Santa Cookie Recipe with Vanilla Frosting Recipe

There’s something truly magical about biting into a freshly baked Santa Cookie, especially when it’s topped with silky smooth vanilla frosting. This Santa Cookie Recipe with Vanilla Frosting Recipe is one of those holiday treats that instantly pumps up the festive spirit in your home. What I love most is how the soft, buttery cookie perfectly balances the sweet vanilla frosting, making it both a treat to bake and to share.

Whether you’re serving these at a cozy holiday party or wrapping them up as gifts, you’ll find this Santa Cookie Recipe with Vanilla Frosting Recipe is incredibly rewarding—both in its taste and the smiles it brings. Plus, it’s a fun activity that brings family and friends together around the kitchen. I’m excited to share all my tips so you can nail it every time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Santa Cookie Recipe with Vanilla Frosting Recipe calls for a neat combination of pantry staples that work beautifully together to create a soft, flavorful cookie with dreamy frosting. These ingredients are easy to find, and I always recommend using the best quality vanilla extract you can get—trust me, it makes a big difference.

• Salted Butter: Using salted butter adds a subtle savory note that balances the sweetness.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that makes these cookies so special.
• Hazelnut Liquor (optional): A little splash elevates the flavor with a nutty warmth but you can skip it if you want.
• Vanilla Extract: I always opt for pure vanilla extract—it’s the soul of your frosting and dough.
• Egg: At room temperature to help with the dough’s texture and binding.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base for your dough; sometimes you’ll add a bit more to get the consistency just right.
• Baking Soda: For just the right amount of rise and softness.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip this.
• Powdered Sugar: For the smoothest vanilla frosting and buttercream.
• Cream Cheese (optional): Adds a slight tang and creaminess to the buttercream, which I personally love.
• Assorted Sprinkles or Vanilla Sugar: For decorating, get creative! These add festive pops of color and texture.

Variations

One of the joys of this Santa Cookie Recipe with Vanilla Frosting Recipe is how easy it is to tweak depending on your preferences and dietary needs. I’ve played around with a few variations over the years, and adding a personal twist makes the cookie feel even more special.

• Gluten-Free Version: I swapped all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix once, and the cookies came out surprisingly just as good—soft and perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
• Dairy-Free Variation: Using coconut oil instead of butter and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative makes this recipe accessible to my lactose-intolerant friends without sacrificing flavor.
• Flavored Frosting: Sometimes I add a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to the vanilla frosting to add some cozy holiday notes—it’s a small change that brings big character.

How to Make Santa Cookie Recipe with Vanilla Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Creaming Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the room temperature salted butter with the light brown sugar until it’s fluffy and pale. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer. The light, creamy texture is key to getting that soft cookie crumb, so don’t rush. If using hazelnut liquor, add it here along with the vanilla extract and beat until blended.

Step 2: Incorporate the Egg and Dry Ingredients

Next, add the egg and mix until the batter looks smooth and shiny. In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt together. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed just until combined. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in 2-4 tablespoons more flour, but be careful not to overdo it—the dough should be soft but manageable.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. Trust me, this is a crucial step that helps the cookies keep their shape when baking. Plus, it deepens the flavors—something I learned the hard way by skipping the chill once and ending up with flat cookies!

Step 4: Rolling and Cutting the Cookies

Roll the chilled dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite Santa-shaped cookie cutter to make the shapes. If the dough starts to get sticky while you cut, just return it to the fridge for a bit. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving each enough space to expand slightly.

Step 5: Baking the Cookies

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are barely golden. Keep an eye on them—overbaking is an easy mistake that makes them crisp rather than soft and chewy. Once done, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 6: Making the Vanilla Frosting

Mix the powdered sugar with softened salted butter until creamy. For a richer frosting, I often add the cream cheese here; it gives a lovely tang that pairs wonderfully with the sweet cookie. Add a splash of vanilla extract and beat until smooth and spreadable—you can adjust the consistency with a teaspoon of milk if needed.

Step 7: Decorating Your Santa Cookies

Spread a generous layer of vanilla frosting onto each cooled cookie. Then, go wild with your sprinkles or sanding sugar for that festive sparkle. I find that letting kids get involved in this step makes the whole baking experience even more fun and memorable!

How to Serve Santa Cookie Recipe with Vanilla Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these Santa cookies with classic red and white sanding sugar or tiny silver edible pearls to mimic the trim on Santa’s suit. Sometimes, I’ll dust a little cinnamon or colored vanilla sugar over the top for extra holiday cheer and a hint of spice.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced hot cocoa or a rich eggnog latte. Serving alongside a plate of assorted nuts and dried fruit also makes for a perfect holiday snack spread when you want variety.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to arrange these Santa cookies on a rustic wooden board surrounded by sprigs of evergreen and cranberries. Another fun idea is to package them individually in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon—perfect for gifting or as party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your decorated Santa cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. I usually layer them between sheets of parchment paper to keep the frosting intact. They stay fresh for about 4-5 days, which makes them great for prepping in advance.

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, I recommend freezing the undecorated cookies first. Once frozen solid, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to decorate and serve, thaw overnight in the fridge. This method keeps them tasting fresh and prevents frosting damage.

Reheating

While these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, if you want to warm one up, pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Avoid heating the frosting directly or too long as it will melt—if that happens, a quick re-chill sets it back nicely.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Santa Cookie Recipe with Vanilla Frosting Recipe is close to my heart because it reminds me of those joyful holiday baking days with loved ones gathered around. It’s straightforward enough that you can involve the whole family, and the end result never fails to delight. Give it a try—you’ll be rewarded with warm memories and a plate full of festive cheer!

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