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If your December feels like one long to-do list, these air fryer Christmas cookies are about to become your new holiday hack. They’re quick, cozy, and perfect for those moments when you want homemade treats… but you definitely don’t want to babysit the oven or wash extra trays.

All seven recipes below take 8–12 minutes in the air fryer, use simple pantry ingredients, and deliver that “fresh-from-the-oven” magic without the drama. Grab a mug of something warm and let’s bake smart, not hard.

🎄 1. Air Fryer Gingerbread Men

Warm spices, soft centers, crisp edges — everything you want in a gingerbread cookie without heating up the whole kitchen.

Why you’ll love it:
You get that classic holiday aroma instantly. And because the air fryer circulates heat so evenly, the cookies puff up beautifully while keeping sharp edges for decorating.

Pro Tip:
Chill your dough for at least 15 minutes. It helps the cookies hold their shape in the air fryer’s strong airflow.

👉 Get the full Gingerbread Men recipe here

🎅 2. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

A festive favorite that looks way harder than it is. These turn out perfectly crackly with soft, cakey middles — and the air fryer prevents that dry, over-baked outcome many ovens give.

Why they’re perfect for busy bakers:
You only need one bowl, no mixer, and the dough goes straight from scoop → roll → air fryer.

Pro Tip:
Roll them heavily in powdered sugar right before air frying. The contrast is what gives you those dramatic Christmas cracks.

👉 Get the full Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies recipe

❄️ 3. Peppermint Bark Cookies

Imagine peppermint bark… but in cookie form. These chocolate-peppermint bites crisp perfectly around the edges and stay soft inside.

Why this recipe works so well in the air fryer:
The chocolate melts just enough for the crushed candy canes to sink in and set beautifully.

Extra Idea:
Dip half the cookie in white chocolate after cooling for a more dramatic dessert-board moment.

👉 Get the full Peppermint Bark Cookies recipe

🌲 4. Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Christmas Trees

A buttery, crisp shortbread that air fries like a dream. No puffing, no spreading, just clean edges and a gorgeous finish.

What makes it special:
Shortbread can take forever in the oven — but in the air fryer, it becomes golden and tender in minutes.

Pro Tip:
Don’t stand the cookies up for photos in real life — lay them flat on a platter and drizzle the chocolate so it sets in fine lines.

👉 Get the full Shortbread Christmas Trees recipe

🍒 5. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

These taste like bakery-style Christmas cookies but take a fraction of the time. Sweet, tart, soft, and beautifully chewy.

Why these shine:
The air fryer keeps the edges lightly crisp while preserving that perfect tender middle.

Mini anecdote:
The first time I tested these, the batch disappeared before they cooled. That’s how you know they’re holiday gold.

👉 Get the full White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies recipe

❤️ 6. Linzer Raspberry Cookies

A classic Christmas cookie — only faster, cleaner, and honestly more consistent. The top cookies crisp slightly while the bottoms stay soft enough to sandwich easily.

Pro Tip:
Dust the top cookie with powdered sugar before sandwiching to get those perfect contrast rings.

Bonus:
Great for gifting because they keep their shape and don’t crumble.

👉 Get the full Linzer Cookies recipe

☕ 7. Hot Cocoa Cookies

If a mug of hot chocolate turned into a cookie, this would be it: chocolate-rich dough, melty marshmallow center, and festive sprinkles.

Why this is a must-make:
The air fryer melts the marshmallow just enough to become gooey — without burning, which oven broilers often do.

Serving Idea:
Add crushed mini candy canes on top for a “snowy mug” finish.

👉 Get the full Hot Cocoa Cookies recipe

⭐ Final Tips for Air Fryer Holiday Baking

• Don’t overcrowd: cookies need airflow. 4–6 per batch is perfect.
• Use parchment circles with holes: prevents sticking while allowing air to circulate.
• Chill most doughs: especially butter-heavy ones — they’ll hold their shape better.
• Check at 5–6 minutes: air fryers vary, and cookies can go from perfect → too brown quickly.

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