Baking Spirits Bright: 20+ Christmas Cookies, Sweet Holiday Treats & Giveaway

Bake your spirits bright and find 20+ festive holiday recipes, from Christmas cookies to easy no-bake treats! From snowball cookies to cranberry-orange loaves, or 5-minute microwave fudge, you’ll find something to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. And there’s a fun giveaway too! 🎁🎄

Find 20+ recipes to bake your spirits bright and make your holidays extra sweet! You'll also find some easy no-bake treats and food gift ideas too #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #nobaketreats #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts #cookierecipes ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Happy Thanksgiving Week!

I know this is a busy week with shopping, cooking or traveling in anticipation of turkey day.

I’m kicking off the holiday season with my Baking Spirits Bright 5th Annual Giveaway!

Find 20+ recipes to bake your spirits bright and make your holidays extra sweet! Additionally you'll find easy, no-bake treats for bars, snack mix and cocoa mix too. #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #nobaketreats #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts #cookierecipes #quickbreadrecipes #christmasrecipes #bakinginspiration #homeiswheretheboatis #bakingwithlove #cookieexchange #foodgiftideas #giveawayalert

There’s nothing like the aroma of sugar, vanilla and orange zest wafting

in the air to put you in the Christmas spirit!

Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to fill a cookie tin or a

 quick bread to share with neighbors or family, you’ll find something to

satisfy your sweet tooth, including some easy no-bake treats too!

Bourbon-Pecan-Gingerbread Cookies! These spirited cookies combine the flavor of gingerbread and bourbon in a fluffy muffin like texture #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts #cookierecipes ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Click on the links in red for the complete recipe.

You’ll find the baking giveaway details at the bottom of this post.

Santa's Favorite Cookies! The ultimate chocolate chip cookie packed with sweet and salty mix-ins for maximum flavor! #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts #cookierecipes ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Santa’s Favorite Cookies

Santa’s Favorite Cookies are ones you’ll want to bake twice, so you have enough to share with friends,

neighbors and enjoy with your family for the holidays, not to mention Santa himself!

They’re the ultimate chocolate chip cookie packed with sweet and salty mix-ins for maximum flavor!

These merry and bright cookies are coated in a layer of festive red and green sprinkles and bake up in about 12 minutes! #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts #cookierecipes ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Merry & Bright Chocolaty Christmas Kiss Cookies

These merry and bright cookies are coated in a layer of festive red and green sprinkle

and bake in about 12 minutes!

Allow them to cool a couple of minutes before placing a Hersey’s Kiss in the center.

Fun gift giving tip: Fill the bottom of your cookie tin with Kisses and add a layer of Kiss cookies on top!

 Melted Snowmen are fun to 'build'! Start with your favorite cookie as a base and add melted white chocolate for 'snow'. Peanut butter cups provide the snowman's hat with mini chocolate chips eyes and an orange sprinkle for a carrot nose! #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts #cookierecipes ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Melted Snowmen Cookies

These Melted Snowmen Cookies are fun to ‘build’!

Use your favorite cookie as a base. Add melted white chocolate chips or almond bark for ‘snow’.

Mini peanut butter cups provide a snowman top hat with

mini chocolate chips eyes and an orange sprinkle for a carrot nose!

Snowball Cookies are melt-in-your-mouth tender and buttery, filled with finely chopped pecans and covered with a blizzard of confectioners’ sugar #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts #cookierecipes ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Snowball Cookies

Snowball Cookies are melt-in-your-mouth tender and buttery,

filled with finely chopped pecans and covered with a blizzard of confectioners’ sugar.

Snowman cookies are a fun, sweet treat for little hands to help decorate for Christmas or a cold, winter day! #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts #cookierecipes ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Easy-to-Build Snowmen

Snowman cookies are a fun, sweet treat and for little hands

to help decorate for Christmas or a cold, winter day!

Christmas Wreath Macaroons are as fun to decorate as they are to eat! Only four ingredients plus sprinkles for this recipe. #holidaybaking #christmascookies #glutenfreerecipe #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts #cookierecipes ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Christmas Wreath Macaroons

Christmas Wreath Macaroons are as fun to decorate as they are to eat!

Only four ingredients plus sprinkles for this recipe.

Like all macaroons, as they’re flourless, they’re gluten-free.

Shortcut Red Velvet-Chocolate Chip Cookies, an easy and festive Christmas cookie that uses a short cut! #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts #cookierecipes ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Shortcut Red Velvet-Chocolate Chip Cookies

An easy and festive Christmas cookie that uses a short cut!

These festive red velvet cookies are infused with a burst of peppermint flavor and white chocolate centers. #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts #cookierecipes ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Red Velvet Peppermint-White Chocolate Thumbprints

Red Velvet = Christmas! These festive red velvet cookies are infused

with a burst of peppermint flavor and white chocolate centers.

Bourbon-Pecan-Gingerbread Cookies for Santa #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #festivebaking #cookierecipes ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Bourbon-Pecan-Gingerbread Cookies

These spirited cookies combine the flavor of gingerbread and bourbon

in a fluffy muffin like texture. Make the dough ahead and chill 4 up to 12 hours.

Easy Owl Cookies, a hoot to make! #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #festivebaking #cookierecipes ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

These Easy Owl Cookies are a hoot to make!

Use your favorite sugar cookie recipe to make a parliament of owls!

Cranberry and White Chocolate Cookies #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts #cookierecipes ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Cranberry and White Chocolate Cookies

White chocolate, dried cranberries, pecans and oats make this a satisfying and delicious cookie

to add to your holiday baking! Drizzle with additional melted white chocolate if desired.

Nigella Lawson's Christmas Chocolate Cookies #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts #cookierecipes ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Nigella Lawson’s Christmas Chocolate Cookies

These chocolate shortbread cookies have a chocolate glaze with with decorative sprinkles.

They’re easy to whip up or in Nigella-speak, a “doddle” to make. :)

Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread #holidaybaking #bakingseason #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread

A reader favorite recipe and a delicious to enjoy or give for the holidays!

Cranberry-Orange-Pistachio Loaves Welcome cranberry season with Cranberry-Chocolate Chip Bread with Orange Glaze #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #nobaketreats #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts #cookierecipes ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Cranberry-Orange-Pistachio Loaves

The red and green from the cranberries and pistachios make these mini loaves of bread merry and bright,

as well as sweet, tart and nutty. A perfect little loaf to give or enjoy for the holidays!

Welcome cranberry season with Cranberry-Chocolate Chip Bread with Orange Glaze. The crunchy streusel topping and orange glaze makes this quick bread a moist and flavorful treat anytime you slice it #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #nobaketreats #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts #cookierecipes ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Cranberry-Chocolate Chip Bread with Orange Glaze

Welcome cranberry season with Cranberry-Chocolate Chip Bread with Orange Glaze.

The crunchy streusel topping and orange glaze makes this quick bread an irresistible treat!

Christmas morning just got sweeter with Christmas Morning Coffee Cake. Tart dried cherries join salty pistachios for hints of festive red and green, with a warmly spiced streusel topping and sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for Christmas morning, teatime or anytime you slice it! #holidaybaking #festivebaking #christmasrecipes #bakinginspiration #bakingwithlove #coffeecake

 Christmas Morning Coffee Cake

Tart dried cherries join salty pistachios for hints of festive red and green,

with a warmly spiced streusel topping and sweet vanilla glaze.

Perfect for Christmas morning, teatime or anytime you slice it!

And some no bake treats. . .

Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Fudge, a quick and easy treat for holiday gifting or snacking #holidayfoodgifts #nobaketreats #microwaverecipe #easyfudge ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

Fudge fans and peanut butter lovers will enjoy this 3-ingredient recipe

that comes together in under 5 minutes!

Note: All these fudge recipes are ready to enjoy or gift with 2 hours of chilling time.

Festive and Easy 5-Minute Cranberry-Pistachio-Orange Peel Fudge #holidayfoodgifts #nobaketreats #microwaverecipe #easyfudge ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

 5-Minute Cranberry-Pistachio-Orange Peel Fudge

Cranberry-Pistachio-Orange Peel Fudge is equal parts sweet, tart, creamy, chewy

and comes together in the microwave in 5 minutes.

Rich dark chocolate joins salted pistachios in this easy microwave fudge recipe that comes together in less than 5 minutes! #holidayfoodgifts #nobaketreats #microwaverecipe #easyfudge ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Quick & Easy Dark Chocolate-Pistachio Fudge

Rich dark chocolate joins salted pistachios in this easy microwave fudge recipe

that comes together in less than 5 minutes.

No-Bake Coconut Orange Snowballs #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #nobaketreats #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts

No-Bake Coconut Orange Snowballs

 I made countless dozens of these cookies in my former life and they are always a crowd-pleaser!

They can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to gift and serve.

An easy, no-bake treat that is both naughty and nice! Nice, since they’re so easy to make and naughty, because they too hard to resist! #holidayfoodgifts #peanutbutterandchocolate #nobaketreats ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

An Easy No-Bake Treat: Christmas Peanut Butter Bars

An easy, no-bake treat that’s both naughty and nice!

Nice, since they’re so easy to make and naughty, because they too hard to resist!

Easy Holiday Bark! This easy no-bake treat comes together in under an hour to enjoy, gift and share with friends and family. #holidayfoodgifts #nobaketreats ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Easy Christmas Santa and Snowman Bark

This easy no-bake treat comes together in under an hour to enjoy,

gift and share with friends and family.

Chocolate Cherry Christmice! Serve up sweet treats and smiles with a no-bake, fun addition to your holiday cookie tin. Warning: Friends and family may think they’re too cute to eat! #holidayfoodgifts #nobaketreats ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Chocolate Cherry Merry Mice

Serve up sweet treats and smiles with a no-bake, fun addition to your holiday cookie tin.

Warning: Friends and family may think they’re too cute to eat!

Calling all peanut butter and chocolate lovers, these no-bake bars come together in 15 minutes to make an irresistible dessert and easy food gift. #holidayfoodgifts #nobaketreats ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Easy and Irresistible No Bake Peanut Butter-Chocolate Swirl Bars

Calling all peanut butter and chocolate lovers, these no-bake bars come together in 15 minutes

to make an irresistible dessert and easy food gift.

Reindeer Corn Snack Mix! An easy, no-bake treat that’s perfect for last-minute gift giving and holiday snacking! You can whip up a batch and customize to your taste in about 20 minutes #holidayfoodgifts #nobaketreats ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Reindeer Corn Snack Mix

An easy, no-bake treat that’s perfect for last-minute gift giving and holiday snacking!

You can whip up a batch in about 20 minutes, almost as fast as you can say

“On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer and Vixen . . .”

Spicy Dark Chocolate Nut Clusters! An easy sweet treat that's no-bake and comes together in 5 minutes! Perfect for sharing with neighbors, teachers, friends and gifting for the holidays. #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #nobaketreats #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts #cookierecipes ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Spicy Dark Chocolate Nut Clusters

An easy sweet treat that’s no-bake and comes together in 5 minutes!

Perfect for sharing with neighbors, teachers, friends and gifting for the holidays.

Pecan-Bourbon Balls! An easy no-bake Southern treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or for Christmas gift giving! #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #nobaketreats #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts #cookierecipes ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Pecan-Bourbon Balls

An easy no-bake Southern treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or for Christmas gift giving!

Candy Cane Cocoa Mix #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #nobaketreats #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts #cookierecipes ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

Candy Cane Cocoa Mix

Quick and easy for seasonal sipping and ideal for gift giving!

Taste the difference with Homemade Vanilla Extract! It comes together in five minutes and is ready to use in two months, improving as it ages! #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #nobaketreats #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts #cookierecipes ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

 Homemade Vanilla Extract!

So much better and less expensive than store-bought vanilla extract!

It comes together in five minutes and is ready to use in two months, improving as it ages.

Baking Spirits Bright and Holiday Baking Recipes 2nd Annual Giveaway | ©homeiswheretheboatis.net #christmas #baking #recipes #cookies #nobake #foodgifts

‘Tis the Season to bake and give and I’m sharing some Christmas baking love with a giveaway!

To help bake your spirits bright . . .

Baking Spirits Bright and Holiday Baking Recipes 5th Annual Giveaway ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

One baker will receive an embossed gingerbread rolling pin with cookie cutters,

gingerbread kitchen towel, ‘Baking Spirits Bright’ spatula

and ‘Sparkle Season’ Bling Blend sprinkles.

Baking Spirits Bright and Holiday Baking Recipes 5th Annual Giveaway ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

A second baker will receive a 5-piece baking set with mini rolling pin, spoonula, mini spatula and cookie cutters,

50 piece baking / snack cup set, ‘Jingle All the Way’ decorative sprinkles,

and Christmas tree towel & oven mitt.

Baking Spirits Bright and Holiday Baking Recipes 5th Annual Giveaway ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

A third baker will receive silicone assorted baking molds with mini spatula, a Meri Meri Cupcake Kit,

festive ornament oven mitt, dish towel and ‘Ho! Ho! Ho!’ sprinkles.

Baking Spirits Bright and Holiday Baking Recipes 5th Annual Giveaway ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

A fourth baker will receive a Christmas tree kitchen towel, oven mitt,

three graduated size tree cookie cutters, ‘Ho Ho Ho’ spatula with Santa cookie cutter

and ‘O Christmas Tree’ Bling Blend sprinkles.

Baking Spirits Bright and Holiday Baking Recipes 5th Annual Giveaway ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

A fifth baker will receive a snowman kitchen towel, set of six assorted Christmas cookie cutters,

24 snowman party picks, festive holiday sprinkles and ‘Happy Holidays’ spatula.

Baking Spirits Bright and Holiday Baking Recipes 5th Annual Giveaway ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

A sixth baker will receive a gingerbread baking mold set with mini spatula,

gingerbread kitchen towel and ‘Sparkle Season’ Bling Blend sprinkles and

set of mini paper loaf pans for baking and gifting.

Baking Spirits Bright and Holiday Baking Recipes 5th Annual Giveaway ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

A seventh baker will receive a set of 6 assorted Christmas cookie cutters,

Merry & Bright Cupcake Set with assorted toppers,

‘Jingle All the Way’ decorative sprinkles, mitten spatula and kitchen towel.

Baking Spirits Bright and Holiday Baking Recipes 5th Annual Giveaway ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

A eighth baker will receive a gingerbread man cookie cutter and spatula set,

gingerbread man cupcake kit, holiday sugar decorative sprinkles,

festive oven mitt and ‘Ho Ho Ho’ towel.

Baking Spirits Bright and Holiday Baking Recipes 5th Annual Giveaway ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

 A ninth baker will receive Holly Jolly and Be Merry baking cups and picks,

‘Ho! Ho! Ho!’ decorative sprinkles,

snowman spatula with snowflake cookie cutter and snowflake oven mitt.

Baking Spirits Bright and Holiday Baking Recipes 5th Annual Giveaway ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

And a tenth baker will receive a set of four assorted Christmas cookie cutters,

50 piece baking / snack cup set, 24 assorted party picks, holiday sugar decorative sprinkles,

festive oven mitt and kitchen towel.

Serve up sweet treats and smiles with Chocolate Cherry Mice! A no-bake, fun addition to your holiday cookie tin #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #nobaketreats #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts #cookierecipes ©homeiswheretheboatis.net

 To enter this giveaway for a chance to win and bake your spirits bright:

🎄 Leave a comment telling me your favorite Christmas cookie or recipe to bake for the holidays.

🎄 Subscribe by email and let me know by comment. Subscribers/followers automatically get a second entry.

🎄 For a third entry, Pin a photo from this post and leave an additional comment telling me so.

(The Pin/Save button pops up on the upper left corner of each photo.)

This giveaway is open to those living in the continental U.S. through midnight December 2nd..

Note: Your email address is never shared and used only to contact you if you are a winner. I recently had two winners I was unable to contact. Make sure you’re providing your current email address in the comment field and check your spam folder.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Congratulations to the winners:

Susan K | Ann W | Sue P | Kathy W | Susan B | Karalee | Carole S | Tracey A | Jennifer H | Debbie

Find 20+ recipes to bake your spirits bright and make your holidays extra sweet! Additionally you'll find easy, no-bake treats for bars, snack mix and cocoa mix too. #holidaybaking #christmascookies #bakingseason #nobaketreats #festivebaking #holidayfoodgifts #cookierecipes

 🎄Happy Baking!

Thank you for your visit, sharing with:

 Between Naps on the Porch


Discover more from Home is Where the Boat Is

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

  97 comments for “Baking Spirits Bright: 20+ Christmas Cookies, Sweet Holiday Treats & Giveaway

  1. Angie
    November 24, 2025 at 6:25 am

    Wow, what a fantastic array of treats! One of my all-time favorite Christmas activities is baking simple sugar cookies with my granddaughters and decorating them together. We’ve created so many joyful memories throughout the years. I’m a long time follower. Thank you for hosting such a wonderful giveaway. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!

  2. Angie
    November 24, 2025 at 6:28 am

    I pinned your second photo collage. Thanks again!

    • Sheryl R
      November 24, 2025 at 9:07 am

      What a wonderful and festive post to start off the morning and week!! You’re such an inspiration. All of your goodies look delicious. It wouldn’t be Christmas at my house without peanut butter fudge and fruit cake cookies! I’m a long time subscriber and hope you never stop posting!!! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

  3. Barbara
    November 24, 2025 at 6:46 am

    My absolute favorite cookie to make is Salted Caramel Shortbread, they always get rave reviews!

  4. Barbara
    November 24, 2025 at 6:51 am

    I pinned the Caramel Chocolate Chip Bread with Orange Glaze, perfect with my morning tea. Thanks for sharing your special recipes.

  5. Heidi
    November 24, 2025 at 6:53 am

    Martha Washington candy is a family favorite sweet during Christmas!

  6. Rita C.
    November 24, 2025 at 6:55 am

    I have learned so many neat tricks from you re: baking, floral arrangement and tablescaping while being subscribed to you, Mary. This is another great round up post!
    I pinned the summary photo so I can see all 20 ideas in the collage.
    I love making those no bake, orange snowball cookies.
    The orange cranberry pistachio breads on this post look so good. I love those paper loaf containers, what a great idea for gift-giving. All the goodies you brought to this giveaway are super generous. Thanks for the opportunity.

  7. kathleenenglert
    November 24, 2025 at 7:03 am

    I know its time to think about turkey, but I have to make batch of the Bourbon Pecan Gingerbread cookies today !!
    My do they look absolutely delicious ! My family will love these with their pumpkin pie
    Once again, thank you Mary for such great inspiration !!

  8. kathleenenglert
    November 24, 2025 at 7:04 am

    Mary
    I pinned the Bourbon Pecan Gingerbread cookies with the Bourbon Glaze, yummy !

  9. Pam
    November 24, 2025 at 7:18 am

    Good morning Mary! This is a beautiful round up of sweet treats for the Christmas season. I am now craving something sweet to go with my morning coffee. One of my favorites are the orange coconut balls! My Mother always included them in her trays of Christmas goodies! Wishing you a wonderful Monday!

  10. Kat B.
    November 24, 2025 at 7:36 am

    Oh Mary, all your curated giveaway bundles are so adorable…fun and festive, too! I’m not the baker I once was, but I remember way back in the day tearing a recipe page out of a magazine for Martha Stewart’s checkerboard cookies. And every Christmas I would give those babies a go. Great memories! Fast forward and currently would you believe I have a hankering for just some plain ole oatmeal raisin cookies….going to the store in just a little while to get the ingredients. Wish me luck, I’m a little rusty when it comes to cookie baking!

  11. Sue
    November 24, 2025 at 7:52 am

    Mary, what a wonderful post of fun baking ideas. My favorite cookie I bake every year ( over 50 years ) are my great grandmothers Molasses cookies. My mom always baked them too.
    I love the little cherry mice, just so cute. I have been a subscriber to you for many years and always look forward to Tea on Tuesdays as well. So much inspiration and beautiful gardening, which is a passion of mine as well.
    Wishing you and your family a happy Thanksgiving 🍁🦃

    Smiles, Sue

  12. November 24, 2025 at 7:55 am

    Thank you, Mary, for such a generous giveaway. I think my favorite Christmas cookie is always the snowballs. I have loved those for years, and it never seems like Christmas without them.

  13. November 24, 2025 at 7:56 am

    I have been a subscriber for more than a decade.

  14. November 24, 2025 at 7:57 am

    I pinned the photo of those darling little Christmas mice. I think I’m going to try those this year.

  15. Barbara
    November 24, 2025 at 8:13 am

    I know they weren’t mentioned but my families all time favorite is 7 layer bars. When my two boys were younger they would make the 8th layer with Christmas sprinkles!

  16. Terri E
    November 24, 2025 at 8:13 am

    Mary, what a collection of sweets and treats for Christmas!! My most requested treat is my mom’s peanut brittle. I make quite a number of batches every year for friends and family but I also include on my tray several of your special treats I started making. The pop corn mix, the easy red velvet cookies and Christmas mice are favorites!

  17. Terri E
    November 24, 2025 at 8:18 am

    Mary, this year I’m pinning the bourbon pecan gingerbread cookies with the glaze and also the orange coconut balls.
    Thanks for the round up of goodies and the give away!

  18. Tracey A
    November 24, 2025 at 8:36 am

    7 layer bars are a great hit and I always make them every year. My mom used to make them as well!

  19. Tracey A
    November 24, 2025 at 8:37 am

    I am a happy subscriber!

  20. Tracey A
    November 24, 2025 at 8:40 am

    Good morning. I saved more than one, but one is the Peanut butter Bars. Thank you for spreading happiness!

  21. Susan
    November 24, 2025 at 8:40 am

    You are my go to site for all things scrumptious. This year I must try the Pistachio, orange and cranberry fudge. It is so unusual. Thanks for the chance to win.

  22. Mary L
    November 24, 2025 at 8:50 am

    Mary, your generosity leaves me speechless. Thank you for the chance to win one of your carefully curated prizes.
    Our favorite treat at Christmas is Pecan Tassies, the holidays would never be the same without those on our dessert table. Blessings to you!

  23. Ellen
    November 24, 2025 at 8:51 am

    Soooo many recipes and very little time!!! Thank you!! My favorite recipe for me to bake is my Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread! I give it as gifts. Thank you also for your wonderful giveaways. Hope your Thanksgiving is a filled with good food, friends, & family! And I have been a subscriber for many many years! Always look forward to your posts! ♥️🍁🦃

  24. Ellen
    November 24, 2025 at 8:53 am

    I pinned the last picture. It’s the pic of all the recipes pictures. This way if I want a new one, all I have to do is click on that picture! Good luck to everyone in this giveaway!!

  25. Nancy
    November 24, 2025 at 8:54 am

    Good morning, always inspired by your presentations. Wondering where to purchase the parchment paper baking clips. Happy Thanksgiving from Canada.

  26. Donna C
    November 24, 2025 at 9:04 am

    All of these recipes sound fantastic. I can’t wait to try some. Thanks for doing this giveaway. My favorite cookies have chocolate in them. Happy Holidays!

  27. Donna C
    November 24, 2025 at 9:05 am

    I subscribe to your emails. Happy Holidays!

  28. Donna C
    November 24, 2025 at 9:06 am

    I pinned a couple of your photos and recipes. Happy Holidays!

  29. Susan B
    November 24, 2025 at 9:15 am

    Mary what a generous raffle!! Thank you for all the delicious cookie recipes. It’s so hard to pick one, but I am going to make the gingerbread cookies with the bourbon glaze and for my husband, the peppermint bark. My favorite Christmas cookie is called the Santa Wreaths, which are small cakes, glazed with pineapple juice and candied fruit mixed in the batter. This is a recipe from Women’s Day magazine back in the 80s. They are delicious!!! Thank you for this beautiful post and Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! We are all so blessed and have so much to be grateful for.

  30. Joy Breedlove
    November 24, 2025 at 9:19 am

    Wonderful selection of recipes! I like to bake sugar cookies to decorate. Merry baking!

  31. November 24, 2025 at 9:22 am

    I’ll take several of each!! I always love the snowball cookies and I would say they are my favorite, so I pinned them but I also pinned the owl cookies since for me they are a close second. My mom always made orange sugar cookies that she painstakingly decorated each Xmas and when I can, I make those as well. The recipe is a lot more substantial than any I have seen since. I am a subscriber and always look forward to your inspiring and uplifting posts!! Happy Holidays to you and your family!!

    • blazeswiftlyb8ec6ece64
      November 24, 2025 at 10:00 am

      Wow!
      What a great giveaway ☺️
      Shortbread.
      Love it with a cup of tea or hot chocolate.
      Cheer’s
      Judy Dlugosh

  32. Mary Anne McWhirter
    November 24, 2025 at 10:09 am

    HO Ho HO MARY Christmas!!! My favorite cookies are gingerbread men. Always baking them with my grandchildren. I have their station set up upon arrival with their gingerbread apron hanging on their chair. I try to find a variety of gingerbread cookie cutters each year…even found “nija” ones one year. But we like the traditional the best. We eat a lot and wrap up lots for gifts. They both go home with plenty to distribute. I also love to make chocolate candy made in the crock pot with peanuts, chocolate chips, a german chocolate bar and almond bark. They are cooked in the crockpot on low for 3 hours and then stirred and dropped on wax paper until cooled. They are delicious. Thanks for the joy and creativity you bring to so many of us. Christmas blessings are send to you!

  33. Mary Driver-Downs
    November 24, 2025 at 10:09 am

    Love this post! My favorite cookie is the snowball. So fun!

  34. Carmen
    November 24, 2025 at 10:39 am

    Love love your inspiration, such eye candy! I love baking good old chocolate chip cookies!

  35. Linda Hovgaard
    November 24, 2025 at 11:08 am

    There’s nothing like a large, chewy, homemade, old fashioned Gingerbread Cookie at Christmas! Hot out of the oven with a cup of coffee or tea. Snickerdoodles take a close second. I also have a recipe for chewy mini gingerbread cutouts that a gal gave me that she was serving as a treat in her garden store that I love to make. Your beautiful baking boards are such an inspiration along with all your other gorgeous decor and Holiday fun!

  36. Linda Hovgaard
    November 24, 2025 at 11:14 am

    I pinned your Making Spirits Bright 20+ Holiday recipes & Food Gifts, Santas Favorite Cookies and Melt in Your Mouth Snowball Cookies. Thank you!

  37. Diana
    November 24, 2025 at 11:17 am

    As always a beautiful post! Photos always capture the magic and the recipes look delicious.
    Our traditional Christmas fare is candy cane bread I make for Christmas morning, it’s a sweet bread braid filled with dried apricots and cherries! Yum!
    I pinned your hot cocoa recipe, what a cute gift that would make! I’ve also made your homemade vanilla extract and love it!
    Thank you for all your inspirations.
    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
    Diana

  38. Chloe
    November 24, 2025 at 11:23 am

    You are so amazing to offer not one, but ten opportunities to win a baking bonanza. I’ve been making your cherry white chocolate cookies since you posted the recipe. My family loves them.

  39. Mary
    November 24, 2025 at 11:48 am

    Our favorite Christmas cookies to bake each year are sugar cookie cutouts. Everyone gets their own tray after the rolling and cutting are done to decorate in any fashion desired. Great way for all of us to share in the Christmas spirit. Thank you for your prize giveaway offers. They are delightful.

  40. Lynn Barber
    November 24, 2025 at 11:50 am

    Happy Holidays 🎄 Our favorite Christmas cookie are Frosted Sugar Cookies. I’m going to try the Chocolate Hershey Kiss cookies and I pinned them Thank you. Lynn

  41. Karalee Mitro
    November 24, 2025 at 11:51 am

    What a lovely selection of giveaway treats! I always make gingerbread cookies at Christmastime (and love to eat them with my morning coffee!) however, this year I plan to try the Pecan Gingerbread Bourbon cookies with glaze which I have also pinned. I have been a subscriber for years and look forward to your posts all year, so inspirational and a very nice way to begin the day. If I’m chosen for one of the gifts I will be sharing with my daughter in law who is learning to bake and teaching my 3 year old granddaughter to help! Such fun! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

  42. The Gathering Basket
    November 24, 2025 at 11:59 am

    Hi Mary,
    Every year I look forward to your christmas posts. I always get inspired to bake after them.
    My favorite cookies to make at Christmas are my mom’s candy cane cookies. They always bring me back to my childhood.
    I’ve pinned your entire page so I can re visit it often. But I’ve pinned those spicy dark chocolate nut clusters. Those look different and yummy! I’m Already a subscriber. And always look forward to your emails.
    Thanks Nancy

  43. Donna
    November 24, 2025 at 12:03 pm

    Wow always look forward to your wonderful giveaways! I pinned the cranberry white chocolate cookies and the peanut butter chocolate swirls !
    Can’t wait to try both .
    My favorite cookie for Christmas is date pinwheels ! They were always on a plate waiting to be gobbled up.
    Thank you again

  44. Mary
    November 24, 2025 at 12:18 pm

    Thanks for including some peanut butter recipes. My brother is homebound and these treats will make his spirit bright!

  45. radiantblizzard959786deee
    November 24, 2025 at 12:43 pm

    Fantastic post. My favorite recipe is he Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread. It’s such a warm, cozy treat. I love making cookie boxes as giveaways for the holidays. It really starts the holidays. Thanks for all your hard work getting these recipes compiled. Must keep this brief–I’ve got a lot of cookie baking to do. I pinned the owl cookies. Over-the-top cute.

  46. Joy Breedlove
    November 24, 2025 at 12:46 pm

    I subscribe by email, and always enjoy your posts, even though I don’t comment often.

  47. radiantblizzard959786deee
    November 24, 2025 at 12:53 pm

    I’m so glad I stumbled upon this blog. Always amazing. I’m going to try the Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread, It looks amazing. I love this time of year especially making cookie boxes to giveaway to friends. It’s always a much appreciated gift. I pinned the owl cookies. Way toooo cute.

    Linda

    • radiantblizzard959786deee
      November 24, 2025 at 12:55 pm

      I wrote this comment but I’m not radiantblizzard 959786deee. I’m Linda O’Neill.

  48. Lauren S
    November 24, 2025 at 12:58 pm

    My new favorite Christmas cookie is a red and white swirl butter cookie with a peppermint cream cheese filling sandwiched between 2 cookies. For gifting I wrap them individually in cellophane with twisted ends. They look like peppermint candies. So cute.

  49. Lauren S
    November 24, 2025 at 1:00 pm

    I am a long time subscriber and love all your inspiring ideas.

  50. Lauren S
    November 24, 2025 at 1:02 pm

    I pinned your Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter bread. It sounds like it would be a Christmas morning breakfast treat.

  51. Joann
    November 24, 2025 at 1:12 pm

    I love all the choices they all look DELIGHTFUL!
    I will make for my circle at church.
    Thank you!

  52. Debbie
    November 24, 2025 at 1:19 pm

    My favorite holiday treat is cranberry, orange sweetbread from our local Kneaders bakery. So yummy.

  53. Debbie
    November 24, 2025 at 1:28 pm

    I am a long time subscriber. Love this blog. I pinned the cranberry, chocolate chip bread with orange glaze. Three of my fave ingredients. Thanks for the giveaway.

  54. Sandra Gummert
    November 24, 2025 at 6:04 pm

    Sandy,Nov.24,2025 My favorite Christmas goodies to make are pumpkin pies,and pumpkin bars,Sugar cookies as well.All of your recipes look amazing.

  55. Melisa
    November 24, 2025 at 6:08 pm

    This is a favorite blog! The recipes are terrific, we’re making the Santa’s Favorite cookies this week. Thanks too for the terrific photos.

  56. Sue
    November 24, 2025 at 7:59 pm

    Thank you, Mary, looking forward to making those cute mice cookies again and I hope to try the Bourbon Pecan Gingerbread Cookies with Bourbon Glaze…they sound so yummy and festive! My mom always made the melt in your mouth Snowball Cookies and I like to make them while remembering her, especially this time of year. Your giveaways are so thoughtful and adorable, what fun to bake with! Have wonderful holidays…

  57. Cindi
    November 24, 2025 at 8:13 pm

    Oh the goodies! The melted snowmen and the reindeer popcorn have become traditions in my home. The snowmen have replaced chocolate chip cookies as my favorite and all 5 grands love them too!

  58. Cindi
    November 24, 2025 at 8:21 pm

    I pinned the melting snowmen page! So many goodies to choose from. Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🍁

  59. Mary DeVine
    November 24, 2025 at 10:55 pm

    My favorite cookies to bake for the holidays are cinnamon pinwheels. I am a subscriber. I pinned the apple fritter bread photo. Looks so yummy! Thank you for the giveaway!

  60. Adrienne Greenfield
    November 24, 2025 at 11:11 pm

    I would like to know if you do any REMOTE decorating help…. Would be a great idea. I would love to have you help me!!

    Adrienne Greenfield
    Wake Forest, NC

  61. Trish
    November 24, 2025 at 11:28 pm

    Thank you for yet again another super give away. You have such wonderful emails and admire your talent in all the things you share. I have several favorites, but the top of the list is gingerbread cookies. Happy Thanksgiving.

  62. November 25, 2025 at 1:19 am

    I love to make Peanut Butter Blossoms!
    Subscriber
    Pinned to Christmas Recipes

    You’re really rockin the Season!
    Thanks for the wonderful recipe collection and the exciting giveaway.
    Happy Holidays to you and yours!

  63. Denise
    November 25, 2025 at 6:44 am

    What a wonderful post, thank you. I love to bake cookies my mom used to bake, especially Snowball Cookies aka Russian Tea Cakes and so many other names.

  64. Jennifer H
    November 25, 2025 at 7:27 am

    My mom and I would make datenut bread to give away at Christmas. We saved soup and vegetable cans leading up December to use for baking them in, back before mini loaf pans were a thing. I still prefer the cans, I like the round shape. I’m sure the sense of nostalgia plays into it as well. Happy baking!

  65. Jennifer H
    November 25, 2025 at 7:30 am

    I pinned several recipes but the pecan bourbon balls are calling to me, thinking about making them for my bunco group this year. Thanks for the give away, you always find the cutest stuff!

  66. November 25, 2025 at 8:20 am

    Oh Mary, what a fabulous, generous giveaway you are offering. You’re like Mrs. Claus with all these wonderful baking items you’ve gathered up to share. It’s hard to choose a favorite thing I make, but I’ve never failed to make Christmas Jam for over the 1970’s, when Molly was a little girl. Rich and I made it together to give as gifts, and even though he’s gone, I still make it.
    Thank you for your loving and kind heart ♥️

  67. Katherine McGill
    November 25, 2025 at 4:31 pm

    Thank you for these wonderful recipes, I pinned several to share with my Great Niece Riley who is 10, she has just discover baking! We will doing the Melted Snowmen, the Easy to Build Snowmen and the Christmas Mice. I also pinned the Red Velvet peppermint thumbprints for myself. They will become my new favorite!
    Your gifts are just lovely and I’m sure anyone would love to have one of your generous gifts. I have the same F & F Santa head Cookie Jar as yours. I actually dropped my lid last year packing up and the cardinal broke off, thank goodness it was a clean break and I was able to repair it! Wishing you and your family a beautiful Thanksgiving!

  68. Paula Shoaf
    November 25, 2025 at 7:46 pm

    HI Mary ~~ I always enjoy seeing your Christmas cookies.. I will take one of each!! The give aways are adorable as always.
    Thanksgiving blessings to you and your family.

    Paula~~
    IN


  69. Karenann S.
    November 25, 2025 at 9:31 pm

    Thank you for all the wonderful dessert recipes for the Holidays! My favorite cookie to make is chocolate cherry biscotti. Baking for the holidays is my absolute favorite!

  70. Karenann S.
    November 25, 2025 at 9:32 pm

    I am a long time subscriber to your wonderful blog! I always enjoy every one of them!

  71. Karenann S.
    November 25, 2025 at 9:36 pm

    I pinned your wonderful recipes under “Holiday Desserts”

  72. Michele M./ Finch Rest
    November 25, 2025 at 11:24 pm

    Well, please let me tell you how much I appreciate all your recipes for holiday baking, Mary!!! I pinned so many things tonight. Let’s hope I find enough time to bake as much as I’d love to. And have everything turn out as beautiful as you make them look. SOOOOO impressive. You are amazing. And holy candy cane, your 10 giveaways are WOW WOW WOW. As I am the blessed and lucky recent recipient of your beautiful TURKEY PLATE giveaway I shall forego entering this delightful generous giveaway. Those 10 lucky winners will be baking in holiday style big time this year!
    Thank you for being the best blog on the internet, Mary. Happy Thanksgiving, too. ♥

  73. November 25, 2025 at 11:30 pm

    Mary, as always, I’m inspired by your prolific baking skills and your generosity. I know the lucky winners are going to appreciate these darling gifts. I used to love to bake cookies, but I rarely do anymore. My niece has taken cooking baking on as a passion, and she creates the prettiest decorated cookies. Mine never looked professional, but Samantha’s are swoon worthy. It’s a tremendous amount of work! Happy Thanksgiving!

  74. November 26, 2025 at 4:26 am

    Good Morning, Mary. What a fabulous roundup of Christmas Yummyness! Those orange coconut balls are calling my name. And those cherry mice are so darling!
    But anything with chocolate and peanut butter will also end up on my plate.
    You really outdid yourself with this roundup—so many Christmas treats to choose from, along with all the sweet goodness displayed so beautifully. Thank you so much, Mary! You are always an inspiration!
    Happy Thanksgiving!

  75. Clara
    November 26, 2025 at 10:53 am

    Thank you Mary! I’m glad to have these recipes in one post for quick reference. Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 Clara❤️

  76. November 27, 2025 at 5:53 am

    What a fun post! I am definitely bookmarking this page. You have so many good ideas, and they’re so attractively presented. My favorite cookie to bake at Christmas is spritz because they’re so easy, and they look so good. I’m a subscriber already, and Kim so glad. I love your holiday posts.

  77. November 27, 2025 at 5:58 am

    I’ve subscribed for years. You always have the most wonderful holiday posts. ♥️

  78. November 27, 2025 at 5:59 am

    I pinned those adorable owls! I’ve always loved birds, but have recently fallen madly in love with owls! Your cookies make me so happy!

  79. Donna
    November 27, 2025 at 10:09 am

    Your owl shortbread cookies have become a favorite. So good looking for a cookie.

  80. Donna
    November 27, 2025 at 10:11 am

    I pinned your cranberry orange bread, it looks like a winner.

  81. November 27, 2025 at 12:04 pm

    My favorite Christmas treat is Creole Kisses with sprinkles, but your cute little Chocolate Cherry Mice have become a new tradition in my family the last few years! I am a subscriber and a big fan.

  82. November 27, 2025 at 12:06 pm

    I pinned the Chocolate Cherry Merry Mice. They make such cute neighbor gifts and my family loves them. Thanks for the recipe!

  83. Susan K
    November 27, 2025 at 6:31 pm

    For all the Christmas cookies I make, nothing beats a decorated sugar cookie. It doesn’t matter if it is a tree, star, reindeer or bell, they all taste delicious. They can be frosted artistically or by a child and there is that moment when you bite into the cookie and all kinds of memories appear!
    I have been a long time subscriber, I pinned to my Christmas cookie board the coconut orange balls. A new to me variety to make this year.
    Thanks for offering such fun filled baking prizes! Merry Christmas to you!

  84. Ann Woleben
    November 28, 2025 at 1:23 pm

    My favorite Christmas cookies are the snowball cookies. In fact, my whole family loves these. They melt in your mouth.

  85. Ann Woleben
    November 28, 2025 at 1:26 pm

    I pinned the cranberry and white chocolate cookie recipe. They look delicious! All of the recipes are keepers!

  86. November 29, 2025 at 10:35 am

    Mary, a post where I can take in all of the goodies in one place. So many varieties to entice us. I thought I had commented before. Sometimes I get that error message I need to pay attention to. Busy times. Happy holidays.🎄

  87. Donna G
    November 30, 2025 at 7:07 pm

    I always make a crescent roll cherry cream cheese bread.
    Thank you for the wonderful giveaway, your recipes and decor!

  88. JANET SMITH
    December 1, 2025 at 9:54 am

    Cranberry Noel shortbread cookies are my favorite but this year I will be trying Santa’s favorite cookie !

  89. HRMcla
    December 1, 2025 at 1:43 pm

    I am a new subscriber! Oh my goodness…if I weren’t already in the Christmas spirit I sure would be now after reading this gorgeous post! Your photos are amazing, and I’m already planning some of these recipes in the next couple of weeks. My favorite Christmas recipe is “Elf Mix,” a fun mixture of snack goodies loved by old and young!

  90. Donna
    December 1, 2025 at 5:36 pm

    There are so many cookies I like to make! A favorite is the Snowballs ( also called a Russian tea cookie), and shortbread cookies. I’m not the best baker but am trying to make cut out sugar cookies that look good!
    I’m a long time subscriber.
    I hope you and all your readers have a wonderful Christmas! I’ll celebrate early because I’m working Christmas Day, hospital nurse here.

  91. Lanita Anderson
    December 2, 2025 at 1:47 pm

    My favorite cookies to bake for the holidays are peanut butter blossoms with the Hershey’s kiss! Thank you for all of the yummy inspiration and great ideas! I am a subscriber and look forward to seeing your creativity, especially during the holidays!

  92. Lanita Anderson
    December 2, 2025 at 1:49 pm

    So many great ideas!! I posted on my Pinterest page under “Christmas Entertaining”……

Leave a Reply to Terri BetzCancel reply

Discover more from Home is Where the Boat Is

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

Discover more from Home is Where the Boat Is

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading