There’s something magical about baking during Christmas. The sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the kitchen, the sparkle of holiday lights reflecting on snowy windows, and the laughter of loved ones nearby — all these little moments come together to create unforgettable memories. And what better way to celebrate the holiday season than with Snowflake Sugar Cookies?
These beautifully decorated cookies are more than just a sweet indulgence; they’re edible pieces of art. Crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and topped with delicate snowflake designs, they are as stunning as they are delicious. Whether you bake them for your family, as gifts for friends, or for a holiday cookie exchange, these Snowflake Sugar Cookies will instantly bring the Christmas spirit into your home.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about making the perfect Snowflake Sugar Cookies for Christmas — from the ingredients and tools to step-by-step instructions, decorating ideas, and tips for baking success.
Why Snowflake Sugar Cookies Are Perfect for Christmas
There are dozens of cookie recipes you could bake for the holidays, but Snowflake Sugar Cookies stand out for several reasons:
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Festive Aesthetic – Their delicate snowflake shapes instantly evoke the feeling of Christmas and winter wonder.
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Customizable Designs – With royal icing, edible glitter, and sprinkles, you can turn each cookie into a work of art.
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Kid-Friendly Activity – Decorating cookies is a fun holiday tradition that children absolutely love.
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Gift-Worthy Treats – Pack them in pretty tins or bags, and they make perfect homemade gifts.
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Classic Holiday Flavor – With buttery sugar cookie dough and sweet icing, they capture the essence of Christmas.
Ingredients for Snowflake Sugar Cookies
For the Cookies:
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, adds a nutty flavor)
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
the Royal Icing:
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4 cups powdered sugar
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3 tablespoons meringue powder
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6 tablespoons warm water
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Food coloring (optional, for colored designs)
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Edible glitter or pearl dust (optional, for sparkle)
Tools You’ll Need
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Snowflake-shaped cookie cutters
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Rolling pin
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Baking sheets
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Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
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Mixing bowls
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Electric mixer
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Piping bags with fine tips (for decorating)
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Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Prepare the Dough
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, beating until combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a dough forms.
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Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
2: Roll and Cut
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
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Use snowflake cookie cutters to cut shapes, then place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
3: Bake
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Bake cookies for 8–10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
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Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
4: Make the Royal Icing
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In a large bowl, beat powdered sugar, meringue powder, and warm water until smooth and glossy.
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Divide icing into smaller bowls if you plan to add food coloring.
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Adjust consistency: add more water for flooding icing, or more powdered sugar for piping details.
5: Decorate Like a Pro
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Pipe outlines of snowflakes on the cookies using thick icing.
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Flood the inside with thinner icing and use a toothpick to spread evenly.
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Add intricate snowflake patterns with contrasting icing colors.
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Sprinkle with edible glitter or pearl dust for a frosty effect.
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Let decorated cookies dry completely before stacking or storing.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Christmas Snowflake Sugar Cookies
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Chill the Dough – Cold dough prevents cookies from spreading and helps them maintain sharp edges.
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Use Quality Cookie Cutters – Metal cutters give cleaner shapes than plastic ones.
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Consistency Matters – Get your icing consistency right: thick for details, thin for flooding.
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Practice Piping – Test designs on parchment paper before decorating cookies.
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Drying Time – Allow cookies to dry for at least 6–8 hours before packaging.
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Flavor Variations – Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm Christmas twist.
Decorating Ideas for Christmas
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Classic White Snowflakes – White icing with shimmering sugar for a frosty look.
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Blue & Silver Theme – Light blue icing with silver sprinkles for a winter wonderland feel.
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Gold Elegance – Use edible gold paint to highlight delicate patterns.
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Kids’ Fun Designs – Add colorful sprinkles or candy pearls for playful cookies.
Storing and Gifting Snowflake Sugar Cookies
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Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
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Freezing Dough: You can freeze dough for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before rolling.
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Freezing Cookies: Undecorated cookies freeze well. Add icing after thawing.
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Gifting Ideas: Wrap cookies individually in clear bags tied with festive ribbons, or place in holiday-themed tins for a professional look.
Pairing Snowflake Sugar Cookies with Christmas Beverages
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Hot Chocolate – The richness of hot cocoa pairs beautifully with these sweet cookies.
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Mulled Wine – A cozy, spiced holiday drink that balances the buttery flavor.
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Peppermint Latte – Adds a refreshing minty touch to complement the cookies.
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Sparkling Cranberry Punch – A festive and bubbly drink that enhances the Christmas experience.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approx.)
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Calories: 160
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Fat: 6g
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Carbohydrates: 25g
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Sugar: 15g
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Protein: 2g
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Fiber: <1g
Note: Nutrition varies depending on icing and decoration choices.
Why These Cookies Define Christmas
Snowflake Sugar Cookies aren’t just desserts — they embody the joy, creativity, and warmth of the Christmas season. Baking and decorating them brings families together, encourages creativity, and creates traditions that last for years. Whether you’re baking with children, preparing holiday gift baskets, or simply enjoying a quiet winter evening, these cookies are the perfect way to celebrate Christmas.
Conclusion
Christmas is about more than just gifts — it’s about love, togetherness, and making memories. Baking Snowflake Sugar Cookies is one of those traditions that bring joy to every household. With their delicate shapes, festive decorations, and irresistible taste, these cookies are sure to become a holiday staple in your family.
