Ina Garten is a true marvel in the kitchen — especially during the holidays — and she makes it look so easy. For those of us that strive to be like the Food Network star, she has given us a dozen cookbooks and two decades worth of The Barefoot Contessa episodes filled with tips and tricks for entertaining. Plus, hundreds of yummy recipes for everything from appetizers to desserts.
This holiday season, we’ve combed through all of Garten’s books and took a deep dive into her TV series to gather all of her amazing cookie recipes. After all, they are perfect for serving at holiday parties and they make great gifts. Of course, we also love to snack on these sweet treats ourselves. Here are eight of our absolute favorite Ina Garten cookie recipes to make this Christmas.
8. ‘The Barefoot Contessa’ shared her Black and White Cookies recipe on Instagram
Garten’s Black and White Cookies come from her 2020 cookbook Modern Comfort Food. Before the book was published, she shared on Instagram that they were one of her all-time favorite treats because “they’re really more like decadent, snack-sized cakes.”
“The best part is that they are glazed with both chocolate AND vanilla icing so you don’t have to choose between the two. And, once you’ve had them fresh out of the oven, you’ll never go back to store-bought cookies again!” Garten promises.
7. Ina Garten’s Shortbread Cookies are worth the wait
It does take an hour and 15 minutes — from start to finish — to make Garten’s Shortbread Cookies, featured on The Barefoot Contessa episode titled “Impromptu Dinner.” But they are absolutely worth the wait. The only ingredients you’ll need are unsalted butter, sugar, pure vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, salt, and semi-sweet chocolate.
6. Mini Linzer Cookies are a Christmas classic
A variation of shortbread cookies, Garten’s Mini Linzer Cookies are a bite-size treat filled with raspberry preserves and dusted with powdered sugar. This intermediate recipe was featured in The Barefoot Contessa episode “Card Sharks’ Delight,” and it takes about 45 minutes to make.
The only other ingredients you’ll need are unsalted butter, granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, flour, and salt.
5. Chocolate Chunk Cookies are perfect for parties
From Garten’s 2001 cookbook titled Parties! comes her recipe for Chocolate Chunk Cookies. This old-fashioned recipe makes 36 to 40 cookies, and you can make them with or without walnuts.
For a more updated version, Garten shared her Giant Crinkled Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe in the fall of 2021 with her 3.3 million Instagram followers. She described them as “chocolaty, crisp, and a little salty.”
4. Ina Garten’s Jam Thumbprint Cookies are just like grandma’s
Garten’s recipe for Jam Thumbprint Cookies might hit you with a bit of nostalgia because they are just like grandma used to make. They were featured in Garten’s Family Style cookbook, and the only kitchen tools you’ll need are an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, plastic wrap, and a cookie sheet.
The ingredient list for this dessert includes butter, sugar, vanilla extract, flour, kosher salt, egg, coconut, and raspberry or apricot jam.
3. Ultimate Ginger Cookies are easy and delicious
If you need a quick and easy cookie recipe, look no further than Garten’s Ultimate Ginger Cookies. They were featured in the episode “Pack and Go Party,” and we promise they are the best ginger cookies you’ll ever eat.
“This cookie is delicious!” one reviewer wrote. “You need to love ginger and spice but if you do, this cookie is everything nice! AND, I’ve convinced myself it’s a borderline healthy cookie as it has minimal oil and “healthy” spices ;) Enjoy, to me this is a dream Christmas cookie.”
2. Pecan Sandies are ‘Foolproof’
From Garten’s 2012 cookbook Foolproof comes her recipe for Pecan Sandies. To make this delicious cookie, you’ll need a food processor fitted with a steel blade, an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, a cookie sheet, an ice cream scoop, a bowl, and a wire rack.
1. Everyone loves Ina Garten’s Fruitcake Cookies
Fruitcake has not had the best PR over the last few decades when it comes to Christmas desserts. But Garten has changed all of that with her Fruitcake Cookies, featured in the episode “Cooking For A Crowd.” We promise that if you dare to give them a try, they will become a Christmas tradition.
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“First time for any kind of fruitcake. Absolutely delicious! It will definitely be one recipe that continues in my home!” one reviewer wrote. Another added, “These are awesome cookies. I make them every year at Christmas to give as gifts to neighbors. Everyone loves them!”
The Barefoot Contessa airs Sundays on the Food Network.
