Festivals are a time for togetherness, celebration, and of course—delicious food! And what better way to spread joy than with a batch of freshly baked cookies? Whether it’s Diwali, Christmas, Eid, or a cozy winter evening with family, festive cookies are always a hit.
In this article, we proudly present our 7 best festive cookies of all time—recipes that are not only rich in flavor and tradition, but also completely eggless and vegetarian. These cookies bring together warm spices, nuts, fruits, and buttery textures, making them ideal for gifting, celebrations, or indulgent moments of self-care.
From traditional Indian inspirations to globally loved classics, each recipe is crafted to be simple, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing.
1. Nankhatai – The Indian Shortbread Cookie
Overview
A beloved Indian classic, nankhatai is a buttery, crumbly cookie made with gram flour and flavored with cardamom. It’s a staple during Diwali but loved year-round.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (1 cup)
- Gram flour (besan) (1/2 cup)
- Semolina (rava/sooji) (1/4 cup)
- Powdered sugar (3/4 cup)
- Ghee or unsalted butter (1/2 cup)
- Cardamom powder (1 tsp)
- Baking soda (1/4 tsp)
- Chopped pistachios or almonds (for garnish)
Preparation
- Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Add ghee and knead into a soft dough.
- Shape into small balls, flatten slightly, and place on a baking tray.
- Garnish with nuts and bake at 160°C (320°F) for 15–20 minutes or until golden.
Why It’s Festive
Nankhatai melts in the mouth and has a delicate cardamom flavor. It pairs perfectly with chai and brings back memories of Indian festivals.
2. Linzer Cookies with Jam
Overview
Inspired by Austrian baking traditions, these sandwich cookies are filled with fruit preserves and dusted with powdered sugar. Beautiful and delicious!
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (1¾ cups)
- Almond flour (1/2 cup)
- Butter (1/2 cup, softened)
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup + for dusting)
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp)
- Strawberry or raspberry jam (for filling)
Preparation
- Cream butter and sugar. Add vanilla, cornstarch, and flours to make a soft dough.
- Roll and cut using cookie cutters—make sure to cut a small hole in half the cookies.
- Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool, sandwich with jam, and dust with sugar.
Why It’s Festive
These cookies look stunning on a holiday platter and offer a perfect balance of nutty, buttery flavor with tart jam.
3. Jeera Biscuits (Savory-Sweet Cumin Cookies)
Overview
Jeera biscuits are a favorite in Indian bakeries—lightly sweet, delicately savory, and full of cumin flavor. Perfect for gifting or snacking with tea.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (1½ cups)
- Semolina (2 tbsp)
- Butter (1/2 cup)
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup)
- Cumin seeds (1 tbsp, roasted)
- Salt (a pinch)
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp)
- Milk (2–3 tbsp, as needed)
Preparation
- Cream butter and sugar. Add flour, baking powder, salt, and cumin.
- Add milk slowly and bring together to form dough.
- Roll and cut into rounds. Bake at 170°C (340°F) for 12–15 minutes.
Why It’s Festive
These cookies are elegant, unique, and make a lovely break from overly sweet treats. A favorite for Diwali boxes and savory platters.
4. Cardamom Rose Shortbread Cookies
Overview
Aromatic and floral, these melt-in-the-mouth shortbread cookies are infused with cardamom and rose water, bringing a luxurious touch to festive tables.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (1½ cups)
- Butter (1/2 cup, softened)
- Powdered sugar (1/3 cup)
- Cardamom powder (1/2 tsp)
- Rose water (1 tsp)
- Crushed dried rose petals (optional, for garnish)
Preparation
- Cream butter and sugar until light.
- Mix in rose water and cardamom.
- Add flour to form a soft dough. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out, cut shapes, and bake at 170°C (340°F) for 12–15 minutes.
Why It’s Festive
Delicate and fragrant, these cookies feel like edible poetry. Ideal for weddings, Diwali, or Eid celebrations.
5. Snowball Cookies (Butter Balls)
Overview
Also known as Mexican wedding cookies or Russian tea cakes, these buttery, nut-filled cookies are rolled in powdered sugar for a snow-like finish.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (1 cup)
- Butter (1/2 cup)
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup + more for rolling)
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
- Chopped walnuts or almonds (1/2 cup)
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp)
Preparation
- Cream butter and sugar. Add vanilla, flour, cornstarch, and nuts.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Shape into balls and bake at 170°C (340°F) for 12–15 minutes.
- While still warm, roll in powdered sugar.
Why It’s Festive
With their snow-covered look and rich nutty flavor, these cookies are a Christmas classic—but fit beautifully into any festive celebration.
6. Coconut Jaggery Cookies (Nariyal Gur Biscuits)
Overview
Rooted in Indian tradition, these cookies combine coconut and jaggery for a rustic, earthy sweetness. Great for winter festivals like Makar Sankranti or Lohri.
Ingredients
- Whole wheat flour (1 cup)
- Grated coconut (1/2 cup, fresh or desiccated)
- Jaggery (1/2 cup, melted)
- Ghee or oil (1/4 cup)
- Baking soda (1/4 tsp)
- Cardamom powder (1/2 tsp)
Preparation
- Mix all ingredients to form a soft dough.
- Roll into small balls, flatten slightly.
- Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 15–18 minutes.
Why It’s Festive
Wholesome, naturally sweetened, and full of flavor. These are great for those who prefer traditional, rustic flavors.
7. Ginger Molasses Cookies
Overview
Warm spices, molasses, and a soft chewy texture make these cookies perfect for winter festivities. They’re egg-free but full of bold holiday flavor.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (1¾ cups)
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup)
- Molasses (1/4 cup)
- Butter (1/2 cup)
- Baking soda (1 tsp)
- Ginger powder (1 tsp)
- Cinnamon (1/2 tsp)
- Clove powder (1/4 tsp)
- Milk (2–3 tbsp)
Preparation
- Cream butter, sugar, and molasses.
- Add dry ingredients and form a soft dough.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Roll into balls, coat with sugar, and bake at 175°C (350°F) for 12–14 minutes.
Why It’s Festive
These cookies are bold, aromatic, and bring the cozy feel of the holidays with every bite.
Tips for Perfect Festive Cookies
- Use room-temperature ingredients – especially butter, for smoother mixing.
- Chill the dough – helps prevent spreading and improves texture.
- Experiment with shapes – use cookie cutters for festive designs.
- Package beautifully – wrap in parchment, place in tins, and decorate with ribbons for gifting.
- Keep it eggless and delicious – curd, milk, or applesauce are great natural binders.
Conclusion
Festive cookies are more than just desserts—they’re tokens of love, tradition, and celebration. Whether you’re preparing Diwali mithai boxes, Christmas cookie platters, or Eid gift baskets, these 7 best festive cookies offer variety, warmth, and nostalgic charm—without a single egg or non-vegetarian ingredient.
From melt-in-your-mouth nankhatai to jam-filled linzer cookies, this collection proves that eggless baking can be just as indulgent, flavorful, and festive. Try them all and share the joy, one delicious bite