The Joy of Christmas Baking Starts Here

There’s something undeniably magical about the smell of buttery cookies wafting through your kitchen while snow gently falls outside (or even if it’s just a cozy winter candle doing the trick). When it comes to holiday baking traditions, Decorated Christmas Cutout Cookies are the ultimate classic. They’re not just cookies—they’re a whole holiday event.

From mixing the dough with your kids to rolling, cutting, baking, and finally decorating with colored icing and sprinkles, this recipe isn’t just about dessert—it’s about making memories. The best part? These cookies bake up soft, flavorful, and hold their shape beautifully—just like the perfectly crisp edges you see in the photo above.

What Exactly Are Christmas Cutout Cookies?

Christmas cutout cookies are buttery sugar cookies that are rolled out and cut into festive shapes like snowflakes, trees, and candy canes. But what really takes them over the top is the decoration—think vibrant green frosting, shimmering red sprinkles, and snowy white icing.

They’re not just delicious—they’re decorative. These cookies add charm to cookie platters, make thoughtful edible gifts, and are always the first to go at holiday parties.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

Here’s why this recipe will become a go-to for you every Christmas:

Soft and tender texture – Not too crisp, not too cakey. Just melt-in-your-mouth good.
Easy to decorate – The dough holds its shape, and the icing is simple enough for kids to use.

Fun for the whole family – Grab your little elves and turn it into an afternoon of creativity!
Make-ahead friendly – Freeze the dough or even the finished cookies.

And yes, they look just like the photo—fluffy snowflakes, cheerful green trees, and striped candy canes with red sprinkles.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before diving into the dough, make sure you’ve got the right tools:

Mixing bowls (medium and large)
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
Rolling pin
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Sharp cookie cutters (snowflakes, trees, candy canes)
Cooling rack
Piping bags or squeeze bottles for icing
Toothpicks or small offset spatula for details
Food coloring gels (green, red, yellow)
Sprinkles and nonpareils (red, white, yellow stars)

Ingredient Breakdown: What You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Gives that buttery flavor and keeps cookies tender.
1 cup sugar – Classic sweetness.
1 large egg – Binds the dough.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warm flavor; feel free to sub with almond for a twist.

2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of the dough.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Just enough lift without puffing out the shapes.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances out the sweet.

For the Icing:

2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional but festive!)

Unlike stiff royal icing, this version is simpler—it’s soft enough to spread, but firm enough to set.

How to Make the Perfect Dough

Step-by-Step Dough Instructions:

Cream the butter and sugar: Use a hand or stand mixer to beat until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Don’t skimp here—it creates air pockets for that soft texture.
Add the egg and vanilla: Beat until smooth and incorporated.
Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine dry and wet: Slowly add the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Go slow to avoid a floury explosion!
Form the dough: Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour (up to 2 days).

Pro Tip: Don’t skip the chilling step. It prevents spreading and keeps your cookie shapes sharp.

Rolling & Cutting: Shaping the Holiday Spirit

Once your dough is chilled, dust your surface with a bit of flour and roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.

If it’s too cold, let it sit for 5 minutes.
Use cookie cutters to press out shapes.
Dip cutters in flour for cleaner cuts.
Place cutouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a bit of space in between.

Stick to classic shapes like:

❄️ Snowflakes: Delicate and frosty.
🎄 Christmas Trees: Tall and triangular.
🍬 Candy Canes: Curvy and fun.

Baking to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes—just until the edges begin to turn golden.
Don’t overbake; they’ll continue to cook a little on the sheet.
Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool completely before decorating.

These cookies will stay soft inside while holding their crisp shape—just like the ones in the picture.

Making the Icing: Simple, Sweet, and Stunning

Mix together:

2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Adjust with a drop or two of milk to thin, or more sugar to thicken.

Color it: Divide into bowls and add:

Green: For Christmas trees
Red: For candy cane swirls (use sprinkles!)
Yellow: For tree stars
White: For snowflakes and candy cane base

You want it pourable but not runny—like honey in consistency.

Decorating: Bring the Festive Look to Life

Snowflakes:

Flood with white icing using a piping bag or squeeze bottle.
Use a toothpick to draw designs while wet or pipe lines once dry.

Christmas Trees:

Outline and flood with green icing.
Use red nonpareils for ornaments, and yellow star sprinkles on top.

Toothpick or tweezers help place tiny decorations.

Candy Canes:

Flood with white icing.
While wet, apply diagonal rows of red nonpareils or pipe red icing swirls.

Letting Them Set

Let your cookies dry uncovered at room temperature for at least 2–4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Don’t stack them before they’re fully dry.
Store on trays or cooling racks away from humid areas.

Storage & Freezing Tips

To Store:

Keep decorated cookies in an airtight container up to 1 week.
Use wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

To Freeze:

Freeze unbaked dough wrapped tightly up to 3 months.
Freeze baked, undecorated cookies, then thaw and decorate later.

Make It a Holiday Tradition

Why not turn decorating day into a family tradition?

Play Christmas music
Set up decorating stations
Let kids choose colors and sprinkles
Take pictures of your creations!

These cookies make thoughtful gifts too—wrap them in cellophane bags or festive tins for teachers, neighbors, or party hosts.

One of the most common frustrations during holiday baking is when your cute tree or snowflake cookie comes out of the oven looking more like a blob than a shape. Don’t worry—these cookies are designed to hold their shape beautifully, and here are some pro-level tricks to ensure yours do too:

1. Don’t Skip the Chill Time

Chilling isn’t optional—it’s mandatory. It allows the butter to firm up and keeps your cookies from spreading when they bake. You should:

Chill the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling.
After cutting your cookies, chill the cutouts for 10–15 minutes on the baking tray before putting them in the oven.

This double chill locks in the shape.

2. Flour Your Surface—But Not Too Much

A lightly floured surface helps prevent sticking, but excess flour can make your dough tough. Dust just enough to get the job done.

Dull edges smudge the shape, so go for sharp metal or sturdy plastic cutters. Press straight down—no twisting!

4. Bake on Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats

This prevents sticking and gives you even baking. It also helps the cookies lift cleanly without breaking.

5. Use the Same Size Shapes Per Tray

If you bake trees and snowflakes on the same tray, smaller ones might overbake while larger ones are still soft. Bake similar sizes together for even cooking.

Decorating with Kids: Make It a Magical Moment

Want to make this recipe even more special? Bring the kids into the kitchen and turn this into a family-friendly decorating party! Here’s how to make it joyful and manageable:

Set Up a Decorating Station

Cover the table with a plastic tablecloth or parchment.
Give each kid their own set of cookies to decorate.

Pour icing into squeeze bottles for less mess (and better control).
Use muffin tins to hold sprinkles and small decorations.

Choose Kid-Friendly Designs

Stick with easy shapes like trees and candy canes that are easier to decorate. Let them go wild with colors and toppings!

Let Them Be Creative

There’s no “wrong” way to decorate. A candy cane with rainbow sprinkles? Go for it! A snowflake with googly eyes? Why not? The fun is in the freedom.

Take Pictures!

These moments go by fast. Snap photos of their creations, their icing-covered fingers, and the joy on their faces.

Create a Keepsake Box

Let each child choose one cookie to “preserve.” Seal it in a clear bag with their name and the year, and save it in a memory box (just don’t plan to eat it later).

Homemade decorated cookies make the perfect holiday gift. Whether you’re looking to surprise coworkers, teachers, neighbors, or party guests, here’s how to do it right:

How to Package:

Cellophane Bags: Place 2–3 cookies in a clear bag, tie with ribbon, and add a tag.
Holiday Tins: Line with parchment and layer cookies with wax paper.
Mason Jars: Stack mini cookies vertically for a rustic look.

Add a Personal Touch:

Include a handwritten note, a recipe card, or even a photo from your decorating session.

Keep It Fresh:

Let icing dry completely before packaging to avoid smudges. Store at room temperature; avoid the fridge (moisture = soggy cookies).

Decorated Christmas Cutout Cookies

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Author: Lora
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Category: Holiday Cookies / Christmas Baking

Print Recipe

Description

🎄✨ Festive, buttery, and perfect for holiday decorating! These cookies hold their shape beautifully and bring delicious Christmas joy with every bite. Gather the family and create sweet holiday magic! ❄️🍪❤️

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the icing:

2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. (⏱️ 3 minutes)
Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth and well combined. (⏱️ 1 minute)
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. (⏱️ 1 minute)

Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. (⏱️ 2 minutes)
Shape the dough into a ball, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour. (⏱️ 60 minutes)
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness. (⏱️ 5 minutes)

Cut the dough into festive shapes using holiday cookie cutters, then place onto a lined baking sheet. (⏱️ 5 minutes)
Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are just lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely. (⏱️ 15 minutes)
For the icing, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Tint with food coloring as desired. (⏱️ 3 minutes)

Decorate the cooled cookies with icing and allow them to dry before serving. (⏱️ 20 minutes)

Notes

These cookies hold their shape really well, making them ideal for detailed cookie cutters.
Chilling the dough is essential — it prevents spreading and keeps edges crisp and clean.

The icing dries to a soft, glossy finish, perfect for adding sprinkles or colored details.
Great for gifting, cookie boxes, parties, or fun family decorating sessions!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 24 cookies
Calories: 120 kcal

Troubleshooting: What to Do When Things Go Sideways

Let’s be real. Not every batch of cookies goes perfectly. If you hit a snag, here’s how to fix it:

Cookies Spreading Too Much?

Dough wasn’t chilled enough
Oven too hot
Used margarine instead of butter

Fix it: Chill the dough more. Next time, bake a test cookie first to check spread.

Icing Too Runny?

Add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time.
Make sure cookies are cool before decorating.

Icing Won’t Stick?

Cookies may be too greasy—wipe lightly with a paper towel.
Icing may be too thick—add a few drops of milk.

Cookies Cracking or Breaking?

They might be overbaked or rolled too thin.
Use a spatula to transfer cookies carefully when still warm.

Fun Variations to Try

Want to spice things up? Once you’ve mastered the classic version, here are some festive variations:

1. Add a Flavor Twist

Almond extract instead of vanilla
A hint of orange zest for a citrusy kick
Add cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth

2. Chocolate-Dipped Cutouts

Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint or nuts.

3. Stained Glass Cookies

Cut out smaller shapes inside larger ones and fill with crushed hard candy before baking. They melt into beautiful “glass” centers.

4. Sprinkle Sugar Cookies

Roll dough in red and green sanding sugar before baking for a quick, no-frosting option.

You may also like :

Cherry Snowball Shortbread Cookies: A Bite of Holiday Magic

Soft Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies: A Holiday Must-Bake

Make-Ahead Game Plan

Got a busy holiday schedule? Here’s how to make these cookies without last-minute stress:

1 Week Before:

Mix and chill the dough (freeze if needed).
Prep cookie cutters, baking sheets, decorations.

2–3 Days Before:

Bake the cookies.
Let them cool completely.
Store in an airtight container.

1 Day Before:

Mix and color the icing.
Decorate cookies and let them dry overnight.

Day Of:

Package, gift, and enjoy!

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	120 kcal
Total Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	15g
Sugar	10g
Protein	1g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	50mg

Based on 24 cookies per batch

Final Thoughts: Bake the Spirit of the Season

In the end, these Decorated Christmas Cutout Cookies are more than just a sweet treat. They’re a way to bring your loved ones together, get creative, and make your holiday a little sweeter—one cookie at a time. 🎄

Whether you’re making snowflake cookies with your kids, crafting Instagram-worthy trees, or simply eating them straight from the tray, this recipe is here to become a beloved part of your holiday traditions.

So go ahead—bake a batch, share some smiles, and fill your home with holiday magic. ❤️

Similar recipes :

Pumpkin Cinnamon Crumble Cookies
Peppermint Chocolate-Dipped Sandwich Cookies

FAQs (Recap)

1. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Wrap in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before rolling.

2. How long do decorated cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to 1 week.

3. What if I don’t have cookie cutters?
Use a glass or make shapes using a template and a knife.

4. Can I use store-bought frosting?
Sure, but homemade gives a better finish and flavor.

5. Can I add other flavors?
Absolutely! Almond, lemon, or orange extract work wonderfully.

Hi, I’m Lora!

I'm so glad you've found your way here. My kitchen is my happy place, and if you're just starting your own cooking journey, I want you to know you're in the right place.

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Decorated Christmas Cutout Cookies: The Most Magical Holiday Treat