Skip to content

Top Navigation

MyRecipes MyRecipes
  • Course
  • Baking
  • Global
  • Healthy
  • Favorite Ingredients
  • Holidays and Occasions
  • Quick and Easy
  • Convenience Recipes
  • BBQ and Grilling
  • How To
  • Extra Crispy
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Account

  • Register
  • Recipe Box this link opens in a new tab
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore MyRecipes

MyRecipes MyRecipes
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 55+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

      55+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

      Everybody understands the stuggle of getting dinner on the table after a long day. If you're looking for a simple recipe to simplify your weeknight, you've come to the right place--easy dinners are our specialty. For an easy supper that you can depend on, we picked out some of our tried-and-true favorites that have gotten us through even the busiest of days. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for a family, these easy dinners are sure to leave everyone satisfied and stress-free. Read More
    • The Brilliant Secret to Making Better Mashed Potatoes

      The Brilliant Secret to Making Better Mashed Potatoes

      Trust me, it’s so worth it. Read More
    • 65 Super Easy Finger Foods to Make for Any Party

      65 Super Easy Finger Foods to Make for Any Party

      From chips and dip to one-bite apps, finger foods are the perfect way to kick off a party. No forks or spoons required, just easy-to-pick-up party foods, so you can clean up in no time.  Read More
  • Course

    Course

    See All Course
    • Best Appetizer Recipes...Ever
    • Best Drink Recipes for Any Occasion
    • Salad Recipes
    • The Ultimate Guide to Sensational Sides
    • Soup and Stew Recipes
    • Easy Entertaining for Everyone
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Main Dishes and Entrées
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Dessert Recipes
  • Baking

    Baking

    See All Baking
    • Bread Recipes
    • Our Most-Loved Cake Recipes
    • Cookie Recipes
    • Pie Recipes
  • Global

    Global

    See All Global
    • Spanish Recipes
    • Thai Recipes
    • Vietnamese Recipes
    • Middle Eastern Recipes
    • Mexican Recipes
    • Malaysian Recipes
    • Korean Recipes
    • Japanese Recipes
    • Italian Recipes
    • Indian Recipes
    • Greek Recipes
    • French Recipes
    • Chinese Recipes
    • African Recipes
    • American Recipes
    • Cajun and Creole Recipes
    • Caribbean Recipes
    • South American Recipes
    • Southern Recipes
    • German Recipes
  • Healthy

    Healthy

    See All Healthy
    • Easy, Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfasts
    • Healthy Dinners
    • Healthy Desserts
    • Diabetic Recipes
    • Gluten-Free Diet and Recipes
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Low Carbohydrate Recipes
    • Low Cholesterol Recipes
    • Low Fat Recipes
    • Low Sodium Recipes
    • Low Calorie Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
  • Favorite Ingredients

    Favorite Ingredients

    See All Favorite Ingredients
    • The Ultimate Guide to Chicken
    • Vegetable Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Cheese Recipes
    • Chocolate Recipes
    • Pasta Recipes
    • Pork Recipes
    • Seafood Recipes
    • Shrimp Recipes
  • Holidays and Occasions

    Holidays and Occasions

    See All Holidays and Occasions
    • A Foodie's Guide to Halloween Recipes
    • The Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide
    • Hanukkah Recipes
    • Your Ultimate Christmas Recipe Guide
    • Our Most Festive New Year's Recipes
    • Best-Ever Super Bowl Sunday Recipes
    • Best Valentine's Day Recipes
    • Mardi Gras Recipes
    • The Ultimate Guide to Easter Recipes
    • Cinco de Mayo Recipes
    • Labor Day Recipes
    • The Ultimate Fourth of July Guide
    • Memorial Day Recipes
    • Touchdown-Worthy Tailgate Recipes
    • Wedding and Shower Recipes
  • Quick and Easy

    Quick and Easy

    See All Quick and Easy
    • 15-Minute Recipes for Busy Home Cooks
    • 5 Ingredients or Less
    • Dinner Tonight
    • No-Cook Recipes
    • 45-Minute Recipes
  • Convenience Recipes

    Convenience Recipes

    See All Convenience Recipes
    • Budget-Friendly Recipes
    • Our Top Make-Ahead Recipes
    • Our Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
  • BBQ and Grilling

    BBQ and Grilling

    See All BBQ and Grilling
    • Grilled Beef Recipes
    • Grilled Fish Recipes
    • Grilled Shrimp Recipes
    • Grilled Chicken Recipes
    • Grilled Pork Recipes
    • Grilled Vegetable Recipes
  • How To

    How To

    See All How To
    • 7 Ways With...
    • Videos
    • Ingredients and Tools
    • Kitchen Cleaning
  • Extra Crispy
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Account

  • Register
  • Recipe Box this link opens in a new tab
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Course
  3. Cookie Recipes
  4. 20 Must-Make Sugar Cookie Recipes

20 Must-Make Sugar Cookie Recipes

Updated October 26, 2021
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Spritz Cookies
Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Linda Hirst

You don't need a special occasion to indulge in these classic sugar cookies. Dress them up or dress them down for a great dessert table presentation. Whether you're looking to satisfy guests' sweet tooth cravings at the next holiday gathering, or simply have a great item to gift to friends and family, these cookies are the perfect answer. 

Start Slideshow

1 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies

Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies
Credit: Oxmoor House
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This dough will work for slice-and-bake cookies or as a rolled dough for your favorite cookie cutters.

1 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Marbled Sugar Cookies

Marbled Sugar Cookies
Credit: Kat Teutsch; Styling: Jerrie-Joy for Pat Bates and Associates
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Beautiful Marbled Sugar Cookies will make a festive addition to your fall table. 

2 of 20

3 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Lemon Sugar Cookies

Lemon Sugar Cookies
Credit: Oxmoor House
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The stark contrast between the sweet sugars and the tart lemon juice gives these cookies personality and bite. They're a great afternoon treat with coffee or tea.

3 of 20

Advertisement

4 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Basic Icebox Sugar Cookies

Basic Icebox Sugar Cookies
Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cathy Muir
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Create unlimited cookie variations with this classic slice-and-bake cookie.

4 of 20

5 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Classic Iced Sugar Cookies

Classic Iced Sugar Cookies
Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Whether you're welcoming kids home from school, baking a treat for a party, or enjoying an afternoon to yourself, these cookies are the just-right sweet you need. If you want to create colorful cookies, divide the icing into portions and use food coloring to tint it different hues.

5 of 20

6 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Big Crunchy Sugar Cookies

Big Crunchy Sugar Cookies
Credit: Oxmoor House
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sparkling sugar cookies are holiday classics. These goodies, which earn their name from a coating of coarse sugar, received our Test Kitchens highest rating.

6 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Sugar Cookie Stars

Sugar Cookie Stars
Credit: Maura McEvoy
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sandwich your favorite jam in between two star-shaped sugar cookies (made from storebought dough) for an easy, fruity cookie treat. 

7 of 20

8 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Sugar Cookie Pops

Sugar Cookie Pops
Credit: Oxmoor House
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

To bake these adorable cookie pops, simply roll balls of sugar cookie dough in colored sprinkles and insert a white craft stick before baking.  Make a colorful (and edible) centerpiece for the kids' table by filling a container with florist foam, topping it with jelly beans, and then sticking the pops into the foam.

8 of 20

9 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Caramelized-Sugar Cookies

Caramelized-Sugar Cookies
Credit: James Carrier
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Add the taste of caramel to these classic sugar cookies.

9 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Cornmeal Sugar Cookies

Cornmeal Sugar Cookies
Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

"For me, the cornmeal gives a traditional sugar cookie a more complex crunch," says Robin. Cut the dough into desired shapes.

10 of 20

11 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Sugar Sand Cookies

Sugar Sand Cookies
Credit: Alan Richardson; Styling: Betty Alfenito
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Customize your cookies with colorful sanding sugar.

11 of 20

12 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Crispy Vanilla Sugar Cookies

Crispy Vanilla Sugar Cookies
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Crispy and tender, bet you can't eat just one!

12 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Spritz Cookies

Spritz Cookies
Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Linda Hirst
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

No holiday dessert table is complete without Spritz Cookies. For truly authentic Spritz Cookies, be sure to invest in a cookie press to get that oh-so-perfect shape.

13 of 20

14 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Sparkling Snowflake Sugar Cookies

Sparkling Snowflake Sugar Cookies image
Credit: Iain Bagwell; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Adults will love these elegant cookies, made with a touch of brandy. And they're great for a Hanukkah party.

14 of 20

15 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Buttermilk Sugar Cookies

Buttermilk Sugar Cookies
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Buttermilk gives these sugar cookies a tart, irresistible flavor.

15 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Vanilla Sugar Cookies

Vanilla Sugar Cookies
Credit: William Dickey; Styling: Rose Nguyen
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The subtle hint of vanilla makes these sugar cookies a sweet treat.

16 of 20

17 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Rudolph's Christmas Sugar Cookies

Rudolph's Christmas Sugar Cookies
Credit: Ralph Anderson; Mindi Shapiro Levine
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Start with refrigerated sugar cookie dough to make these adorable reindeer cookies. Kids can help place Rudolph's eyes, mouth, and antlers.

17 of 20

18 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Iced Whole-Wheat Sugar Cookies

Iced Whole-Wheat Sugar Cookies image
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Catherine Crowell Steele; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Whole-wheat flour adds a layer of complexity to these cookies that all-purpose flour can't achieve; the wheat in the whole grain actually enhances the flavors of butter and vanilla. Unlike classic royal icing, which starts with a pound of powdered sugar, we use just 1/2 cup and thicken it with Greek yogurt. Looking for festive colors without the chemicals? Try naturally colored sparkling sugars (such as those from India Tree), which use colorants derived from plants.

18 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Soft Sugar Cookie Trees

Soft Sugar Cookie Trees image
Credit: Iain Bagwell; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These tender cookies are even better when topped with cream cheese icing. Make the dough up to 2 days ahead. It will be easier to roll when it's very cold.

19 of 20

20 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email

Sugar Cookie Mittens

Sugar Cookie Mittens
Credit: Gooseberry Patch
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cozy up with these fun and festive Sugar Cookie Mittens for the holiday season. Pour a glass of milk, pull up a seat by the fire, and prepare to indulge in a fabulous sweet treat.

20 of 20

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 20 Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies
    2 of 20 Marbled Sugar Cookies
    3 of 20 Lemon Sugar Cookies
    4 of 20 Basic Icebox Sugar Cookies
    5 of 20 Classic Iced Sugar Cookies
    6 of 20 Big Crunchy Sugar Cookies
    7 of 20 Sugar Cookie Stars
    8 of 20 Sugar Cookie Pops
    9 of 20 Caramelized-Sugar Cookies
    10 of 20 Cornmeal Sugar Cookies
    11 of 20 Sugar Sand Cookies
    12 of 20 Crispy Vanilla Sugar Cookies
    13 of 20 Spritz Cookies
    14 of 20 Sparkling Snowflake Sugar Cookies
    15 of 20 Buttermilk Sugar Cookies
    16 of 20 Vanilla Sugar Cookies
    17 of 20 Rudolph's Christmas Sugar Cookies
    18 of 20 Iced Whole-Wheat Sugar Cookies
    19 of 20 Soft Sugar Cookie Trees
    20 of 20 Sugar Cookie Mittens

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email
    MyRecipes

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMyRecipes.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. MyRecipes is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation All Rights Reserved. MyRecipes may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright MyRecipes. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.myrecipes.com

    Sign in

    View image

    20 Must-Make Sugar Cookie Recipes
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.