Christmas Cookies Decorated: 7 Festive Treats to Love

Name: Christmas Cookies Decorated: 7 Festive Treats to Love
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 to 4 cups confectioners’ sugar; 2 tablespoons water; Food coloring; Sprinkles for decoration

November 25, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Ah, the magic of the holiday season! There’s just something so special about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, isn’t there? I absolutely adore making Christmas cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles—it’s a tradition that fills my heart with joy. Whether it’s for a cozy family gathering or a festive party, these cookies bring everyone together. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like seeing the kids (and adults!) light up as they create their own unique designs. The best part? You don’t have to be a professional baker to whip these up! With a few simple ingredients and a sprinkle of love, you can make delightful treats that not only taste amazing but also look like little works of art. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of holiday baking!

Ingredients for Christmas Cookies Decorated

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create these festive delights:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cookies, providing that lovely chewy texture.
1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps our cookies rise perfectly, giving them that soft, fluffy bite.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: A little extra leavening to ensure our cookies are light and delightful!
1 cup unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar.
1 1/2 cups white sugar: This sweetens our cookies and helps them get that lovely golden color.
1 egg: Just one egg binds everything together and adds richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract brings warmth and depth to the flavor—trust me, it’s essential!
3 to 4 cups confectioners’ sugar: This will be used to make our sweet icing; adjust the amount to your desired consistency.
2 tablespoons water: Just enough to mix with the confectioners’ sugar to create that perfect icing.
Food coloring: Get creative! Use any colors you like to make your icing pop.
Sprinkles for decoration: Because what’s a decorated cookie without a sprinkle of festive fun?

With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to create some beautiful and delicious holiday treats that everyone will love!

How to Prepare Christmas Cookies Decorated

Prepping the Dough

Let’s get started on that delicious dough! First, in a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Give it a good whisk so everything’s blended nicely. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. It’s such a satisfying step, and the smell is heavenly! Now, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated. Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. You don’t want to overmix here; just until you see no more flour. Now, shape the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter and place them on your lined cookie sheets!

Baking the Cookies

Now it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once your oven is ready, pop those cookie sheets in and let them bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges start to turn golden brown, but the centers should look a little soft—that’s the secret to a chewy cookie! Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the cookie sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling time is crucial for the icing later on!

Decorating the Cookies

Okay, the fun part is here! In a medium bowl, mix the confectioners’ sugar with the water until it’s smooth and creamy. You can adjust the consistency by adding more sugar for thicker icing or a little more water for a drizzle. If you want to get fancy, now’s the time to add your food coloring! Use as many colors as your heart desires—let your creativity shine! Once your cookies are completely cool, grab a piping bag or just a simple ziplock with the corner snipped off, and start decorating! Don’t forget to sprinkle those colorful sprinkles on top while the icing is still wet, so they stick beautifully. Enjoy the process and watch as your cookies transform into festive works of art!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Christmas cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles are truly a delight for both the eyes and the taste buds! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore making them:

Festive Appeal: With vibrant colors and fun designs, these cookies are perfect for bringing holiday cheer to any gathering!
Easy to Prepare: The steps are simple, and even if you’re a beginner, you’ll feel like a pro in no time!
Delicious Taste: The combination of buttery cookies and sweet icing is simply irresistible—everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Creative Outlet: You can let your imagination run wild with decorations, making each cookie uniquely yours!
Perfect for Sharing: These cookies make great gifts or party favors, spreading joy wherever they go!
Memorable Tradition: Baking and decorating these cookies can become a cherished holiday tradition with family and friends!

Trust me, once you whip up a batch, you’ll find yourself wanting to make them year after year. They’re just that good!

Tips for Success

To make your Christmas cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles even more delightful, here are some of my favorite tips and tricks that I’ve picked up over the years:

Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to shape and helps the cookies hold their form while baking—no spreading!
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to switch things up! You can add almond extract or lemon zest for a fun twist. Just a teaspoon can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Use Quality Ingredients: Good-quality butter and pure vanilla extract can make a noticeable difference in taste. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Decorating Tools: For icing, consider using a piping bag with various tips for different designs. If you’re in a pinch, a ziplock bag works just fine—just snip a tiny corner for precision!
Sprinkle Timing: Remember to add your sprinkles while the icing is still wet. This ensures they stick and look vibrant. You can also layer colors for a fun effect!
Make It a Family Affair: Get everyone involved! Set up a decorating station and let kids (or adults!) unleash their creativity. It’s a great way to bond and create lasting memories.
Storage Secrets: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

By following these tips, you’ll not only enhance the flavor and appearance of your cookies but also make the entire baking experience more enjoyable. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying your Christmas cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles, it’s always nice to know what’s in them! Here’s the estimated nutritional information per cookie:

Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 2g

Keep in mind, this is just an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and how you decorate your cookies. But hey, aren’t the holidays all about enjoying delicious treats? So, grab a cookie (or two!) and indulge a little—you deserve it!

FAQ About Christmas Cookies Decorated

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! Freezing these Christmas cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles is a great way to preserve their deliciousness for later. Just make sure they’re completely cooled and the icing is set before you freeze them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer until they’re firm. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. They’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made them!

What can I substitute for butter?

If you’re looking to substitute butter in your Christmas cookies decorated with icing, you have a few options! You could use an equal amount of margarine, which will yield similar results. For a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well too—just make sure it’s solid and not melted for the best texture. If you want to go a healthier route, you can use unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas, but keep in mind it might change the flavor a bit and the cookies may be a tad softer. Experiment and see what you like best!

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly, these festive cookies can last about a week in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to stay fresh even longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just be sure to keep them layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their beautiful decorations. If you’ve frozen them, they can last for up to three months! Just remember to let them thaw completely before enjoying that delightful taste of Christmas.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After all that hard work creating your Christmas cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty! Here’s how to store your delightful treats:

First things first, let your cookies cool completely on the wire racks. Once they’re cool, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them soft and delicious for about a week. If you’re planning to keep them longer, I recommend refrigerating them for up to two weeks. Just remember to layer them with parchment paper to avoid any sticking or ruining those beautiful decorations!

If you’ve made a big batch and want to save some for later, freezing is a fantastic option! Just make sure the icing is fully set before you freeze them. Lay the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer until they’re firm. Then transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep well for up to three months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—just enjoy them chilled or at room temperature!

By following these storage tips, you’ll always have a delicious taste of Christmas ready to enjoy whenever the craving hits. Happy snacking!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your beautiful Christmas cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delightful ideas to make your cookie presentation as festive as the cookies themselves:

Cookie Platters: Arrange your decorated cookies on a large, colorful platter. Mix in some other holiday treats like fudge or chocolate-covered pretzels for an eye-catching display that’s sure to impress your guests!
Gift Boxes: Pack some of your cookies in decorative boxes tied with festive ribbons. They make charming homemade gifts for friends, neighbors, or teachers. Trust me, everyone loves a sweet surprise during the holidays!
Hot Cocoa Pairing: Serve your cookies alongside steaming mugs of hot chocolate. Add a few marshmallows or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an extra cozy touch. It’s the perfect treat for a chilly evening!
Cookie Decorating Station: Set up a fun decorating station at your holiday gatherings where guests can customize their cookies with extra icing and sprinkles. It’s a great way to engage everyone and create some festive fun!
Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a fun twist, use two cookies to make ice cream sandwiches! Just add a scoop of your favorite ice cream in between and roll the edges in sprinkles. This is a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Holiday Dessert Table: Incorporate your decorated cookies into a larger dessert table filled with cakes, pies, and other festive treats. They’ll add a pop of color and charm to the spread!

Whatever way you choose to serve them, these cookies are sure to bring joy and sweetness to your holiday celebrations. Happy serving!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.