33 Festive Sugar Cookies Recipes Perfect for Holidays and Parties

Sugar cookies are the reliable friend of the baking world—simple, sweet, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you crave a soft frosted round or a crisp, sparkly cut-out, the humble dough can morph into something special with just a tweak of ingredients. Below are 33 recipes that show how much range one cookie can have. Tie on an apron, warm up the oven, and pick a new favorite from the list.

1. Classic Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

This reliable recipe delivers crisp edges and a tender interior that holds its shape beautifully. Chill the dough, roll it to a quarter-inch thickness, and cut out seasonal shapes with your favorite cutters. A quick bake keeps the cookies light in color while locking in vanilla flavor. Once cool, decorate with royal icing or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

2. Brown Butter Sugar Cookies

Browning the butter adds nutty depth without changing the cookie’s classic character. After the butter cools, cream it with sugar until fluffy, then proceed as usual. The result is a cookie that smells like toasted hazelnuts yet stays soft in the center. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt on top to highlight the caramel notes.

3. Chewy Bakery-Style Sugar Cookies

Extra egg yolk and a higher ratio of brown sugar keep these cookies thick and tender. Bake the dough at a slightly lower temperature so the middles stay soft while the rims turn golden. Each cookie spreads into a hefty round that looks straight from a corner bakery. Let them cool on the sheet for five minutes to finish setting.

4. Lemon Zest Sugar Cookies

Fine lemon zest and a splash of juice give these cookies sunny flavor without overpowering the sweetness. The dough mixes quickly and needs only a brief chill. Bake until the edges are light gold for a soft bite that finishes with citrus sparkle. A drizzle of simple lemon glaze adds an extra pop.

5. Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies

Scraping fresh vanilla beans into the dough takes the flavor up a notch. The seeds disperse evenly, creating tiny black freckles across every cookie. Use clear vanilla extract alongside the beans to keep the color light. Pair them with afternoon coffee or wrap in cellophane for an elegant gift.

6. Almond Sugar Cookies

A spoonful of almond extract plus finely ground almonds lends subtle nuttiness and a tender crumb. Roll the dough into balls, press gently, and scatter sliced almonds over each one before baking. The nuts toast in the oven, adding crunch and aroma. These cookies freeze well, so stow a batch for future cravings.

7. Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies

Cream cheese in the dough keeps these cookies soft for days. After baking, spread a generous layer of buttercream and let it crust slightly for that iconic grocery-store texture. Pastel colors work year-round, from baby showers to spring brunches. Add rainbow sprinkles for a playful finish.

8. Sparkling Sanding Sugar Cookies

Coating dough balls in colored sanding sugar creates a crunchy shell that catches the eye. Use one hue for a monochrome look or stir multiple shades together for confetti sparkle. The cookies bake up crackly on top yet remain chewy inside. They travel well, making them perfect for cookie swaps.

9. Neapolitan Sugar Cookies

Divide a single batch of dough into vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate portions. Stack strips of each flavor, then slice and bake for tricolor layers. The cookies look complicated but come together quickly with a loaf-pan chill. Their nostalgic flavor mix feels like ice cream in cookie form.

10. Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

Roll vanilla dough around a brown sugar-cinnamon spread, then slice into pinwheels. The swirls caramelize as they bake, mimicking gooey cinnamon rolls. A thin icing drizzle completes the breakfast-meets-dessert vibe. Serve slightly warm for the best aroma.

11. Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

Replacing part of the butter with cream cheese adds tang and tenderness. The dough stays pliable, which makes it great for cutouts that resist spreading. Bake until just set for a soft bite that pairs well with tea. Dust with powdered sugar for a quick finish.

12. Glazed Confetti Sugar Cookies

After baking simple vanilla rounds, dunk each cookie face-down into a powder-sugar glaze. Immediately shower with tiny sprinkles so they adhere before the glaze sets. The thin coating locks in moisture and adds cheerful color. Kids love helping with the sprinkle step.

13. Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies

Add freeze-dried strawberry powder to the dough for fruity flavor without excess moisture. Bake small rounds and cool completely. Layer two cookies around a spoonful of jam and stabilized whipped cream to resemble miniature shortcakes. Enjoy the same day for best texture.

14. Maple Sugar Cookies

Pure maple syrup replaces part of the granulated sugar, giving these cookies gentle caramel tones. Chill the dough well so the syrup doesn’t cause spreading. Press a leaf stamp on top for a seasonal accent. They pair beautifully with hot cider in autumn.

15. Honey Sugar Cookies

Honey adds floral sweetness and keeps the cookies lightly chewy. Use a mild variety so other flavors shine through. A pinch of baking soda helps the dough puff slightly, creating airy centers. Finish with a thread of warmed honey just before serving.

16. Chocolate-Dipped Sugar Cookies

Bake simple rounds, cool, and dunk one edge into melted bittersweet chocolate. Let excess drip off, then set on parchment until firm. The contrast between crisp cookie and smooth chocolate feels luxurious yet low effort. Sprinkle crushed nuts or sea salt before the coating sets for variety.

17. Matcha Sugar Cookies

Spoonfuls of culinary-grade matcha lend earthy flavor and natural color. Keep the dough slightly under-sweet to let the tea notes shine. Bake just until the edges firm up to avoid browning, which can mute the green hue. These cookies pair perfectly with vanilla ice cream.

18. Earl Grey Sugar Cookies

Grinding loose Earl Grey tea with sugar infuses the dough with bergamot fragrance. The speckled cookies have a sophisticated twist without extra effort. Serve them at afternoon tea or pack in lunchboxes for a refined treat. They keep their flavor for up to a week in a tin.

19. Cardamom Sugar Cookies

Freshly ground cardamom seeds deliver warm, citrusy spice that elevates a simple base. Don’t skimp on the grinding step—pre-ground loses aroma quickly. Bake until pale gold so the spice stays at the forefront. Excellent with strong coffee or masala chai.

20. Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Crushed peppermint candies folded into the dough add crunch and flavor. Chill well so the pieces don’t melt out prematurely. A light white chocolate drizzle softens the mint’s sharpness. They look festive for winter holidays and stay crisp for several days.

21. Coconut Sugar Cookies

Swap a portion of flour for finely shredded unsweetened coconut to boost texture. The cookies bake up slightly crisp with a chewy middle. A quick toast of coconut flakes sprinkled on top provides extra aroma and pleasant color. Serve with tropical fruit for a light dessert platter.

22. S’mores Sugar Cookies

Bake thick vanilla cookies, then immediately press a square of chocolate and a marshmallow on top. Broil briefly or use a kitchen torch until the marshmallow browns. A sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs captures classic campfire flavor. They taste best slightly warm when the chocolate is still soft.

23. Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies

Indent cookie dough balls with a thumbprint, bake, then fill the centers with thick caramel. A pinch of flaky salt balances the richness and highlights the sweetness. Let the caramel set before stacking to avoid sticking. These cookies disappear quickly at bake sales.

24. Pistachio Sugar Cookies

Finely ground pistachios substitute for part of the flour, coloring the dough subtly green. Chopped roasted nuts folded in add crunchy bursts. The flavor is delicate and pairs well with rosewater glaze if you’d like a floral accent. Store airtight to maintain crisp edges.

25. Lavender Sugar Cookies

Culinary lavender buds impart light floral notes when steeped in melted butter before mixing. Strain out the buds for a smooth dough, or leave a few for visual appeal. These cookies feel fancy enough for bridal showers yet take minimal effort. Serve with lemonade for a refreshing contrast.

26. Brown Sugar Cutouts

Switching to light brown sugar produces a slightly molasses-rich flavor and softer chew. The dough still rolls cleanly, so you can stamp decorative patterns. Bake until edges are just firm for a tender bite. They keep especially well thanks to the extra moisture from molasses.

27. Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies

A tablespoon of pumpkin purée and a dash of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg turn classic sugar cookies autumnal. The dough needs a bit more flour to compensate for extra moisture. Bake until set, then outline with cream cheese icing for a festive touch. Perfect for Halloween party platters.

28. Iced Ombre Sugar Cookies

Prepare one batch of royal icing and tint it in gradual shades of the same color. Dip or spread icing on each cookie from lightest to darkest for a gorgeous gradient effect. Let them dry completely before stacking. They make an eye-catching centerpiece on dessert tables.

29. Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies

A small scoop of creamy peanut butter adds flavor without turning the cookie into a full peanut butter classic. The dough remains light in texture but gains nutty depth. Press fork tines on top for traditional ridges. Kids love the familiar taste in sugar-cookie form.

30. Dulce de Leche Sugar Cookies

Pipe thick dulce de leche between two thin sugar cookies to create a caramel sandwich. The filling softens the cookies over time, yielding a melt-in-the-mouth treat. Roll the edges in finely chopped toasted pecans for added crunch. Store chilled if your kitchen is warm to keep the filling stable.

31. Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

Cocoa powder and red gel coloring transform plain dough into velvety rounds. White chocolate chips offer sweet contrast and keep the centers moist. Bake until tops just lose their glossy sheen for fudgy texture. A dusting of powdered sugar mimics traditional cake frosting.

32. Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

A mix of almond flour and rice flour creates cookies that taste nearly identical to the wheat version. Xanthan gum helps bind the dough so cutouts keep sharp edges. Chill well before rolling for easy handling. Decorate with royal icing made from pasteurized egg whites.

33. Vegan No-Chill Sugar Cookies

Neutral oil and flaxseed “eggs” allow you to mix and bake right away—no refrigeration needed. The dough is soft yet sturdy enough for simple shapes. Cane sugar keeps the edges crisp while the centers stay slightly chewy. Finish with plant-based icing for a fully dairy-free treat.