There’s something timeless about sugar cookies at Christmas. Soft, buttery, and shaped into stars, trees or reindeer. They’re the perfect canvas for festive fun. And when you bring kids into the decorating process, they become more than just treats. They become memories.

If you’re wondering how to decorate sugar cookies with your child this Christmas, the key is to keep it simple, joyful, and hands-on. Whether your child is three or ten, these easy decorating ideas are designed for little hands. No piping skills required, just a sense of play and a willingness to get a little messy.

I’m sharing below some of my favourite ways to decorate sugar cookies with kids which are fuss-free, festive, and full of holiday cheer. I will also provide some links to where you can purchase some of the items on Amazon.

1. Dip-and-Sprinkle Magic

Let your child dip cooled cookies into melted white or milk chocolate (just halfway) and then Sprinkle on Festive Decorations — coloured sugar, crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows, or Star Confetti.

Why it works: No fiddly piping. Just dip, sprinkle, and done!

2. Icing Bags for Small Hands

Instead of large piping bags, use small ziplock bags with a tiny snip at the corner or Small Squeeze Bottles. Fill each one with royal icing in a different colour. They’re easier to hold and squeeze — and you can hand one to each child without worrying about mess.

Tip: Give them a few ideas to copy, like stripes, dots or zigzags. But let creativity lead.

3. Edible Eyes and Noses

Make easy “faces” on round cookies using:

– Candy Eyes

– Chocolate chips

– Red M&Ms for noses

– Pretzels for antlers (for reindeer!)

Perfect for: Turning basic cookies into funny little characters — which kids love naming.

4. Puffball Beards for Santa Cookies

Frost the bottom half of a Santa face cookie, then press in mini marshmallows to form a beard. Add a red M&M for the nose and draw eyes with chocolate or icing.

5. Sugar Stencil Shake

Place a small cut-out stencil (star, heart, tree) over a cookie and let your child shake coloured sugar, icing sugar or cocoa powder over it. Carefully lift the stencil to reveal the shape.

You can make your own stencils from baking paper or card.

6. Mini Cookie “Ornaments”

Before baking, poke a small hole near the top of each cookie using a straw. After baking and decorating, thread with string or ribbon to hang on the Christmas tree, or use as gift tags.

Involve your child: Let them choose the ribbon or tie them onto cards or presents for teachers.

7. Layered “Christmas Sweater” Cookies

Let your child decorate jumper-shaped cookies with zigzag lines, buttons, or sprinkle “knit” textures.

Fun idea: Have each family member decorate one as “their sweater.”

A Few Tips for a Happy Decorating Session

– Set out toppings in small bowls for easier grabbing

– Have wet wipes or damp cloths nearby

– Accept the chaos: there will be icing blobs, sprinkle spills and a few sneaky bites

– Most importantly: don’t worry about perfect cookies. They’re perfect because your child made them.

Whether you’re decorating cookies for Santa, for gifts, or just for fun, the memories you make together will last far longer than the cookies themselves.

So roll up those sleeves, bring out the sparkles, and let your little baker take the lead.

Want to bake the cookies from scratch? Try our classic Gingerbread Cookie Recipe — perfect for cutting into festive shapes.