Best Holiday Snowflake Sugar Cookies You’ll Crave This Season

Jenny

the heart behind Family Cooks Club

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There’s something undeniably magical about holiday baking, especially when the kitchen fills with the sweet scent of sugar and vanilla. These Holiday Snowflake Sugar Cookies are my go-to recipe when I want festive charm and simple, buttery perfection all rolled into one. Crisp edges and soft centers dusted with sparkling sugar make them an irresistible treat that’s perfect for gifting or sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to add a little sparkle to your seasonal celebrations, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make and decorate. Get ready to create memories that taste like snowflakes on your tongue!

Why love Holiday Snowflake Sugar Cookies?

Festive Charm: These cookies bring the magic of the holidays right to your kitchen with their delicate snowflake design. Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all levels. Perfect Texture: Enjoy crisp edges with soft, melt-in-your-mouth centers. Versatile Decorating: Sparkling sugar or icing lets you customize each cookie for a personal touch. Great for Gifting: Beautiful and tasty, they make an unforgettable homemade gift that everyone will love.

Holiday Snowflake Sugar Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

All-purpose flour – Use good quality flour to ensure perfect cookie structure and a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create those crisp edges we love in Holiday Snowflake Sugar Cookies.
Unsalted butter – Cold and cubed butter is key for a flaky, buttery texture.
Large eggs – Bind the dough and add richness; room temperature works best.
Vanilla extract – Brings warmth and depth to the cookie flavor, making each bite extra cozy.
Baking powder – A small amount to give just the right lift without puffiness.
Salt – Enhances all the other flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.

For Decorating

Sparkling sugar – Gives the cookies a magical, frosty shimmer that mimics fresh snowflakes.
Royal icing – Optional for intricate snowflake designs; dries hard for beautiful detail work.
Food coloring – Use icy blues or classic white to create festive snowflake patterns.

How to Make Holiday Snowflake Sugar Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This warms your oven thoroughly for crisp edges and soft centers.
Whisk dry ingredients in a medium bowl: flour, baking powder, and salt. This blend ensures even rising and perfect texture every time.
Cream butter & sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Use room-temp butter for a dreamy, tender dough.
Add eggs & vanilla one at a time, mixing until just combined. Scrape bowl sides to maintain smooth batter and consistent flavor.
Combine dough by gradually folding dry ingredients into wet mixture. Stir gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms—avoid overmixing for tender cookies.
Chill dough wrapped in plastic for at least 1 hour. Cold dough holds its shape beautifully when you roll and cut the snowflake shapes.
Roll & cut dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use snowflake cookie cutters for detailed shapes, re-chilling scraps before re-rolling.
Bake cookies for 8–10 minutes or until edges are just golden brown. Rotate sheets halfway through to ensure even baking and perfect springy centers.
Cool completely on wire racks before decorating. This prevents icing from sliding off and helps the cookies retain their delicate snowflake shape.

For Decorating:

Sparkling sugar: Lightly brush cookies with water and sprinkle sparkling sugar for a frosty shimmer that mimics freshly fallen snow.
Royal icing: Pipe intricate snowflake designs with stiff white icing. Allow designs to dry 1–2 hours at room temperature for crisp detail.

Optional: Add edible pearls for an extra festive touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Holiday Snowflake Sugar Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and crispiness.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can keep the cookies in the fridge for up to 10 days. Make sure to seal them well to prevent them from absorbing fridge odors.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked cookie dough or baked cookies in a single layer for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and use an airtight container.

Reheating: To enjoy baked cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours, then reheat in a warm oven for 5 minutes to revive that fresh-baked taste of your Holiday Snowflake Sugar Cookies.

Expert Tips for Holiday Snowflake Sugar Cookies

Chill the Dough: Always chill the dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading and keep your snowflake shapes crisp and defined.
Use Room-Temp Butter: Creaming room-temperature butter with sugar creates a tender cookie texture essential for Holiday Snowflake Sugar Cookies.
Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients to avoid tough cookies; overmixing develops gluten, making them chewy instead of soft.
Roll Evenly: Roll dough to an even 1/4-inch thickness for uniform baking and consistent cookie texture throughout.
Decorate When Cool: Ensure cookies are completely cooled before adding icing or sparkling sugar to prevent melting and smudging.
Rotate Baking Sheets: Halfway through baking, rotate sheets for even heat distribution and perfectly baked cookies every time.

Make Ahead Options

These Holiday Snowflake Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll out the chilled dough and proceed with cutting and baking. Additionally, you can also bake the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage. For that just-made quality, allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature before decorating. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll enjoy delicious, festive treats with minimal effort during the busy holiday season!

Holiday Snowflake Sugar Cookies Variations

Feel free to add your personal touch to these delightful cookies, making them uniquely yours!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for equally delicious results.
Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a plant-based treat.
You’ll still achieve that tender texture while keeping it cruelty-free and delightful!
Citrus Twist: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the dough for a fresh, zesty flavor that beautifully complements the sweetness.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark or white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a touch of decadent indulgence.
Nutty Crunch: Stir in finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for an irresistible crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced twist that evokes cozy holiday vibes.
Colorful Sprinkles: Instead of sparkling sugar, use festive sprinkles to give your cookies a fun and vibrant look for party platters.
Bold Flavors: Infuse the dough with almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty sweetness that enhances the holiday charm.

What to Serve with Holiday Snowflake Sugar Cookies?

The warmth of the holiday season deserves delightful pairings that elevate these festive cookies to unforgettable moments of joy.

Hot Chocolate: A rich, velvety hot chocolate complements the sweetness of the cookies, creating the perfect cozy pairing for chilly evenings.
Eggnog: This creamy, spiced beverage enriches the festive spirit and adds a touch of holiday cheer alongside each bite.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully with warm cookies, enhancing their buttery flavor while adding delightful contrast.
Fruit and Nut Platter: Fresh fruits and assorted nuts provide a refreshing crunch, balancing the sweet richness of the cookies and offering a wholesome touch.
Coffee or Espresso: The robust flavor of coffee intensifies the sweet hints of vanilla and sugar, making it an excellent companion for an afternoon treat.
Spiced Cider: Warm spiced apple cider brings comforting aromas and flavors that perfectly match the joy and merriment of holiday baking.
Christmas Tea: A fragrant holiday tea infused with spices calms the senses and pairs well with the light texture of these sugar cookies.
Maple Glaze: Drizzling a light maple glaze over your cookies adds depth with caramel-like sweetness that complements the cookie’s buttery finish.

Each of these delightful options transforms the simple act of enjoying Holiday Snowflake Sugar Cookies into a charming experience that warms the heart and delights the soul.

Holiday Snowflake Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs

What’s the best way to choose the right butter for these cookies?
I always recommend using unsalted, high-quality butter that’s fresh and not close to its expiration date. Room temperature butter creams better with sugar, giving you that tender, buttery texture essential for these snowflake cookies.

How long can I store baked Holiday Snowflake Sugar Cookies at room temperature?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh and crisp for up to 5 days. Keep them away from humidity and heat sources to preserve their delicate texture and that lovely snowy shimmer on top.

Can I freeze the cookie dough or finished cookies? If yes, how?
Absolutely! For the dough, shape it into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and cutting. For baked cookies, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature then refresh by warming in the oven for 5 minutes.

Why did my cookies spread too much and lose their snowflake shape?
This usually means the dough was too warm or not chilled long enough. Make sure to chill the dough for at least an hour before rolling. Also, avoid over-creaming the butter and sugar—once soft and fluffy, stop. Rolling dough too thin can cause spreading too; stick to about ¼-inch thickness for best cookie shape.

Are these cookies safe for pets or people with common food allergies?
These cookies contain common allergens like eggs, wheat (gluten), and dairy (butter). They’re not suitable for dogs or pets due to sugar and butter content, which can upset their stomachs. For allergy-friendly options, you might try substituting gluten-free flour or dairy-free butter alternatives, but the texture and flavor may vary. Always test small batches when adjusting ingredients.