor with cherry preserves mixed with chocolate frosting and optional cherry-flavor brandy.

Think itty-bitty when it comes to sharing Christmas cookies. These peppermint delights are just larger than the hard candy that inspired them.

A crunchy-sweet swirl of mixed nuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon dresses up basic cookie dough. Vanilla glaze adds a festive holiday touch.

A sprinkling of sugar tops these simple-to-make chocolate cookies. Prep takes just 30 minutes, and each batch bakes for just eight minutes.

The rich, gooey filling in these tarts has a hit of raspberry liqueur.

Cream cheese gives these almond-studded, slice-and-bake cookies moistness and richness.

These buttery, powdered sugar-dusted crescents feature delicate vanilla flavor.

A browned-butter drizzle takes these super-simple cookies to the next level.

These little cookie sandwiches perfectly balance spicy and sweet. Basic cookie dough is spiked with chipotle chili pepper, while a fluffy chocolate filling adds sweetness.

Press balls of espresso cookie dough into mini muffin cups, then fill with luscious spiced chocolate. A decadent espresso-chocolate ganache makes a festive finishing touch.

Dark chocolate, toffee, coconut, and pecans fill these chewy bar cookies.

These dainty cookies, decorated with powdered sugar icing and silver dragees, are always a hit at cookie exchange parties -- and they make beautiful gifts.

Love the zing of Red Hots? Crushed and mixed with sugar, they become a crunchy topper for these biscotti-like cookies.

Edible glitter and a swirl of frosting turn these simple cookies into a favorite holiday treat.

Coarse sugar gives these lightly spiced cookies a touch of holiday sparkle.

In this modern spin on pfeffernuesse, white pepper adds subtle zip, while ginger and honey keep things sweet. It makes the perfect baked gift!

To make these lovely no-bake treats, freeze the dough balls on sticks, then dip them in a melted chocolate mixture.

Dried cranberries and lemon peel add zing to these festive little cookies.

Customize these buttery almond cookies with icing and small candies.

These buttery cookies feature all the delicious flavors of the popular Christmas cocktail. Melted white chocolate and a dusting of nutmeg make a pretty finishing touch.

Melted white chocolate and crushed pistachio nuts dress up simple shortbread cookies.

You can't go wrong with this classic Christmas cookie. Sprinkle on coarse sugar for a bit of holiday cheer.

Featuring the delicious flavors of two classic holiday desserts, this crowd-pleasing cookie makes an ideal gift.

Layered chocolate-mint candies add pizzazz to this classic chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Chocolate-covered peanut butter cups nestle inside peanut butter cookies for a happy surprise. A sprinkling of cocoa powder adds extra chocolaty goodness.

Put a spicy surprise into holiday baking with a cornmeal cookie base and a filling that packs heat as well as sweet.

A pretty flower pattern dresses up these easy-to-make, pumpkin-spiced cookies.

Dry-roasted cashews add a salty spin to classic butterscotch-chip cookies.

These traditional Argentine sandwich cookies feature a creamy dulce de leche filling.

These sophisticated treats feature a cashew shortbread base and a luscious caramel filling.

Topped with grated nutmeg and finely chopped macadamia nuts, these pretty cookies are a treat to eat.

These moist cookies combine three favorites -- chocolate, peanut butter, and banana -- and they use just four ingredients. Add an extra festive touch by decorating them with red coarse sugar.

Powdered sugar makes a simple topping for these tender, minty butter cookies.

Wrap four or five of these simple macaroons in red cellophane, tie each bundle with silver ribbon, and give them out as gifts.

Lemon peel adds fresh flavor to these whole wheat cranberry cookies.

Red coarse sugar jazzes up these almond-filled, sugary sliced cookies.