Santa Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re anything like me, holiday baking is not just about the treats—it’s about making memories. This Santa Sugar Cookies Recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it’s fun, festive, and the perfect way to get everyone in the kitchen together. I love how these cookies come alive with just a few simple decorations, turning a classic sugar cookie into an adorable Santa ready for the holidays. Trust me, you’ll want to keep these around after your first batch!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Santa Sugar Cookies Recipe works wonders with simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together for a very festive look and taste. I usually keep these ingredients handy during the holidays for last-minute cookie decorating sessions.

• Store-bought sugar cookies: I prefer bigger, round cookies—they make the perfect canvas for Santa’s face.
• Vanilla frosting: Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy Frosting Vanilla adds the right sweetness and creaminess to hold decorations in place.
• Candy eyes: Cute and essential! They add just the right pop of whimsy to your Santa faces.
• Cinnamon imperial candies: Use these for Santa’s nose—plus a little spicy twist that’s subtle but delightful.
• Red sugar sprinkles: They create a festive, sparkly effect that looks like Santa’s hat.
• Sweetened shredded coconut: This mimics the fluffy white beard perfectly, and I love how it adds texture.
• Miniature marshmallows: Placing one on top finishes off Santa’s hat with a soft “pom-pom.”
• Black edible marker: Perfect for drawing Santa’s smile—you’ll want one on hand for those finishing touches!

Variations

I love how flexible this Santa Sugar Cookies Recipe is! Over the years, I’ve mixed things up to suit different tastes and occasions—so don’t be afraid to make it your own.

• Use different frosting flavors: For a fun twist, I sometimes swap vanilla for cream cheese frosting—adds a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookie.
• Gluten-free cookies: I’ve used gluten-free sugar cookies to accommodate friends and family, and they hold up well with the toppings too.
• Natural decorations: Try swapping candy eyes for small chocolate chips or raisins if you want to keep things a bit healthier.
• Holiday color themes: You can switch up the red sugar sprinkles for green or gold during other holidays—such a festive and easy update!

How to Make Santa Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Create Santa’s Face with Candy Eyes and Nose

The first step is super fun and sets the tone for the entire cookie. I use a small knife or a toothpick dipped in frosting to dab a bit of frosting behind the two candy eyes and place them near the top of the cookie. Then, right between and just below the eyes, I stick on the cinnamon imperial candy to serve as Santa’s nose. This little detail adds both charm and a hint of spice. Just make sure you don’t add too much frosting or the candies might slide off later.

Step 2: Spread Red “Hat” Frosting and Sprinkles

Next, I spread vanilla frosting over the top one-third of the cookie, right above the eyes and nose. Take your time here—it doesn’t have to be perfect, but a smooth layer makes the next part easier. Then, I carefully shake red sugar sprinkles over the frosting, leaving a little line of white frosting visible at the bottom to mimic the fluffy trim of Santa’s hat. It really makes the cookie pop!

Step 3: Add Frosting and Coconut Beard

For Santa’s beard, I spread frosting over the bottom one-third of the cookie (below the nose). Immediately after, I press the sweetened shredded coconut onto the frosting to create that fluffy, wintry beard. I discovered this trick when I wanted a simple yet classic look that’s also textured—plus, the coconut gives the cookies a fresh taste. Be generous here if you want a full, bushy beard effect!

Step 4: Attach the Marshmallow Pom-Pom

Placing a miniature marshmallow at the very top of each cookie completes Santa’s hat. I use a dab of frosting under the marshmallow like glue to keep it in place. When I first tried this, I was worried the marshmallow might fall off, but frosting holds it surprisingly well. If you’re prepping these for a party, attach marshmallows just before serving for the freshest look.

Step 5: Draw a Happy Smile

Finally, I bring the cookies to life by drawing a smile under Santa’s nose using a black edible marker. It’s a simple step, but I swear it makes all the difference. I learned to go for a light hand first—you can always darken the line if you want it bolder. This step is where your Santa really gets a personality!

How to Serve Santa Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve these cookies, I like to add a little extra sparkle by dusting some extra red sugar sprinkles or a light dusting of powdered sugar to create a snowy effect. It gives the platter that extra holiday magic. Sometimes, I nestle a few pine needles or holly sprigs around the plate for that warm seasonal vibe.

Side Dishes

These Santa Sugar Cookies are perfect alongside a mug of hot cocoa or your favorite spiced holiday latte. I often serve them with a cheeseboard to mix sweet and savory or with festive fruit punches at holiday gatherings—everyone always goes crazy for that combo!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange these cookies on a tiered stand decorated with mini ornaments and twinkle lights. Another fun idea I’ve tried is packaging individual cookies in clear bags tied with festive ribbons—makes for a charming homemade gift that’s as cute as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I’ve found that these sugar cookies keep best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The frosting and coconut stay fresh, and the marshmallows hold their fluff if you don’t stack too many on top of each other. Adding parchment paper between layers helps avoid smudged decorations.

Freezing

If you want to make Santa Sugar Cookies Recipe ahead of time, I recommend freezing the plain sugar cookies before decorating. You can thaw and decorate them later, which keeps the candy eyes and marshmallows looking fresh. Freezing fully decorated cookies is trickier because marshmallows can get a bit hard, but if you wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then freeze, they thaw well for a quick snack.

Reheating

Since these cookies are best enjoyed fresh, I usually eat leftovers at room temperature. If you want to warm them slightly, pop them in the microwave for about 5 seconds—but beware, the marshmallows might get gooey fast. I prefer them cool so the frosting and coconut stay intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Santa Sugar Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my holiday baking playlist because it combines simplicity with so much joy. Whether you’re making these with kids, preparing for a last-minute party, or just craving something cute and sweet, these cookies deliver every single time. Give this recipe a whirl—you’ll end up with smiles, sweet memories, and of course, Santas on your cookie plate that everyone will be talking about.

Print