The holiday season can be one big, sparkly ball of stress. Between the frenzy of shopping, the invariably embarrassing company parties and all that comes with seeing the family in large numbers, things can get pretty sticky. But one thing seems to soothe our nerves this time of year: Baking.

There’s something about pulling out a sheet pan of freshly baked cookies, the kitchen warm from the oven and fragrant from baking butter and sugar, that makes all the holiday craziness just melt away. And then of course there’s the satisfaction of of watching your friends delight in your heavenly handmade goods. Assuming, of course, any of them make it that far.

We like to whip up a few batches each of tried-and-true classics and some new ones to keep it fresh. Here’s what’s on our radar:

• Your classic thumbprint cookies are easy as pie (actually, easier) and a great way to use up some jam.
• Or you could take those thumbprints in a different direction, with chocolate and caramel, pictured above. (We happen to know where you can get some kickin’ good caramel…)
• It’s just not Christmas without gingerbread cookies!
• Mexican wedding cookies may not be Mexican nor are they served at weddings, but they sure do make a perfect holiday treat with their snowy-white coating.
• Think outside the box with oatmeal cookies and go for dried cherries and pistachios instead of the usual raisins and walnuts.
• Don’t just make chocolate chip cookies; make brown butter chocolate chip cookies with smoked sea salt.
• ‘Tis the season for other baking traditions, too. Snap up a batch of rugelach to enjoy during Hanukkah.