Christmas Ornament Shaped Cookies Recipe

There’s something about festive treats that just steal the show during the holidays, and this Christmas Ornament Shaped Cookies Recipe is one of those gems I keep coming back to every year. I love this recipe because it’s so easy to make yet feels super special — perfect for when you want a fun, no-bake cookie that doubles as holiday decor on your dessert tray. Plus, it’s a fantastic treat for kids to help with, which makes the whole process even more joyful.

You’ll find that making these ornament-shaped cookies is not just delicious but creative too, thanks to the colorful sanding sugars and candies. When I first tried this Christmas Ornament Shaped Cookies Recipe, I was amazed by how quickly they came together and how many smiles they brought around the kitchen table. Whether you’re preparing a last-minute treat or looking for sweets to gift neighbors, these are a surefire hit.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Christmas Ornament Shaped Cookies Recipe come together in simple steps, and each one brings a special touch. I usually like to use good-quality almond bark and fresh peanut butter to make sure the final cookies taste rich without overwhelming sweetness.

• Vanilla Almond Bark: This melts smoothly and makes a glossy coating that hardens perfectly.
• Ritz Crackers: Their buttery crunch is the perfect base, and they’re also sturdy enough to hold the cookie “sandwich.”
• Peanut Butter: Use your favorite creamy kind—it adds delicious richness and creaminess inside.
• Miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Halved and placed on top, they add the perfect pop of peanut-chocolate flavor and look festive.
• Colored Sanding Sugars or Candies: These make decorating your cookies super fun and totally customizable for your holiday style.

Variations

I love how flexible this Christmas Ornament Shaped Cookies Recipe can be! You can easily swap candies or add nuts in the peanut butter filling depending on your family’s preferences. Don’t be afraid to get creative — it’s your holiday treat after all.

• Nut-Free Option: I once made these with sun butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free crowd, and they were just as loved.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Variation: Mix in some mini chocolate chips with the peanut butter before sandwiching the crackers for an extra chocolate boost.
• Sugar-Free Version: Using sugar-free candies and natural peanut butter without added sugars makes these work for low-sugar diets.

How to Make Christmas Ornament Shaped Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Melt Your Vanilla Almond Bark

Start by melting the vanilla almond bark following the package instructions—usually microwaving in short bursts while stirring. I’ve found stirring well in between melts prevents it from burning and ensures that smooth, glossy finish you want for coating. Make sure to have your almond bark fully melted before moving to the next step to avoid clumps.

Step 2: Assemble Your Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches

Spread a nice layer of peanut butter on one Ritz cracker, then press another cracker on top to make a sandwich. I like to go a little thick with the peanut butter because it holds the whole cookie together and balances the sweet coating. Just be gentle so the crackers don’t break.

Step 3: Coat the Sandwiches and Decorate

Using a fork or dipping tool, cover each peanut butter sandwich cookie with the melted almond bark and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step goes quickly because the almond bark hardens fast—so have your decorations ready! Press half of a miniature Reese’s peanut butter cup gently on top before the coating sets, then sprinkle on your colored sanding sugars or other candies right away. This is the fun part where you make each cookie look like a shiny Christmas ornament!

Step 4: Let Them Harden Completely

Allow your cookies to cool at room temperature until the almond bark coating hardens completely. I like to leave them on the counter for about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how warm my kitchen is. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy or pack away for gifting!

How to Serve Christmas Ornament Shaped Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to garnish these cookies with extra colored sanding sugars right after dipping—it adds sparkle and festive flair. Sometimes, I add tiny silver dragées or edible glitter for a little extra magic, which really impresses guests at parties.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm mug of spiced cider or hot chocolate. For a holiday dessert platter, I like to serve them alongside gingerbread men and peppermint bark for a varied treat selection.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to present these is arranged on a festive platter shaped like a Christmas wreath, with greenery and fairy lights around. I’ve also packaged them in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbons to give as cute homemade gifts that everyone raves about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Christmas Ornament Shaped Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, placing parchment between layers so they don’t stick or damage the decorations. This keeps them fresh and crisp without sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you want to make these ahead of time. Just freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. When you thaw them at room temperature, the cookies retain their texture and decoration nicely.

Reheating

Since these are no-bake and already coated, reheating isn’t really necessary—I find they taste best at room temperature. If you want them a bit softer, just let them come to room temp from the fridge or freezer before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Ornament Shaped Cookies Recipe has become one of my favorite holiday traditions because it combines simplicity, flavor, and festive fun perfectly. I love how it brings everyone into the kitchen with easy steps and delightful decorating, and the final result looks like little bites of Christmas magic. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making (and eating!) these as much as I do—give it a try this season and watch your family light up with every colorful, crunchy bite.

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