Christmas comes but once a year, so why not make the best of it by skipping those boring chocolate chip cookies and roll out one of our favourite top THIRTEEN delicious Holiday-inspired cookie recipes!

Unfortunately, the mess and time pressure can make even the jolliest among us feel the Bah Humbug spirit, and so we've rounded up some unique recipes for mess-free stress-free cookies! You can thank us later (preferably in the form of baked goods).

First up, it's time to satisfy your sweet tooth!
(1) Apple Cinnamon Snickerdoodles (via QVC)
Now, what would a cookie recipe list be without a snickerdoodle? Enjoy the sweetness and spice of this perfect blend of apples and cinnamon. For an even sweeter kick, add your own caramel drizzle on top!

(2) Chewy Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies (via Lauren's Latest)
The first word is "chewy." Need I say more?

(3) Mini Cinnamon Roll Cookies (via Taste of Home) (image via Canadian Living)
Yes, we know. IT'S ACTUALLY A REAL THING. Say goodbye to the cronut and hello to this ridiculously amazing marriage of cinnamon rolls and cookies.

(4) Frozen Chocolate Mousse Cookies (via nobiggie)
Spare your toes and freeze your taste buds instead with this unique chilled cookie! One more reason to cuddle up by the fire!
 
Next, can you handle these little bouts of Holiday happiness?
(1) Santa's Easy Whoopie Pie Cookies (via Better Homes)
There's a reason two US states have fought over having whoopie pie cookies as their official state dessert. Enjoy these Christmas-inspired round mounds of moist cakey goodness!

(2) Peppermint Kiss Thumbprint Cookies (via Creme de la Crumb)
Hey Sugar, only have an hour? No worries! You can whip out these cute minty cookies in less time than your favourite trashy talk show. They are pretty as can be and it will look like you spent all night baking them. 

(3) Eggnog Cookies (via North Pole) (image via Domestic Rebel)
This is the only time of year it makes any kind of sense to drink a beverage made of raw eggs and then spiking it with whiskey. Ergo, this eggnog cookie recipe is a must for us (and for you, too).

(4) Pfeffernüsse (via Technicolor Kitchen)
This traditional German-Dutch favourite has sugar, spice, and everything ginger and nice!

Last but not least, these cookies are (kind of) healthy for you, so you won't feel guilty for having more than one.
(1) Zucchini Cookies (via chef in training)
Veggies never sounded so delicious with this buttercream frosting! It's also the perfect way to sneak in some veggies without the picky kiddies suspecting anything. Shh... don't tell.

(2) Gluten-Free Vegan Banana Cookies (via Minimalist Baker)
For anyone avoiding gluten and dairy, finding great cookies can be a chore. Too many failed recipes are bland and dry. Chalk cookies, Cardboard cookies, or Drywall cookies would better describe the taste: they shame the cookie name! Okay, you understand my frustration. When you find that miraculously moist gluten-free cookie though (like this one), cling to it dearly. 
 
(3) Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Orange Pecan Cookies (via Simply Recipes)
This is the Cookie Supreme, because no matter what flavour or texture you're craving, this cookie will surely satisfy it.

(4) Paleo Gluten-Free Homemade Oreos (via Living Healthy with Chocolate)
Regular Oreos are definitely off menu for gluten haters, but with this life-saving recipe you are free to twist, lick, and dunk with everyone else.

(5) White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies (via chef in training)
This one's for all you nut lovers out there! This cookie pairs macadamia nuts with a kick of almond extract that adds a wonderful smell too.


Don't forget to leave some next to the tree for Santa! Which recipes will you try this year?