15 Lemon & Citrus Holiday Cookies

Planning your holiday baking? Browse this festive collection for ideas to share, gift, or add to the dessert table. Each recipe name below opens the full recipe with its ingredients and instructions.

  1. Lemon Curd Thumbprint Sugar CookiesLemon Curd Thumbprint Sugar CookiesLemon Curd Thumbprint Sugar Cookies

    Tender lemon sugar-cookie thumbprints with glossy yellow lemon-curd centers and a light citrus drizzle.

  2. Cranberry Orange Sugar CookiesCranberry Orange Sugar CookiesCranberry Orange Sugar Cookies

    Slice-and-bake sugar cookies flecked with red dried cranberries and orange zest, finished with a light citrus drizzle.

  3. Lemon Ginger Crystallized Shortbread SlicesLemon Ginger Crystallized Shortbread SlicesLemon Ginger Crystallized Shortbread Slices

    Finely diced crystallized ginger and lemon zest speckle a firm dough log, giving each slice a bright citrus note and chewy ginger bite.

  4. Lemon Ricotta CookiesLemon Ricotta CookiesLemon Ricotta Cookies

    Soft ricotta cookies with fresh lemon zest and a bright citrus glaze.

  5. Chocolate-Dipped Orange BiscottiChocolate-Dipped Orange BiscottiChocolate-Dipped Orange Biscotti

    Orange almond biscotti with a neat dark chocolate dip.

  6. Lemon Glazed Shortbread Cut-OutsLemon Glazed Shortbread Cut-OutsLemon Glazed Shortbread Cut-Outs

    Rolled lemon cookies with a thin tart glaze for a bright holiday plate.

  7. Lemon Curd Poppy Seed ThumbprintsLemon Curd Poppy Seed ThumbprintsLemon Curd Poppy Seed Thumbprints

    Lemon zest and poppy seeds run through a tender cookie shell filled after baking with chilled lemon curd.

  8. Lemon Ricotta Christmas Crinkle CookiesLemon Ricotta Christmas Crinkle CookiesLemon Ricotta Christmas Crinkle Cookies

    Lemon zest and drained ricotta make soft, rounded crinkles with a tender center and a pale sugar crust.

  9. Orange Sugar CookiesOrange Sugar CookiesOrange Sugar Cookies

    Golden orange sugar cookies with fragrant citrus zest, a delicate spice note and a sparkling orange-sugar crust.

  10. Lemon Poppy Seed Freezer CookiesLemon Poppy Seed Freezer CookiesLemon Poppy Seed Freezer Cookies

    Lemon Poppy Seed Freezer Cookies with measured ingredients, icebox shaping and clear oven cues for a holiday cookie box.

  11. Lemon Poppy-Seed Shortbread FingersLemon Poppy-Seed Shortbread FingersLemon Poppy-Seed Shortbread Fingers

    Poppy seeds and lemon zest give crisp pressed fingers a bright, lightly textured finish that pairs well with tea.

  12. Cranberry Orange Ricotta CookiesCranberry Orange Ricotta CookiesCranberry Orange Ricotta Cookies

    Soft ricotta cookies with dried cranberry flecks, orange zest and a light citrus glaze; a festive home adaptation.

  13. Blueberry Lemon Curd CookiesBlueberry Lemon Curd CookiesBlueberry Lemon Curd Cookies

    Blueberry Lemon Curd Cookies with measured ingredients, drop shaping and clear oven cues for a holiday cookie box.

  14. Lemon Poppy Seed Sugar CookiesLemon Poppy Seed Sugar CookiesLemon Poppy Seed Sugar Cookies

    Puffy lemon sugar cookies dotted with crunchy poppy seeds and fresh lemon zest.

  15. Honey Lemon Ricotta CookiesHoney Lemon Ricotta CookiesHoney Lemon Ricotta Cookies

    Soft ricotta cookies sweetened partly with honey, scented with lemon zest and topped with a thin honey-lemon glaze; an Italian-style home adaptation.