Santa Sugar Cookie Decorations Recipe

If you’re looking for the cutest holiday treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, I’ve got just the thing for you! I absolutely love how the Santa Sugar Cookie Decorations Recipe turns out — it’s festive, playful, and perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holidays. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just want a no-fuss way to add a little magic to your cookie tray, this recipe delivers both flavor and festive flair.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Santa Sugar Cookie Decorations Recipe are delightfully simple yet combine to create a festive masterpiece. I love that you don’t need a cabinet full of supplies — everything is easy to find and works beautifully together to capture the iconic Santa look.

• Store-bought sugar cookies: Saves you time, and soft, classic cookies make the perfect base.
• Vanilla frosting: I recommend Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy Frosting — it’s thick and spreads smoothly for decorating.
• Candy eyes: These tiny decorations instantly bring the cookies to life—so fun to add personality!
• Cinnamon Imperials: These red candies make adorable noses and add a hint of festive spice.
• Red sugar sprinkles: They add just the right sparkle and color on Santa’s hat.
• Sweetened shredded coconut: Creates the perfect fluffy trim on Santa’s hat when pressed into frosting.
• Miniature marshmallows: Use as Santa’s pom-pom on the hat — they’re soft and cute.
• Black edible marker: Essential for drawing Santa’s smile perfectly without a mess.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Santa Sugar Cookie Decorations Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it for different tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative with the decorations or swap out ingredients to suit what you have on hand or prefer.

• Gluten-free variation: Pick up gluten-free store-bought cookies to keep it simple but still delicious — my gluten-sensitive friends love this adaptation.
• Chocolate frosting: Use chocolate frosting instead of vanilla for a richer, slightly less sweet option; it gives Santa a fun twist!
• Different nose candies: Instead of cinnamon imperials, try red M&Ms or small gumdrops if you want to switch up the look.
• Extra festive toppings: Add green sugar sprinkles alongside the red for a slightly different holiday vibe.

How to Make Santa Sugar Cookie Decorations Recipe

Step 1: Attach Santa’s Features

Start by taking your store-bought sugar cookie and using a small knife or toothpick dipped in frosting to carefully attach two candy eyes right near the top. Right below the eyes, place a cinnamon imperial candy for Santa’s red nose. This little detail really makes the cookies look like Santa himself!

Step 2: Frost the Hat

Spread frosting across the top third of the cookie where you want Santa’s hat to be. It’s okay if it’s a bit thick — that’s where the magic happens with the sprinkles!

Step 3: Add Red Sugar Sprinkles

Carefully shake red sugar sprinkles over the frosting you just spread. Leave a line of frosting visible near the bottom part of the hat to create the fluffy trim effect. I discovered that using a spoon underneath to catch extra sprinkles makes cleanup easier, so give that a try.

Step 4: Create the Fur Trim

Now spread frosting on the bottom third of the cookie to form Santa’s coat trim. Then, gently press sweetened shredded coconut onto the frosting—you’ll see how it creates that soft, snowy effect that’s so festive.

Step 5: Add the Pom-Pom

Attach one miniature marshmallow to the top of the cookie (the top of Santa’s hat). It makes a perfect pom-pom and gives your cookie that extra adorable touch.

Step 6: Draw the Smile

Finally, use a black edible marker to draw a small, cheerful smile below the nose. This step really brings Santa to life. I love this part — it feels like giving each cookie its own personality.

How to Serve Santa Sugar Cookie Decorations Recipe

Garnishes

I love to serve these decorated cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar on the tray to mimic fresh snow. Sometimes I add a few red and green sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine as garnish—they look like little Christmas trees and smell amazing alongside the cookies.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cozy cup of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows or a warm glass of mulled cider. For brunch, I like to serve them alongside cinnamon rolls or a fruit platter to keep the holiday spirit flowing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, line up the Santa cookies on a festive platter surrounded by candy canes and mini ornaments. I once made a themed cookie platter where each cookie held a tiny name tag and Santa’s smile was customized with edible colors for a personal touch—it was a hit at the holiday gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Santa Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I recommend layering cookies with parchment paper in between to prevent the decorations from sticking or getting damaged.

Freezing

I’ve frozen decorated sugar cookies before successfully—just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer carefully to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature to keep the frosting and marshmallow looking fresh.

Reheating

Since these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, I don’t recommend reheating. If desired, you can warm them slightly in a low oven (about 200°F) for a few minutes—but avoid melting the frosting and decorations!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Santa Sugar Cookie Decorations Recipe quickly became a favorite in my holiday rotation because it’s so simple yet so charming. It’s the kind of recipe that brings smiles while crafting and even more joy when sharing the final product. So, grab some store-bought cookies, gather your decorations, and give it a whirl — I promise you’ll be as delighted as I am every time you see those little Santa faces grinning back at you!

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