Roll up your sleeves and get ready to dive into the sugar and butter: there's nothing that can top cookies for the holidays. Platters and packages of homemade treats are perfect gifts for loved ones; keep a few dozen on hand for surprise visitors and festive nibbling. From classics like sugar cookies and gingerbread to international specialties like Swedish shortbread and Italian biscotti, these 20 recipes are an ideal way to make the season bright.

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