Holiday cookie decorating is a fun, festive activity that brings kids together, encouraging creativity while enjoying some delicious treats. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply looking for a fun afternoon activity, these cookie decorating ideas will not only keep kids entertained but also make the holiday season even more memorable. From easy DIY projects to more intricate designs, there’s something for every skill level. Let’s dive into 22 engaging and delightful ideas for holiday cookie decorating that will keep your little ones busy and inspired!
1. Snowman Faces
Creating snowman cookies is an easy and fun way to get the kids involved in holiday baking. With basic circle-shaped cookies, add a face using icing and candy pieces for the eyes, nose, and buttons. For scarves, use fruit leather or colored icing. This simple decoration is not only kid-friendly but perfect for beginners.
2. Santa Hats
Santa hats are a classic holiday design, easy for kids to decorate. Start with a circular cookie, coat it with red icing, and then use white icing or marshmallows for the hat’s fluffy brim. Top it off with a small white candy ball for the pom-pom. This design is quick to execute and looks adorable.
3. Reindeer Cookies
Reindeer cookies are always a hit. Use a basic gingerbread or round sugar cookie as the base. Attach pretzels as antlers, and decorate with candy eyes and a bright red candy for the nose. You can also add some edible glitter for extra sparkle, making these cookies fun to look at and eat!
4. Gingerbread People
Gingerbread people cookies are an iconic holiday treat. Kids can decorate their own gingerbread cookies with various colored icings and candies. From little scarves to buttons and shoes, the possibilities are endless. This activity allows children to personalize their creations, giving them a sense of accomplishment.
5. Christmas Tree Shapes
Christmas tree cookies are a great way for kids to get creative. Use a tree-shaped cutter and let kids cover the cookie with green icing. Once that’s done, they can add edible decorations like candy, sprinkles, and colored sugar to make their tree sparkle. This design also doubles as a fun learning activity as they decide where to place their decorations.
6. Candy Cane Cookie Cutouts
Candy cane cookies are a classic. Make striped cookies using red and white icing. Kids can help by adding the stripes with a piping bag, giving them a chance to practice their decorating skills. These cookies are fun, simple, and full of holiday spirit.
7. Snowflake Designs
Snowflake cookies are elegant and fun to decorate. Use a snowflake-shaped cookie cutter, and let the kids decorate each “arm” with delicate icing designs. Add a touch of edible glitter to make the snowflakes sparkle. This is a great option for those who enjoy a little more intricate decorating.
8. Stocking Cookies
Stocking cookies can be decorated to look like Santa’s boots, filled with treats. Use red icing for the body of the stocking, then white icing for the cuff. Add little candy cane details or even mini bows for extra charm. These cookies are perfect for kids who love a personal touch!
9. Nutcracker Faces
Nutcracker cookies are perfect for adding a bit of holiday magic. With a nutcracker face shape, kids can use colored icing to add a big smile, rosy cheeks, and fun designs. This classic holiday character is always a favorite among children.
10. Poinsettia Flower Cookies
Poinsettia flower cookies offer a vibrant holiday design. Use a flower-shaped cookie cutter, and decorate with red and green icing to form the petals and leaves. Add a small yellow candy or icing dot for the center. This design is colorful and makes a festive treat for the holiday season.
11. Sleigh-Shaped Cookies
Sleigh-shaped cookies can be a delightful twist on traditional designs. Use a sleigh-shaped cutter and let kids decorate with bright icing. They can create intricate details like reins and wheels using candy. This activity is perfect for kids who love playing with details.
12. Polar Bear Cookies
Polar bear cookies are adorable and simple to make. Use round cookies as the base and decorate them with white icing. Use candy for the eyes and nose, and black icing to add little details. These cookies are a fun way to bring a bit of the Arctic to your kitchen.
13. Present-Shaped Cookies
Present-shaped cookies are a fun way for kids to express their creativity. Use square or rectangle cookies as the base, and decorate them like wrapped presents with colorful icing ribbons. Add small candy dots for a festive finishing touch.
14. Santa’s Belt Cookies
Santa’s belt cookies are simple yet eye-catching. Use round cookies and add a thick black icing belt in the center. Decorate with a yellow icing buckle to resemble Santa’s suit. These cookies are great for younger children to decorate.
15. Gingerbread House Cookies
Mini gingerbread house cookies offer a great opportunity for kids to build and decorate their own tiny houses. These cookies are perfect for those who want to do a little extra crafting. Use icing as the “glue” to hold everything together, then add candy decorations to bring the houses to life.
16. Mistletoe Cookies
Mistletoe cookies are a sweet and easy design. Use green icing to create mistletoe leaves on the cookies, then add small red candy or icing dots for the berries. This design is quick to make and fun to decorate with kids.
17. Penguin Cookies
Penguin cookies are fun and adorable, perfect for kids who love animals. Use black icing for the penguin’s body and white for the belly. Add candy for the beak, eyes, and feet. These cookies are easy for children to decorate and make for a charming holiday snack.
18. Christmas Lights Cookies
Christmas light-shaped cookies are perfect for decorating with kids. Use cookie cutters shaped like bulbs, then coat them with bright, colorful icing. Decorate with small candy pieces to resemble the lights’ glimmer. This activity is sure to keep the kids entertained and engaged.
19. Elf Shoes
Elf shoe cookies are whimsical and fun. Use a shoe-shaped cutter to create the base, then decorate with colorful icing. Add candy buttons or a little white icing trim for the look of an elf’s boots. These cookies are fun to decorate and look adorable as part of any cookie display.
20. Frosted Window Cookies
Frosted window cookies are unique and festive. Use clear cookies (such as sugar or glass candy cookies), and add white icing along the edges. Sprinkle edible glitter for a frosty effect. This design mimics the look of a winter wonderland.
21. Christmas Wreath Cookies
Christmas wreath cookies are beautiful and simple to make. Use a circular cookie as the base and decorate with green icing for the wreath. Add small candy pieces to represent ornaments and berries, and finish off with a ribbon of icing.
22. Hot Chocolate Cup Cookies
Hot chocolate cup cookies are a delightful, cozy treat. Use a circular cookie and decorate it to look like a hot chocolate cup. Add white icing for the whipped cream and a dash of cocoa powder for extra effect. This is a sweet and fun design to wrap up your holiday baking.
Conclusion
Decorating holiday cookies with kids is a fun and creative way to celebrate the season. Whether you stick to simple designs or dive into more intricate decorating, these 22 ideas offer something for everyone. So gather your ingredients, prepare your decorating tools, and get ready to create delicious, festive cookies that will bring joy to your holiday celebrations!
Hannah Collins is a passionate home cook and food storyteller who believes every recipe tells a little love story. At TastyWriter, she shares simple, delicious recipes made for real kitchens and busy days — from cozy comfort dishes to creative new favorites. When she’s not cooking, you’ll find her photographing food, testing family recipes, or sipping tea while dreaming up her next tasty idea.
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