Nothing says holiday cheer quite like a batch of beautifully decorated Christmas cookies, and these Santa Suit Sugar Cookie Cutouts are sure to steal the show! With their whimsical design and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes. They’re perfect for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as thoughtful homemade gifts. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring Santa’s festive charm to your holiday spread!
PrintChristmas Santa Suit Sugar Cookie Cutouts
Ho, ho, ho! 🎅 These Santa Suit Sugar Cookie Cutouts are the sweetest way to bring holiday cheer! Perfectly festive, buttery, and fun to decorate. 🍪✨ #SantaSuitCookies #HolidayBakingFun #ChristmasCookieMagic #FestiveTreats #SantaApproved #SweetHolidayJoy #DIYChristmasTreats #CookieLoversUnite #BakingWithLove #HolidayDesserts
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Royal Icing:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 4–5 tablespoons water (adjust for consistency)
- Red gel food coloring
For Decoration:
- Red sanding sugar
- White sanding sugar
- Pink and black nonpareils (for cheeks and eyes)
- Small red candies or mini M&Ms (for Santa’s nose)
- Piping bags and small round piping tips
Instructions
make the sugar cookies
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
roll and cut the cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use a Santa face or round cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
prepare the royal icing
- In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Mix on low speed until the icing reaches a smooth, pipeable consistency.
- Separate the icing into two portions. Tint one portion with red gel food coloring for Santa’s hat.
- Transfer the white and red icings to piping bags fitted with small round tips.
decorate the cookies
- Outline and Flood Santa’s Hat:
- Use the red icing to outline and fill the top section of each cookie for Santa’s hat.
- Immediately sprinkle red sanding sugar over the wet icing to cover the hat completely.
- Shake off any excess and let it set.
- Add Santa’s Beard and Hat Trim:
- Use the white icing to outline and fill the bottom half of the cookie for Santa’s beard and the trim of the hat.
- While the icing is still wet, sprinkle white sanding sugar on the beard and hat trim. Let it set.
- Create Santa’s Face:
- Leave a small section between the beard and hat un-iced for Santa’s face.
- Once the icing has set, use a small dot of white icing to attach pink nonpareils for cheeks, black nonpareils for eyes, and a red candy or mini M&M for Santa’s nose.
- Add Final Details:
- If desired, use a small amount of red icing to pipe a smile below the nose.
- Let the cookies sit until all the icing is completely dry.
Notes
- Ingredient Substitutions: Replace almond extract with orange or peppermint extract for a unique holiday twist.
- Coloring: Use natural food coloring for a more organic option.
- Decoration Variations: Swap Santa’s face for snowmen or holiday stars for variety.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the cookie dough in advance and freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
ingredients
For the Sugar Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Royal Icing:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 4-5 tablespoons water (adjust for consistency)
- Red gel food coloring
For Decoration:
- Red sanding sugar
- White sanding sugar
- Pink and black nonpareils (for cheeks and eyes)
- Small red candies or mini M&Ms (for Santa’s nose)
- Piping bags and small round piping tips
make the sugar cookies
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
roll and cut the cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use a Santa face or round cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
prepare the royal icing
- In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Mix on low speed until the icing reaches a smooth, pipeable consistency.
- Separate the icing into two portions. Tint one portion with red gel food coloring for Santa’s hat.
- Transfer the white and red icings to piping bags fitted with small round tips.
decorate the cookies
- Outline and Flood Santa’s Hat:
- Use the red icing to outline and fill the top section of each cookie for Santa’s hat.
- Immediately sprinkle red sanding sugar over the wet icing to cover the hat completely.
- Shake off any excess and let it set.
- Add Santa’s Beard and Hat Trim:
- Use the white icing to outline and fill the bottom half of the cookie for Santa’s beard and the trim of the hat.
- While the icing is still wet, sprinkle white sanding sugar on the beard and hat trim. Let it set.
- Create Santa’s Face:
- Leave a small section between the beard and hat un-iced for Santa’s face.
- Once the icing has set, use a small dot of white icing to attach pink nonpareils for cheeks, black nonpareils for eyes, and a red candy or mini M&M for Santa’s nose.
- Add Final Details:
- If desired, use a small amount of red icing to pipe a smile below the nose.
- Let the cookies sit until all the icing is completely dry.
flavor, texture, and aroma
These cookies are a festive delight! The sugar cookie base is buttery and tender with a hint of vanilla and almond, offering the perfect canvas for the royal icing. The sanding sugars add a satisfying crunch, while the sweet, smooth icing ties it all together. The aroma of freshly baked cookies paired with the visual charm of Santa’s jolly face creates a heartwarming experience for all.
tips and variations
- Ingredient Substitutions: Replace almond extract with orange or peppermint extract for a unique holiday twist.
- Coloring: Use natural food coloring for a more organic option.
- Decoration Variations: Swap Santa’s face for snowmen or holiday stars for variety.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the cookie dough in advance and freeze for up to three months.
serving suggestions
Serve these cookies as a centerpiece on your holiday dessert table, paired with hot cocoa or a festive punch. They also make charming stocking stuffers when packaged individually in clear bags tied with a ribbon.
This recipe is not just about cookies—it’s about creating memories, sharing joy, and embracing the festive spirit of the season. Get creative, involve the family, and let the magic of Christmas come alive in every bite!