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Festive, easy, and fun…Holly Jolly Santa Cookies – Tis’ the Season! Simple vanilla sugar cookies shaped into the cutest, fattest little Santas, made effortlessly by shaping the dough into round balls. Frosted with a deliciously sweet whipped cream cheese frosting and you’ll have yourself the most perfect Christmas cookie. Fun to bake, delicious to eat, a great homemade gift, and a festive addition to your holiday cookie box!
As I write this the snow is falling outside my NYC hotel room, and well, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! This is so cheesy, but New York in December, and with white fluffy snow, is the most magical experience. I am so happy it decided to snow on my last day here in the city. I’ll be home by the time you read this, and back in the deep, deep Colorado snow. But I’m feeling extra thankful that I was able to see NYC this time of year…and in snowy winter weather too. Next year I’m bringing my mom and little Asher with me. It’s always better with family, especially those two Christmas loving freaks. They would be loving every minute of this snowy, Christmas scene.
Anyway, it feels very fitting to be writing this post as the snow falls. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, these cookies are cute wintry cookies…and of course, delicious. Something about a fat little Santa covered in sweet frosting (and even some chocolate candies too) is always adorable.
Those of you who’ve been following HBH since the VERY early days, there’s a slight chance you’ll remember these cookies. I shared a version of this recipe only a month and a half into HBH’s inception. While looking back through old content a few weeks ago, I stumbled across this recipe.
The crazy thing about developing so many new recipes is that sometimes I forget about the old (and really GOOD) recipes I’ve created. Even though the photos of these cookies were horrid, I still found them to be so cute. And I remember Asher having so much fun helping me bake them. So I’m bringing one of my favorite cookies back to life. And while it is a slightly decadent cookie, I love them so much.
(cookie dough balls lined up and ready to assemble)
(assembling the red parts of Santa)
As you all know, I am no professional when it comes to decorating sweets. BUT I still love to make my desserts, especially the holiday ones, as cute and festive as possible. Enter these easy, rolly, polly, Santa cookies.
The idea is to take simple sugar cookie dough, roll it into tiny balls, attach them together into a “Santa” body, and bake. If you use the photos as guides, it’s the easiest sugar cookie you will make. Not to mention, so much fun! No stress, no pulling out your hair, just fun. Exactly what holiday baking should be.
Here is how you make these Holly Jolly Santa Cookies.
Start with the dough. I used my favorite sugar cookie dough that’s heavy on the butter…and vanilla. I died half of the dough red using food coloring and kept the other half of the dough plain. If you can find a great natural red food die, I would highly recommend using that. Sadly I’ve yet to find one that works well. If anyone has found one they use and love, please let me know!
Once the dough is died, it’s literally as simple as rolling each dough into multiple balls. Again, if you look through the photos you will most likely understand the process much, much easier. You need five white dough balls and five red dough balls to make one Santa.
Attaching the pieces…
This is the step that you might think will be tricky, but it’s actually so easy. To make each Santa, just gently push the dough balls together. Once again, use the photos as guides. Nothing needs to be shaped perfectly or lined up just right. As long as you have a rough body formed, the cookies bake up like adorable fat Santas.
Promise.
Once you have your Santas formed, add mini chocolate chips for eyes and buttons, then bake! The process of rolling the balls will take a little time, but to me, this is easier than cutting out shapes…and I think they are way cuter, not to mention a little more unique. Because let’s be real, everyone is making your basic sugar cookies this time of year. Bake something a little different!
Decorating is easy.
Since the cookies themselves are already so cute, decorating is EASY. I used a sweet, creamy, whipped cream cheese frosting to add a layer of excitement to each bite. The frosting is used for Santa’s beard, hat, and hands, but my recommendation? Keep a small bowl of the frosting aside for adding to each cookie while eating. The frosting is SO GOOD and the cookie is made even better with a bit of additional frosting spread all over our little Santas.
For Santa’s nose, I use a mini red M&M. Simple, easy, and so cute.
These cookies make a delicious addition to any holiday party, cookie plate, or even cookie gift box. And if you have young kids these are a must bake before Christmas. They’ll have so much fun attaching the pieces since it’s something they can easily do all by themselves!
I’m really hoping to be able to set aside time one of these days before Christmas to do a baking day with Asher. These are the perfect cookies to make with her!
If you make these holly jolly Santa cookies, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Jolly Santa Cookies
Servings: 14 Santa Cookies
Calories Per Serving: 691 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1-2 teaspoons red food coloring
- mini chocolate chips (for eyes and buttons)
- mini holiday M + M s (for Santa's nose)
Cream Cheese Buttercream
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
- 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powder sugar
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. 2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add the egg and beat until combined. Add the flour, and salt, beat until combined, and the dough begins to form a ball.3. Remove 1 cup of the dough and set aside. With the remaining dough, add in 1 teaspoon red food coloring, adding more if needed for better color. Keep in mind that the color will darken over time.4. From the red cookie dough, make 1 (1-inch) ball and 5 (1/2-inch) balls. From the plain cookie dough, make 1 (3/4 inch) ball and 5 (1/4-inch) balls. You will have a body, head, hat, four red arms and four white hands and a white ball for the top of the hat. I find it easiest to make all the parts first, then assemble. 5. On the prepared baking sheet, place the red 1-inch ball, gently flatten until 1/2 inch thick. Attach four of the red 1/2-inch balls for arms and legs. Next, attach the plain 3/4-inch ball for a head, gently flatten until 1/2 inch thick. Attach the plain 1/4-inch balls for hands and feet. Shape the remaining red 1/2-inch ball into a triangle for a hat and attach it. Repeat with remaining dough, arranging the cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Add chocolate pieces for eyes and buttons (see above photos for visuals, this will help!).6. Transfer to the oven and bake the Santa's for 12-15 minutes, until lightly golden7. To make the frosting. Add the butter and the cream cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer and whip until extra light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat together until whipped, about 2 more minutes.8. To decorate. Transfer half the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a small tip. Or, take a ziplock bag and snip a very small portion of the corner off the bag. Use the bag to go around Santa's face, arms, and legs. Put a small dot on the tip of his hat and then place one red mini M&M on his face as his nose.
Notes
Storing: the frosting will set up, but it's best to store these cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. If using these cookies to fill a cookie box, place a piece of wax or parchment paper between each cookie to help protect them, then carefully stack the cookies, or line them up side by side.
Freezing: unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw, then decorate as directed.
These are fantastic! I made them with my 3 year old – my recommendation: I usually make cookies start to finish with him. Here, I did all the prep and involved him when it was time to assemble. He loved it! They look a bit imperfect, but that’s the charm of cooking with a toddler.
Hey Jenn,
Awesome! Love to hear that you liked the recipe, thanks a bunch for trying it out! Happy Holidays! xx
I made these this week and they are perfect! Not too sweet (Americans tend to love things overly sweet but these had a great light sweetness) and turned out exactly as the recipe shows. A great cookie to make with little ones too, I’d bet!
Hi Crystal,
Awesome! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it. Happy Holidays!❄️ xT
Hi! These look adorable! We have our family cookies day this weekend, can’t wait to try them!
Can you make the dough a few days in advance and then leave out before forming into balls? Can the dough be dyed in advance as well? Love all of your recipes!!!
Hi Stephanie,
Yes, that would be just fine for you to do! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
Super cute but a lot of work and not sweet enough. My husband jokingly asked if they were sourdough cookies haha (no I didn’t mess up the recipe)
Sorry you didn’t enjoy the recipe Brooke!
If using for a cookie box, is there a way to make the white frosting firm so it stays cute or do you just lay these on top?
Hey Julie,
Just use some parchment or wax paper in between them and they should be just fine! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
I’ve made these two years in a row now. They are obviously so cute and they are also so yummy!! It is quite time consuming, no doubt, but very fun result. Some people had issues with the sizes: I weighed my dough (each color) and then divided by 14 to find out the weight for each cookie. This was easy and allowed me to get the number I needed. Next year I may make a few Santa’s and then a bunch of just Santa heads, to make it easier 🙂
Hi Alli,
Wonderful! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for giving it a try! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
What do you use to pipe the beard?
Hi Cecilia,
I used a Wilton 32. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
This recipe is cute and turned out well! It is *easy but due to the number of balls to form, definitely requires patience. I made these with my 4 year old and he bailed during the ball forming 😉 flavor was good, and they came together easily. over 100 balls and we got 13 cookies. with the salted butter, I omitted the extra salt in the dough and they tasted delish. I would post a pic if I could!
Hi Michelle,
Happy Sunday! So glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it! xTieghan
These are so cute. Can’t wait to try them. I was wondering if I can use gel food coloring? If so, would I use the same amount?
Hi Angia,
Yes, you can use gel coloring, I would just slowly add it until you get the color you want. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
I make these every year for the neighbors! The love them! The icing is sooooo good!
Hey Shari,
I love to hear that this recipe worked out for you, thanks a bunch for giving it a try! xTieghan
Hi! Thank you SO much for sharing these adorable Santa’s. My one comment is that the quantity of finished Santa’s is quite off. I only ended up getting 3 Santa’s per batch of dough. To get a dozen finished cookies, one needs to quadruple this recipe. Other than that, they taste amazing and I love the idea of the fat Santa’s!
Hey Kayla,
So sorry you had issues with the recipe, I have not had this review over the years, so I am wondering if something was off in your measurements? Maybe the size of the Santa’s that you made? You should end up with 12 cookies. Please let me know if I can help in anyway! xTieghan
I had the same issue. Love the cookies, but ratio seemed off 🙂
This is the BEST sugar cookie recipe of all time, hands down. My family and I make at least two batches every year. We use all different cookie cutters and decorate together. They taste so fancy and complex but the recipe is so simple!!!
Hey Lindsay,
Fantastic! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am so glad it was enjoyed!❄️ xTieghan
Hi Tieghan,
Loved this recipe but had trouble with the frosting setting up – do you have any tips? How long should it take?
Hey Dana,
Thanks for giving the recipe a try! Was there anything you adjusted in the frosting? Could you have needed to add more powdered sugar? Let me know! xTieghan
These santa cookies have become a Christmas tradition in my house. This will be the 3rd year that I make them. We love them!
Hey there,
Happy Friday! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks to much for giving it a try!! xTieghan
These cookies are so cute! And delicious! However, I’ve made them two years in a row and still can’t seem to achieve the color of red shown in your pictures. The first year I used liquid food coloring but had to add so much that the cookies didn’t hold together at the joints. This year I tried gel food coloring but the dough was pink. I was afraid to add too much because of what happened the year before.
How do you get your Santas so red?
Thank you!
Hey Linda,
I would stick with the gel, but probably just use more food coloring, sounds like you are on the right path:) xTieghan
How much chocolate do I add if I want to make these cookies ethnic? Just add along with the flour?
Hey Pam,
Since I haven’t tried this I can’t say for sure how much cocoa powder, but I would swap that with the amount of flour, not adding it with the flour. You could also play around with different food colorings, I know that has worked well for readers in the past! Have fun! xTieghan
I made these last month. My mom doesn’t red dye 40, so I through some cranberries in a pan with a little water and sugar and kept reducing and adding water to make as thick of a red liquid as a could. Then, I strained out the remaining chunks of cranberry. I reduced the amount of sugar in the chunk of dough for the red balls, to try to balance out the addition of the cranberry syrup. The red dough ended up needing more flour, which made the red less intense, and it already wasn’t nearly as intense, nor christmas-red. I still didn’t get it perfect, as it had more liquid content, and thus didn’t bake as fast as the non-dyed dough. However, the taste of both doughs was really good, and my family tends to like doughier cookies, so these were still perfect. The Santa design was a hit and fairly simple to accomplish. I will likely end up making these again or trying out different shapes. I will definitely use cranberries in this dough again, too, because it was a surprisingly tasty addition, adding a little punch of tart, and just more complex cookie.
Hey Shelby,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am glad the cookies were enjoyed! Happy New Year! xTieghan
Hi there! I made these last year and they were so fun and such a big hit! Wondering if you’ve had anyone comment on finding a good natural food dye that gives the red color? Ours turned magenta with the natural dye. Thank you!
Hey Merinda,
Thanks so much for trying this recipe, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! I would check a store like Whole Foods and see what options they have. Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Second year I make these in a row! They are a favourite of ours. I don’t add extra salt because of the salted butter. The frosting is delicious and highly recommend adding that on, but they’re super cute without it too!
Hey Yiota,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad you enjoyed! Happy Holidays! xTieghan