Our 12 favourite cookie recipes for your holiday exchange, right here.

1. Chocolate Crackle Cookies

chocolate crackleGooey and chocolatey, these winners can easily be switched up with tasty additions.

2. Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies

Earl-Grey-Shortbread-CookiesPrettied up in a mug or cookie tin, they also make the perfect hostess gift.

3. Homemade Gingerbread Cookies

Homemade-gingerbread-cookies-recipeThese sweet little guys are a family recipe from designer Chad Falkenberg.

4. Classic Shortbread

shortbreadFor truly great shortbread, don’t overwork the dough—you don’t want the gluten to develop in the flour. It’s also the perfect base for other additions.

5. Thumbprint Cookies

46thumbprint-cookiesThese are a Western Living classic, dating back to 1957. Love the look of some of the other cookies in this mix? Then try the Lebkuchen—from a 1964 WL—or from the same year, Cinnamon Stars.

6. Sugar Cookies

sugar cookieBasic sugar cookie dough is so flexible, you’ll want to try a few options with it as well—like Linzer cookies.

7. Christmas Crack

crack-9The simplest and most addictive of the holiday treats—you won’t stop with one pan.

8. Chewy Ginger Molasses Crinkle Cookies

ginger-cookiesMolasses ginger cookies are a holiday classic, and are better than any potpourri for making your house smell wonderful.

9. Milk Bar Chocolate Chip Cookies

chocolate chipDon’t underestimate the humble chocolate chip cookie. Chef Christina Tosi does them right.

10. Faubourg’s Checkerboard Cookies

Checkerboard-Cookies-These will be the prettiest cookies on your plate—and worth the effort.

11. Almond Tuilles

A-la-Mere-de-Familles-Almond-TuilesJust a few ingredients transform almonds into can’t-stop-eating delights.

12. …And 24 More Cookies

`WL1115.KevinClark_G0A8213_RET_BYes, there are so many variations to make on a few basic doughs, you’ll be in cookies for weeks.