14 holiday cookies to make right now

Whoopie pies are soft, cake-like cookies filled with billowy, whipped frosting. Rolled in sprinkles, they make a great alternative to birthday cupcakes. Get the recipe: Whoopie Pies

Soft, peanut butter cookie with a milk chocolate morsel sunk right inside? Now, where's that glass of milk? Get the recipe: Deep-Dish Peanut Butter Cookies

Linzer cookies are simple butter morsels sandwiched with simple jam, with a window to allow a peek of sweet colour and flavour. Get the recipe: Walnut Linzer Cookies

Just like grandma used to make. An easy, no-fail cookie recipe is the base of these whimsical pinwheels. Get the recipe: Sparkling Blizzard Swirl Cookies

The ultimate chocolate chip cookie is dense and chewy, not too cakey, with crisp edges and chocolate chunks throughout. The way it should be. Get the recipe: The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie

Use this as a blank canvas to create your own biscotti; add grated lemon or orange zest, chopped nuts or chocolate, dried fruit like apricots, cranberries, cherries or figs, candied ginger, spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom—anything goes! You can make longer biscotti by shaping a wide log, or smaller biscotti by dividing the dough into two smaller logs. Get the recipe: Biscotti

Shortbread has limitless variations—try adding grated citrus zest, spices or fresh herbs, finely chopped nuts or chocolate for a flavour boost. Get the recipe: Traditional Shortbread Cookies

'Tis the season to bake cookies - and if you have kids in the house, gingerbread men are likely on the agenda. Get the recipe: Classic Gingerbread Cookies

A no-fail sugar cookie dough plays it safe as the base, but you can get as elaborate as you like when it comes to decorating these lemon-infused snowflakes. Get the recipe: Lemon-Glazed Snowflake Cookies

Rolling dark chocolate dough in icing sugar before baking allows them to decorate themselves as they spread and crack. Get the recipe: Chocolate Crackle Cookies

Icebox cookies are named for their ability to hang out in the freezer until you're ready for them. In this version, roll 'em up for a cinnamon bun angle. Get the recipe: Cinnamon Bun Crunch Cookies

Soft and delicious sugar cookie base, your fave jam inside. You can't go wrong with this holiday classic. Get the recipe: Classic Jam-Filled Cookie Sandwiches

A good sugar cookie recipe in your arsenal is all you need to get creative and start your holiday baking. Get the recipe: Mary Berg's White Sugar Cookies

Your favourite buttery shortbread cookie gets a gluten-free makeover and, spoiler alert, it tastes just as good as the original. Get the recipe: Gluten-Free Cranberry Shortbread Cookies