Best Craft Beer & Leftover Christmas Cookie Pairings

(Image courtesy ChatGPT)

Since the holidays are a time for indulgence and you’re still on a roll, why not celebrate the season by pairing your favorite Christmas cookies with the right craft beers?

And the American Craft Beer crew can help you with that..

1. Sugar Cookies + Blonde Ale

• Why It Works: Sugar cookies are buttery and simple, making them the perfect match for a light, slightly sweet blonde ale. The beer’s malty notes complement the cookie’s vanilla flavor without overpowering it.
• ACB Beer Pick: New Belgium Fat Tire Ale

2. Gingerbread Cookies + Brown Ale

• Why It Works: The spicy kick of gingerbread pairs beautifully with the nutty, caramel notes of a brown ale. Together, they evoke cozy fireside vibes.
• ACB Beer Pick: AleSmith Nut Brown Ale

3. Chocolate Chip Cookies + Milk Stout

• Why It Works: A rich milk stout enhances the chocolate and adds a creamy sweetness that mirrors the cookie’s gooey texture.

• ACB Beer Pick: Lakewood The Temptress

4. Snickerdoodles + Hefeweizen

• Why It Works: The cinnamon-sugar coating of a snickerdoodle pairs wonderfully with the banana and clove flavors in a hefeweizen. It’s a warm, spiced match made in heaven.

• ACB Beer Pick: Weihenstephan

5. Peanut Butter Blossoms + Porter

• Why It Works: The roasted, slightly smoky flavors of a porter balance the rich peanut butter and chocolate kiss in these classic cookies.
• ACB Beer Pick: Founders Porter

6. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies + Amber Ale

• Why It Works: The toasty malt and caramel flavors of an amber ale enhance the hearty oats and sweet raisins, making this a comforting duo.
• ACB Beer Pick: Bell’s Amber Ale

7. Shortbread Cookies + Pilsner

• Why It Works: The crisp, clean nature of a pilsner cuts through the buttery richness of shortbread, creating a refreshing balance.
• ACB Beer Pick: Firestone Walker Pivo Pils

8. Peppermint Bark Cookies + Coffee Stout

• Why It Works: The bold, roasted coffee flavors of a stout highlight the cool, minty bite of peppermint bark, while the chocolate ties it all together.
• ACB Beer Pick: AleSmith Speedway Stout

9. Thumbprint Cookies + Sour Ale

• Why It Works: The tartness of a sour ale enhances the fruit jam centers of thumbprint cookies, creating a vibrant, tangy-sweet pairing.
• ACB Beer Pick: Dogfish Head SeaQuench Ale

10. Molasses Cookies + Winter Warmer Ale

• Why It Works: Winter warmers often feature spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, echoing the warm, spiced molasses flavors in the cookies. Together, they taste like holiday cheer.
• ACB Beer Pick: Great Lakes Christmas Ale

Tips for Pairing Craft Beer and Cookies

• Match Intensity: Pair light beers with delicate cookies and robust beers with bold flavors.
• Balance Flavors: Look for complementary or contrasting notes to create harmony.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to mix and match based on your palate.