Name: Fun & Festive Cookie Designs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting); Salt and black pepper to taste; 5 oz mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, baby kale, etc.); 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts; 1/4 cup dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds; For the dressing:; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup; Salt and pepper to taste

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These fun and festive cookie designs are my favorite way to bring color, creativity, and seasonal cheer into the kitchen. Whether I’m baking for the holidays, birthdays, or just for fun, decorating cookies lets me get creative while making delicious treats that are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to myself).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how versatile and joyful these cookies are. I can easily change up the shapes, colors, and toppings to match any celebration. From frosted snowflakes and heart-shaped delights to spooky Halloween faces or bright spring blooms, these designs are endlessly customizable. Plus, decorating cookies is a relaxing, hands-on activity that’s perfect for kids, parties, or solo baking sessions. Fun & Festive Cookie Designs

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookies:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Optional: almond extract or other flavorings

For decorating:

Royal icing (or simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk)
Food coloring
Sprinkles, edible glitter, sanding sugar
Piping bags and tips
Cookie cutters (shapes like stars, hearts, trees, pumpkins, etc.)

Directions

I whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and set it aside.
In another bowl, I cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla.
I gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
I divide the dough, flatten it into disks, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least an hour so it’s easier to roll out.
Once chilled, I roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick and cut out shapes using festive cookie cutters.
I bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. I let them cool completely before decorating.
I mix up royal icing, divide it into bowls, and color each batch as needed.
I use piping bags and small tips to outline and flood the cookies, then add sprinkles or extra designs before the icing sets.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24–30 medium-sized cookies, depending on the shape and thickness. It takes around 1 hour of prep and baking time, plus extra time for chilling the dough and decorating.

Variations

I like to switch up the dough by using cocoa powder for a chocolate version or adding citrus zest for a zippy flavor. I also use different extracts like peppermint, lemon, or almond to match the season. For decoration, I sometimes dip the cookies in melted chocolate and top them with crushed candy or nuts instead of icing.

Storage/Reheating

I store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If I need to keep them longer, I freeze the plain cookies and decorate them later. Once decorated, I layer them with parchment paper in a container to keep the icing intact. These cookies don’t need reheating—they’re perfect as-is. Fun & Festive Cookie Designs

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the dough a day or two ahead and keep it chilled in the fridge. I’ve even frozen it for up to a month and thawed it overnight before using.

What kind of icing works best?

I prefer royal icing for detailed designs because it dries hard and smooth, but a powdered sugar glaze works well too if I want a softer finish.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?

I always chill the dough before baking and make sure my baking sheet is cool. Rolling the dough evenly and avoiding overmixing also helps keep the shapes sharp.

Do I need piping bags?

Piping bags make things neater, but I’ve also used zip-top bags with the corners snipped off. Toothpicks work well for fine details or marbling effects too.

Can I decorate with kids?

Absolutely. I prep the cookies and icing in advance, then let them go wild with sprinkles, colors, and shapes. It’s a fun, hands-on activity that keeps everyone happy and engaged.

Conclusion

These fun and festive cookie designs turn simple sugar cookies into edible works of art. I love how each one can reflect the season, the holiday, or just a creative mood. Whether I’m going all-out with piping bags or keeping it casual with colorful sprinkles, decorating cookies is always a sweet and satisfying experience.