Santa's Favorite Christmas Cookies

Break out the rolling pin, roll up your sleeves, and get out the red and green sprinkles. It's Christmas time — and holiday baking is in full swing. Christmas cookies are one of the best parts about this festive time of year. There are so many cookie exchanges, holiday parties, and gifts to give that cookies make it to the forefront of holiday baking. Plus, Christmas cookies are the go-to treat to leave out for Santa.

Click here to see the Santa's Favorite Christmas Cookies (Slideshow)

So, what are you going to leave out for Santa this year? There are so many choices for holiday cookies, but we rounded up a few of our favorites — and we think Santa will approve. For the best cookie results, make sure to chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before forming into cookies (unless otherwise specified in the directions.) This helps to relax the gluten and chill the butter for an even more delicious and tender cookie.

Santa's favorite Christmas cookies are filled with spices and flavors that remind us of this cheerful time of year. Gingerbread, peppermint, and white chocolate-cranberry are some of the festive flavors used. There are also traditional sugar cookies, festive green pistachio cookies, and even a cookie that is decorated to look like a reindeer.

No matter what you are baking this holiday season, make sure to add some of these festive Christmas cookies to your "to-bake" list. And remember to leave a few Christmas cookies out for Santa this year — and don't forget the milk.

For more holiday cheer, visit The Daily Meal's Ultimate Guide to Christmas!

Emily Jacobs is the Recipe editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @EmilyRecipes.