Cutout cookies are a true holiday classic—fun to make, nostalgic to decorate, and perfect for gifting.
Whether you love traditional gingerbread men or want modern cookie shapes with unique flavors, this guide offers 15 creative Christmas cutout cookie ideas, each with detailed tips to help you bake like a pro.
1. Vanilla Sugar Cutout Cookies
These soft, buttery sugar cookies are the foundation of Christmas baking.
The dough rolls out smoothly and holds its shape beautifully, making it ideal for stars, bells, and Christmas tree cutters.
Why it works: Neutral flavor + crisp edges + soft centers.
Tip: Chill your dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading.
Decorating idea: Pipe royal icing outlines, add colorful flood icing, and finish with edible glitter for a frosty shine.
2. Decorated Gingerbread Men
Traditional gingerbread men are timeless: warmly spiced with cloves, cinnamon, and ginger.
The dough is sturdy and easy to cut into shapes like people, reindeer, or snowflakes.
Why it works: Molasses gives moisture and that classic deep brown color.
Tip: Roll slightly thicker for softer cookies.
Decorating idea: Use white icing for buttons and expressions; add tiny candies for scarves and hats.
3. Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies
These colorful cookies are shaped like candy canes using red and white dough twisted together.
They bring instant festive charm to a dessert tray.
Why it works: Peppermint extract pairs perfectly with a soft sugar cookie base.
Tip: Roll equal-length ropes before twisting to avoid breakage.
Decorating idea: Brush warm cookies with melted butter and sprinkle crushed peppermint on top.
4. Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cutouts
Warm, cozy, and melt-in-your-mouth soft, these cookies use brown sugar and cinnamon for a holiday flavor twist.
Why it works: Brown sugar keeps cookies chewy while cinnamon adds comforting aroma.
Tip: Dust your rolling surface with powdered sugar instead of flour to avoid dryness.
Decorating idea: Pipe simple lines with cream cheese icing for an elegant touch.
5. Chocolate Cutout Cookies
These rich cocoa cookies give a chocolate version of classic sugar cutouts. They look stunning when decorated with white or gold icing.
Why it works: Dutch-processed cocoa creates a deep chocolate flavor and dark color.
Tip: Roll dough between parchment sheets to prevent sticking.
Decorating idea: Outline with white royal icing and add gold sprinkles for a modern Christmas look.
6. Eggnog Cutout Cookies
Using nutmeg, rum extract, and creamy icing, these cookies taste just like holiday eggnog in cookie form.
Why it works: Rum extract adds depth without using actual alcohol.
Tip: Let cookies cool fully before icing—they’re softer than traditional sugar cookies.
Decorating idea: Top with a dash of nutmeg or gold sugar crystals.
7. Almond Cutout Cookies
Made with almond extract and finely ground almonds, these cookies offer a delicate nutty flavor that smells heavenly.
Why it works: Almond extract enhances sweetness without overpowering the dough.
Tip: Chill dough well—almond-rich dough softens faster.
Decorating idea: Flood with pastel icing and add tiny white dots for a wintery look.
8. Lemon Vanilla Snowflake Cookies
Fresh lemon zest brightens the cookie, giving a refreshing contrast to typical holiday spices.
Why it works: Citrus cuts through sweetness and adds aroma.
Tip: Use thin, pointed snowflake cutters—this dough holds sharp details.
Decorating idea: Decorate with white and blue icing for frosty, delicate cookie art.
9. Cinnamon Roll Cutout Cookies
These cookies take inspiration from cinnamon rolls: swirls of cinnamon sugar baked into soft circles or tree-shaped cutouts.
Why it works: The filling layer melts into the dough for warm, gooey flavor.
Tip: Chill after filling and rolling to help retain shape.
Decorating idea: Drizzle vanilla glaze for a “fresh cinnamon roll” finish.
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10. Orange Chocolate Cutout Cookies
Orange zest and mini chocolate chips bring a festive twist to classic cutouts.
Why it works: Orange + chocolate = holiday perfection.
Tip: Use micro chocolate chips so shapes stay clean.
Decorating idea: Add light chocolate drizzle and a sprinkle of orange zest.
11. Maple Brown Butter Cutouts
Brown butter adds nutty aroma and maple syrup brings wintery sweetness, making these cookies deeply flavorful.
Why it works: Brown butter intensifies flavor without altering structure.
Tip: Allow brown butter to cool before mixing into the dough.
Decorating idea: Dust with maple icing and finish with candied pecan bits.
12. Chocolate Mint Christmas Trees
A chocolate-mint dough cut into tree shapes makes rich, cool, festive cookies.
Why it works: The mint extract elevates cocoa’s depth.
Tip: Keep dough slightly thick for soft, brownie-like cookies.
Decorating idea: Add green icing garlands and mini sprinkles for ornaments.
13. Red Velvet Cutout Cookies
Vibrant red dough creates stunning Christmas shapes that stay soft and velvety.
Why it works: A hint of cocoa + red coloring gives signature red velvet flavor.
Tip: Avoid overbaking—edges should stay soft.
Decorating idea: Layer with cream cheese icing and white sugar pearls.
14. Spiced Chai Cutout Cookies
Infused with the cozy spices of chai—ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves—these cookies are aromatic and beautiful.
Why it works: The blend of spices creates warm holiday comfort.
Tip: Sift spices into the flour for even distribution.
Decorating idea: Decorate with muted pastel icing for a rustic, cozy vibe.
15. White Chocolate Cranberry Cutout Cookies
These cookies combine dried cranberries, white chocolate, and a soft vanilla base.
Why it works: The tart cranberries balance the sweet white chocolate.
Tip: Chop cranberries finely so shapes stay crisp.
Decorating idea: Add white chocolate drizzle and crushed freeze-dried cranberries.
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Always chill your dough for clean shapes and sharp edges.
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Use parchment paper to roll and bake for even browning.
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Bake similar-sized shapes together to avoid over- or under-baking.
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Let cookies cool completely before decorating to prevent icing from melting.
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Store cookies in airtight tins to maintain freshness for gifting or holiday gatherings.
