Get the cookie sheets ready—it’s time to bake! Cookie swaps are a classic part of the holiday season and a wonderful way to share new recipes with throngs of willing taste testers. Think outside the cookie jar with gourmet cookie recipes like these.

Chocolate Chipotle Matcha Almond Shortbread: If you’re looking for a cookie with some sugar, spice and everything nice, this chipotle dark chocolate-dipped matcha shortbread is for you.

Tahini Cookies: With its nutty, creamy flavor, tahini (a.k.a. toasted sesame paste) is the star of these tantalizing cookies.

Carrot Cake Whoopie Pies: Sandwich a maple-sweetened cream cheese filling between two of these lightly spiced carrot cake cookies for a sweet treat indeed!

Graham Cracker Thumbprint Cookies: The tasty tanginess of apricot jam brings out the best in these nutty and toasty graham cracker cookies.

Lavender Shortbread Sandwich Cookies: Fragrant lavender shortbread cookies sandwich zesty lemon curd for a delightful treat.

Along cookies galore, also try adding other homemade Festive Confections to your plate!