Description
These cookies are pure holiday cheer baked into a circle! Buttery, tender sugar cookies get dressed up as Santa’s jolly belly with red icing, a black belt, and a golden buckle. They’re festive, fun, and the perfect treat for cookie swaps, edible gifts, or cozy nights by the fire. Grab your apron and turn your kitchen into Santa’s sweetest workshop!
Ingredients
For the Cookies
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg (room temp)
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1½ tsp vanilla extract
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2½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
For Decorating
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Red royal icing (or red-tinted cookie icing)
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Black decorating gel or black icing
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Yellow or gold icing, fondant, or candy melt (for buckle)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
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Cream butter + sugar until pale and fluffy (2–3 min). Beat in egg + vanilla.
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Whisk flour, baking powder, salt separately, then mix into wet just until combined.
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Chill dough 20–30 min wrapped in plastic.
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Roll dough ¼-inch thick, cut circles (3-inch cutter). Place 2” apart on trays.
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Bake 8–10 min until edges are set but centers look soft. Cool fully before decorating.
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Decorate: Spread red icing for Santa’s suit. Once set, add black belt, then a yellow buckle.
Nutrition
- Calories: 160 cal Per Serving
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g