Click through our slideshow to learn a few Christmas cookie facts and recipes!

Animal Crackers

Did you know that animal crackers were the first commercial cookie? The bright, colorful product was introduced in 1902 as a seasonal item. Have you ever wondered why the animal cracker box has a string? It was meant to be used as an ornament. 

Image Credit: Flickr

Gingerbread Men

These especially tasty, decorative treats were the first cookies associated with Christmas. 

Image Credit: Flickr

Wellesley Cookie Exchange

If you know of this exchange, you know it's a well-known, famous American cookie exchange that commenced in 1971. It was created to help alleviate stress over the holidays.

Image Credit: Flickr

Common Christmas Cookies

Gingerbread men, sugar cookies and Mexican wedding cake cookies are three of the most popular cookies during the holiday season.

Image Credit: Flickr

Continue clicking through our slideshow to see our 15 favorite holiday cookie recipes!

Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Wow, are these good...and so simple to put together.  Prepared dark chocolate chunk cookies and chocolate ice cream come together to make the delectable ice cream sandwiches.

Want the recipe? Click here: Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ginger Crinkle Cookies

Cynthia Farr-Weinfeld, a hypnotherapist and writer, started improving the nutritional profile of a friend’s mother’s ginger cookie recipe by substituting whole-wheat pastry flour for all-purpose flour and canola oil for shortening. 

Want the recipe? Click here: Ginger Crinkle Cookies

A Quick Cookie Glaze

This basic cookie glaze can be tinted in small batches if desired.

Want the recipe? Click here: A Quick Cookie Glaze

Almond-Coconut Cookies

Delicious and tasty cookies! Perfect for the holiday season.

Want the recipe? Click here: Almond-Coconut Cookies

Fig 'N' Flax Thumbprint Cookies

We love how the ground flax adds a nutty flavor and the brown sugar caramelizes on the outside of these thumbprint cookies. Fig preserves make this cookie special; other fruit preserves could be used as well.

Want the recipe? Click here: Fix 'N' Flax Thumbprint Cookies

Spiced Pumpkin Cookies

The deep flavors of molasses, pumpkin and spices make these wholesome cookies delicious without the addition of butter--and they lend themselves beautifully to the inclusion of whole-wheat flour.

Want the recipe? Click here: Spiced Pumpkin Cookies

Joy Cookies

These coconut-chocolate-almond-topped shortbread cookies are reminiscent of Almond Joy candy bars.

Want the recipe? Click here: Joy Cookies

Chocolate-Chocolate Cookies

An ode to one of the best baked goods of all time, the fudgy brownie, this cookie has a healthy salt content and is essentially perfection. 

Want the recipe? Click here: Chocolate-Chocolate Cookies

Thousand-Layer Chocolate Chip Cookies

Imagine the countertop of your favorite bakery piled high with generous stacks of crunchy cookies marbled with sheets of chocolate. Now imagine that in your very own kitchen. These beauties are worth the extra effort you put into them. 

Want the recipe? Click here: Thousand-Layer Chocolate Chip Cookies

Colorful Spiral Cookies

The use of bright colors in this recipe communicates a feeling of cheerfulness and energy. They are easily made in a food processor, and the dough can be kept in the freezer for slice-and-bake convenience.

Want the recipe? Click here: Colorful Spiral Cookies

Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies

These marvelous Christmas cookies combine chocolate with spicy gingerbread. "I was tired of basic gingerbread," says Matt Lewis. "And my connection to chocolate is really deep." 

Want the recipe? Click here: Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies

Cranberry Honey-Spice Pinwheel Cookies

These cookies boast a bright, zesty filling and spicy aroma. They make a large batch and are extremely convenient, since you can make the logs of cookie dough ahead, then pull them out of the freezer and slice and bake as many cookies as you need.

Want the recipe? Click here: Cranberry Honey-Spice Pinwheel Cookies

Cinnamon-Sugar Cookies

It’s quick and easy to mix together these slice-and-bake cinnamon-sugar cookies whenever you need something sweet. The recipe makes enough dough so you can bake half and put the other half in the freezer—ready to pull out and bake up a few fresh cookies anytime.

Want the recipe? Click here: Cinnamon-Sugar Cookies

Almond & Honey Butter Cookies

These delightful treats are perfect paired with coffee or tea.

Want the recipe? Click here: Almond & Honey Butter Cookies

Cherry Ice Cream Pie with Chocolate Cookie Crust

This cherry ice cream pie is a simple sweet treat! If you use frozen cherries, the pie will have a fun purple hue.

Want the recipe? Click here: Cherry Ice Cream Pie with Chocolate Cookie Crust