33 Delicious Cut-Out Cookies for Every Holiday and Special Occasion

Posted on September 23, 2025 by Maryann Desmond

Often associated with the holiday season, cut-out cookies have gained a loyal following due to their irresistible charm. Beyond their crunch, these sweet treats possess a certain allure that makes them desirable throughout the year. The reason for this enduring appeal lies in their exceptional taste and versatility in decoration.

Sugar Cookie Wedding Cakes

Sugar Cookie Wedding Cakes

Not only will these adorable wedding cake sugar cookies be the perfect addition to any wedding-related celebration, but they’re also extremely easy to make and customize. The miniature cookie versions of traditional wedding cakes are frosted with white royal icing, creating a clean and sophisticated appearance that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re planning an engagement party, bridal shower, or actual wedding, these cookies will be a delightful treat for everyone involved.

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with a Twist

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with a Twist

Taking a break from traditional sugar cookies, these sour cream cookies may not have an Instagram-worthy appearance, but they more than make up for it with their exceptional flavor and texture. They offer a cake-like softness that’s hard to resist, especially when combined with the subtle kick of nutmeg. The key to their irresistible charm lies in the generous helping of sour cream, which imbues them with a depth of moisture that sets them apart from other sugar cookies.

And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance – the decadent almond and vanilla buttercream frosting that adds an extra layer of richness and sophistication.

Cute Polar Bear Sugar Cookie Creations

Cute Polar Bear Sugar Cookie Creations

Sweet treats are in store for you with these adorable polar bear sugar cookies that are sure to melt your heart. If the Easter cookies were cute, then these polar bear cookies take cuteness to a whole new level, making them five times more adorable. Unlike traditional recipes that focus on taste, this one is all about creating a visually stunning cookie design.

To bring these polar bears to life, you will need ready-made cookies, icing, candy melts, edible markers, and sanding sugar – everything you need for a successful decorating session.

Sweet Cut-Out Cookies in 30 Easy Ways

Sweet Cut-Out Cookies in 30 Easy Ways

Varying from classic to unique, we’ve curated 30 delectable cut-out cookie recipes that cater to both seasoned bakers and those just discovering the joy of baking. While some of these mouthwatering treats are so divine, they don’t require elaborate decorations – their beauty lies in their simplicity. Others stand out for their creative twists, making them perfect for those seeking something new and exciting.

Whether you’re a skilled baker or an enthusiastic beginner, there’s a cut-out cookie here that will satisfy your cravings.

Peanut Butter Cut-Out Cookies with Chocolate Twist

Peanut Butter Cut-Out Cookies with Chocolate Twist

Peanut butter and chocolate is a match made in heaven, especially when it comes to baked goods. These peanut butter cut-out cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who can’t get enough of this classic combination. Not only do they boast a soft and chewy texture, but they also retain their shape beautifully after baking, making them an ideal candidate for decorating with frosting.

While a simple powdered sugar glaze will suffice, I highly recommend taking it to the next level by pairing these cookies with a rich and creamy chocolate ganache – it’s essentially like indulging in Reese’s Cups, but in cookie form!

Pastel Crown Cookies Fit for Royalty

Pastel Crown Cookies Fit for Royalty

Make every occasion feel regal with our breathtaking birthday sugar cookies. Shaped like majestic crowns and adorned with delicate pastel glazes, these cookies exude royalty and are perfect for making any celebration feel truly fit for a queen. Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting someone special on their birthday, these easy-to-make sugar cookies are sure to impress.

Pastel Sugar Cookies Fit for Easter

Pastel Sugar Cookies Fit for Easter

Raising the bar for Easter treats, these sugar cookies are not only delicious but also irresistibly adorable. Their sweet and buttery vanilla flavor is perfectly balanced by crispy edges and soft centers, making them an absolute delight to devour. The pastel-colored frostings add a playful touch, allowing you to get creative with eye-catching designs that will make your cookies truly stand out.

Whether you’re looking for a special treat or a fun activity to share with loved ones, these Easter sugar cookies are sure to impress.

Warm Cinnamon Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Delights

Warm Cinnamon Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Delights

Keen bakers know that cinnamon sugar cookies have been a classic favorite for years, but this particular version takes the traditional treat to new heights. Key to its success is the harmonious balance of flavors, with every bite delivering a delightful combination of cinnamon and nutmeg notes. But what truly sets these cookies apart is the addition of spiced American Buttercream frosting – a game-changing complement that elevates the entire experience.

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The aroma alone is enough to make anyone swoon, and when you take a bite, it’s clear why these cut-out sugar cookies are an autumn and winter baking staple.

Velvety Heart Sugar Cookies with a Twist

Velvety Heart Sugar Cookies with a Twist

Brighten up your day with these stunning heart-shaped red velvet sugar cookies, guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face – just one bite will confirm this! These scrumptious treats are incredibly soft and delectable, boasting a vibrant burst of color that adds an extra layer of excitement. With the perfect balance of rich cocoa flavor and subtle cream cheese tang, these iconic red velvet heart cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings for something truly special.

Coconut Flour Delights: Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

Coconut Flour Delights: Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

Visiting the world of gluten-free baking reveals an exciting array of possibilities. Gone are the days when adhering to a gluten-free diet meant sacrificing flavor and variety. One such delightful discovery is these grain-free, sugar cookies made with coconut flour, which boasts a rich, nutty flavor that elevates them into a satisfying treat. Prepare to be amazed by their buttery flavor and crisp texture, making them perfect for creating intricate cut-out designs.

And to take them to the next level, they’re glazed with a luscious vanilla icing that adds an irresistible touch.

Cocoa Sweetened Sugar Treats

Cocoa Sweetened Sugar Treats

Perfect for all you chocolate enthusiasts out there, these indulgent treats are sure to satisfy your cravings. Just imagine the classic combination of sugar cookies and rich cocoa powder coming together in perfect harmony – voila! You get a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s both decadent and delightful. They’re ideal companions for hot cocoa, coffee, or tea, especially during the holiday season when you need something extra special.

And here’s a valuable tip: dusting the cookies with powdered sugar on top adds an extra touch of charm and sweetness.

Sour Cream Italian Cookies, Soft & Sweet

Sour Cream Italian Cookies, Soft & Sweet

Just a few ingredients come together in perfect harmony to create these Italian cookies that melt in your mouth. Made with sour cream, they have a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess, leaving you wanting more. The subtle warmth from the cinnamon and almond extract adds depth to their flavor profile, making each bite feel like a warm embrace.

Whether topped with buttercream and sprinkles or enjoyed plain, these cookies are sure to become an instant favorite, satisfying your sweet tooth every time.

Gingerbread Men Bring Holiday Cheer

Gingerbread Men Bring Holiday Cheer

Unlocking the magic of the holiday season is a tradition that my family holds dear, and one of the most beloved ways we do this is by baking and indulging in our favorite gingerbread man cookies. It’s impossible not to get swept up in the excitement and joy of these festive treats. The warmth and coziness they bring to our gatherings are unmatched. Our classic gingerbread recipe has been perfected over the years, yielding a deliciously chewy cookie that’s bursting with traditional flavors.

Once you taste them, I’m sure you’ll understand why we make them an annual tradition. Beyond just being a tasty treat, these cookies hold a special place in our hearts as they infuse our gatherings with Christmas cheer – and let’s be honest, they’re just as welcome at Thanksgiving too!

Pink Sugar Cookie Sandwich Delights

Pink Sugar Cookie Sandwich Delights

Highlighting the beauty of pink sugar cookies, this recipe takes the classic treat to new heights! The cookies themselves are dyed a delightful shade of pink, but it’s what lies between them that truly makes them special. A silky vanilla buttercream fills every bite, infusing each one with fun and fabulousness that would surely make Elle Woods proud. While these sweet treats are already a delight, adding a burst of colorful sprinkles to the edges takes them to a whole new level of tastiness.

Spooky Chocolate Chip Halloween Cookies

Spooky Chocolate Chip Halloween Cookies

Outstanding choices for your fall party can be made with these Halloween cookies, which are sure to impress both kids and adults alike! They offer a delightful combination of being soft, sweet, and filled with mini chocolate chips, making them the epitome of perfection in cookie form. Irrespective of whether you decide on pumpkin, ghost, bat, or cat shapes, they have the potential to bring joy to people of all ages.

Rolled Oats Add Twist to Classic Sugar Cookies

Rolled Oats Add Twist to Classic Sugar Cookies

Give oatmeal a whole new meaning as you indulge in the delightful combination of oatmeal-rolled sugar cookies, an innovative twist on the classic breakfast staple that will make you rethink your morning routine.

Zesty Orange Sugar Cookies

Zesty Orange Sugar Cookies

Velvety soft and bursting with citrus flavor, these orange sugar cookies are a delightful twist on traditional treats. Not only do they feature orange zest within the dough, but also in the tangy glaze that tops them off. This double dose of citrus goodness is sure to tantalize your taste buds in every bite. Despite their simplicity, they exude an effortless elegance perfect for tea parties or brunch gatherings.

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With their versatility, you can shape them into various forms, and I’m particularly fond of the shortbread-inspired design suggested by the blog post.

Ginger Spice Cut-Out Cookies with a Twist

Ginger Spice Cut-Out Cookies with a Twist

Taking a break from rich and decadent desserts? These ginger molasses cut-out cookies are the perfect treat to warm your heart and home! Thin, crunchy, and infused with the warmth of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, they offer a delightful balance of flavors. Unlike many traditional gingerbread recipes that can be overpowering with spices, these cookies strike a harmonious note between sweetness and spice.

You might think that using molasses and dark brown sugar would make them cloyingly sweet, but the result is nothing short of perfection.

Fruity Cherry Sugar Treats Recipe

Fruity Cherry Sugar Treats Recipe

Fancying a burst of fruity flavor is just what you need when it comes to indulging in these scrumptious cherry sugar cookies. With their delicate balance of texture, being crisp around the edges and soft and doughy in the middle, they’re a treat for your taste buds. The delightful combination of cherry bits infused within them and topped with homemade cherry buttercream is simply irresistible.

What’s even more convenient is that the dough requires no chilling at all, allowing you to enjoy these cherry-filled delights sooner rather than later.

Raspberry Heart Sugar Cookies

Raspberry Heart Sugar Cookies

Baking something special is a time-honored way to express love and affection, especially on romantic occasions like Valentine’s Day. These raspberry butter cookies fit the bill perfectly. They combine the perfect balance of tart raspberry filling and tender, buttery sugar cookies, making for a delightful treat that is sure to impress.

Shaped like hearts, filled with sweet and tangy raspberry jam, and dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies are almost too beautiful to eat – but we know you’ll want to devour them! Whether you’re celebrating a special day or just want to brighten up someone’s week, these cookies are the perfect gesture of love.

Summer in a Bite: Lemon Sugar Cookies

Summer in a Bite: Lemon Sugar Cookies

Remarkably, these lemon cookies have a unique texture that’s both thick and tender, making them truly irresistible. While they’re delicious on their own, with a subtle sweetness that evokes the essence of summer in every bite, they become even more delectable when adorned with creative decorations. In fact, they’re so versatile that you can simply enjoy them plain or get fanciful with your design skills!

For an added layer of indulgence, consider topping them with a generous dollop of lemon buttercream frosting – the result is nothing short of a heavenly cookie-cake hybrid that’s impossible to resist. Additionally, this opportunity allows you to hone your frosting piping techniques and add a touch of professional flair to your baked goods. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies are an absolute delight to make and devour.

Buttery Star Cookies with Almond Cream

Buttery Star Cookies with Almond Cream

Beneath their delicate appearance lies a secret ingredient that makes these cookies truly special: almond vanilla buttercream. This luscious frosting not only adds a touch of sweetness but also a depth of flavor that elevates the entire cookie experience. With each bite, you’ll discover a perfect balance of richness and sweetness that will leave you craving more. They are slathered in almond vanilla buttercream. So, they have just the right balance of sweetness and richness.

Say goodbye to overly sugary frosted cookies and hello to pure satisfaction in every bite.

Sugar Cookie Doughnut Delights

Sugar Cookie Doughnut Delights

Picking between a cookie and a doughnut for dessert can be a challenging decision, but why choose just one? Try creating a new treat that combines the best of both worlds: doughnut sugar cookies. This playful twist is sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Donut sugar cookies are a sweet mash-up of your favorite treats, making them an ideal option for families looking for a fun activity together.

What’s more, these cookies are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to get creative with the decorating process. Simply frost them with royal icing and decorate with rainbow sparkles – the result is so convincing that it’s hard not to imagine they’re actually real donuts! (Don’t worry, we won’t tell!)

Soft Sugar Cookies for Decorating Perfection

Soft Sugar Cookies for Decorating Perfection

Beginning with the fundamentals is essential when it comes to baking, and what better place to start than with classic sugar cookies? These are the epitome of simplicity – soft, chewy, buttery, and utterly delicious. Moreover, they retain their shape exceptionally well, making them a joy to decorate. This recipe not only yields a mouthwatering cookie but also provides instructions for creating a glossy frosting that complements the cookies perfectly. The best part?

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It makes enough dough for three dozen cookies, ensuring you’ll have plenty for sharing – or not! If you’re new to baking sugar cookies, I highly recommend this blog post as it covers all the essential tips and tricks for producing a flawless first batch.

Easy Peppermint Sugar Cookies with Crisp Delight

Easy Peppermint Sugar Cookies with Crisp Delight

Love at first bite is exactly what these peppermint cut-out sugar cookies promise. Unlike many cookie recipes that require a lengthy chilling time, this one skips that step altogether, making the baking process quick and painless. The end result is a delightful combination of crisp edges, soft centers, and crunchy candy cane bits in every bite, evoking all the festive spirit of Christmas.

What’s more, they offer just the right amount of peppermint flavor – a subtle hint rather than an overpowering shout. If you prefer your minty treats with a whisper of flavor rather than a blast, then this recipe is tailor-made for you. Plus, to take them up a notch, you can always drizzle them with dark chocolate ganache if you feel like getting creative and adding your own personal touch.

Easy Sugar Cookies for a Festive Christmas

Easy Sugar Cookies for a Festive Christmas

Elevating your holiday celebrations is easy with a batch of festive sugar cookies that are both delicious and fun to make. These sweet treats become even more special when shared with loved ones, making the experience truly unforgettable. The beauty of this foolproof recipe lies in its ability to produce perfectly shaped cookies that hold their form beautifully after baking, allowing for effortless decorating with icing.

Buttery Shortbread Cookies for Snacking

Buttery Shortbread Cookies for Snacking

Joining in on the shortbread craze, these buttery treats are a masterclass in simplicity. Made from just five basic ingredients, this classic recipe is a perfect example of less being more. The outcome is nothing short of indulgent. If you want to take them to the next level, try adding some fun colors and extra sweetness with homemade royal icing – it’s an easy way to give your cookies a personal touch.

One of the best things about these shortbread cookies is that they hold their shape beautifully, so feel free to get creative with your designs without worrying about them crumbling into pieces as you decorate.

Twisted Chocolate Chip Cookie Creations

Twisted Chocolate Chip Cookie Creations

Happily, combining two classic cookie recipes creates a culinary masterpiece that exceeds expectations in every way. This innovative treat retains the essence of the traditional chocolate chip cookie but adds an exciting new dimension. When rolling out the dough, you can unleash your creativity and cut these cookies into one-of-a-kind shapes to suit any occasion or celebration.

The outcome is nothing short of irresistible – a delicate balance of a slightly crisp exterior giving way to a soft, chewy interior that’s sure to delight even the most discerning palates. It’s a delightful twist on a beloved favorite!

Sweet Traditions of Hanukkah Cookies

Sweet Traditions of Hanukkah Cookies

Vibrant with festive spirit, these Hanukkah sugar cookies will add a touch of sweetness to your Festival of Lights celebration! Not only do they have all the classic characteristics of a traditional sugar cookie – crisp, buttery, and deliciously sweet – but they also come adorned with beautiful Jewish designs, thanks to the magic of royal icing. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate with family or friends, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

Almond Jam Thumbprint Cookies Delight

Almond Jam Thumbprint Cookies Delight

Zestfully indulging in the world of Linzer cookies is a true delight, as these delectable almond shortbread sandwich cookies offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With their charming fun-shaped cutout in the center, they bring a whimsical touch to any gathering, adding an extra layer of excitement to special occasions.

The classic choice for filling is raspberry jam, but feel free to experiment with apricot or blackberry jam for a unique twist – whatever flavor tickles your taste buds will work beautifully!

Spring Carrot Sugar Cookies

Spring Carrot Sugar Cookies

Surrounding the Easter season with festive treats has become a beloved tradition for many of us. These carrot sugar cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday spread, boasting bright orange colors and playful carrot shapes that are sure to delight both kids and adults alike.

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