Christmas Cookies on the Grill (Yes, It Works!)
- Lauren Twitchell
- Nov 28
- 4 min read
When most people think of Christmas cookies, they picture warm ovens, baking sheets, and kitchens that smell like sugar and spice. But what if you could take that holiday magic outside? What if your grill—or even your griddle—became part of the cookie tradition?
Yes, it works. And yes, it’s every bit as fun (and delicious) as it sounds.
Cooking cookies over fire might feel unconventional, but it brings a smoky depth, a little outdoor adventure, and a story you’ll retell every Christmas. Plus, it frees up precious oven space during one of the busiest baking seasons of the year.
Why Bake Cookies Outdoors?
Atmosphere. There’s something festive about standing around the grill on a cold night, lights twinkling, while cookies bake inside.
Flavor. Subtle smoke or the high heat of a griddle adds a twist to classic recipes.
Oven space. Holiday kitchens are crowded—grill or griddle baking frees your oven for roasts, casseroles, or pies.
Memory-making. It’s not just about the cookies—it’s about creating a holiday tradition that feels different and fun.
What Kinds of Cookies Work?
Not all cookies are outdoor-friendly, but plenty do just fine:
Drop cookies: Chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter.
Sugar cookies: On parchment-lined pans, they bake beautifully over indirect heat.
Spiced cookies: Gingerbread, molasses, snickerdoodles—the warm flavors pair perfectly with subtle smokiness.
Bar cookies: Brownie-like recipes baked in cast iron skillets on the grill or griddle.
Delicate meringues or intricate cut-outs don’t fare as well outside—but for hearty holiday classics, the grill works like a charm.
Method 1: Christmas Cookies on the Grill
If you’ve ever baked pizza or bread on the grill, cookies are the next step. The key is indirect heat and keeping the temperature steady.
How to do it:
Preheat grill. Aim for 350°F, just like you would indoors.
Charcoal: Bank coals on one side, place cookies on the other.
Gas: Light outer burners, leave center off for indirect cooking.
Prep pans. Use cast iron skillets or baking sheets lined with parchment.
Bake. Place pans on indirect heat. Close the lid and resist peeking—every time you lift it, heat escapes.
Timing. Cookies take about the same time as in an oven (8–12 minutes), but check early. Smoke and outdoor heat can brown edges faster.
Cool. Transfer cookies to a rack (or plate, if you’re too excited to wait).
👉 Tip: Use mild wood (apple, pecan, cherry) for a subtle flavor boost.
Method 2: Christmas Cookies on the Griddle
Flat-top griddles like the Weber Slate or Blackstone make cookie-baking surprisingly easy. Think of it like a stovetop skillet—steady, direct heat that works beautifully with the right setup.
How to do it:
Preheat griddle. Medium-low heat works best—too hot and cookies will burn before the centers set.
Use parchment. Lay down parchment or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
Scoop and flatten. Drop dough directly onto the lined griddle, leaving space to spread.
Cover loosely. A dome lid or large metal bowl helps trap heat and mimic oven conditions.
Watch closely. Griddle cookies cook fast—about 6–8 minutes. Remove when edges are golden.
👉 Tip: Griddle cookies don’t always look picture-perfect, but the chewy centers and smoky-sweet flavor make them worth it.
Flavor Twists Worth Trying
Holiday baking outdoors is the perfect excuse to experiment:
Smoked sugar cookies: Add a hint of applewood smoke for unexpected depth.
Cast iron gingerbread bars: Molasses + cinnamon + the grill = cozy holiday perfection.
Peppermint chocolate chip: A griddle classic that pairs beautifully with hot cocoa.
Cinnamon sugar skillet cookies: Giant cookie baked outdoors, sliced like pie.
Think of it less as copying the oven and more as giving holiday cookies a fresh twist.
Making It Festive
Cookies on the grill or griddle aren’t just about baking—they’re about making it an experience.
String lights around the patio or deck.
Hand out mugs of hot cocoa or mulled wine while the cookies bake.
Let kids decorate the cooled cookies outdoors at a separate station.
Pair with a firepit session for marshmallow roasting after cookies are done.
It’s not just baking—it’s creating a holiday tradition that everyone remembers.
Sharing and Gifting Outdoor-Baked Cookies
Cookies are the ultimate gift, and outdoor-baked cookies come with an extra story. Package them simply:
Tins lined with parchment.
Brown paper bags tied with ribbon.
Wooden trays (yes, you can build these!) filled with cookies and wrapped in cellophane.
Add a tag: “Baked over fire” or “Griddle-baked with love.” The personal touch makes them even sweeter.
At the end of the day, Christmas cookies aren’t about perfect edges or flawless shapes. They’re about memory.
Whether you bake them in the oven, on the grill, or on the griddle, the heart of the tradition is the same: gathering, sharing, enjoying. But taking it outside adds an element of adventure, a touch of smoke, and a reminder that creativity doesn’t just live in the workshop—it lives in the kitchen, at the grill, and around the fire, too.
So yes, Christmas cookies on the grill work. And once you try it, you might just find yourself making it a tradition.
This holiday season, take your cookies outdoors. Fire up the grill, heat up the griddle, and let the coals or flames join the fun.
Because Christmas isn’t just about traditions—it’s about the ones you create. And what better new tradition than cookies baked by hand, crafted over fire, and shared with love?
🎄🔥🍪 Crafted by hand, rooted in home.
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