Next Post
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
Officially kicking off the holiday season with The Santa Clause Cookies. Made with double the vanilla and sweet brown sugar, these cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet with hints of caramel throughout. They’re generously glazed with a sweet, thick, and creamy vanilla bean glaze that truly makes this cookie recipe melt in your mouth. The secret is all in the combination of hazelnut liquor, vanilla, and brown sugar, which keep these cookies incredibly flavorful, soft, and so delicious. Finish them off with a light dusting of vanilla sugar to keep the decorating simple and easy. Fun to bake, delicious to eat, a great homemade gift, and a festive addition to your holiday cookie box!
My favorite Christmas cookies…for your Black Friday baking and snacking!
Hoping you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families!! I know so many of you made recipes from HBH. And I mean so many. We’ve been LOVING getting to see every last dish being made on Instagram. It’s always so fun to see what everyone is making. And you guys? I’m feeling extra thankful for you all! The last couple of days we’ve truly been overwhelmed with messages in regards to Thanksgiving. We’ve never seen so many cocktails mixed up, turkeys roasted, and pies baked than we have this year. Grateful for you all.
And, shout out to my cousins, Maggie and Abby, who are both apart of our small HBH team. They’ve been working overtime to help manage all the messages coming in. I couldn’t do it without these two!
(cookies after baking)
(cookie outlined in frosting)
(cookie covered in Sprinkles)
But today? Today we’re moving onto CHRISTMAS, my very favorite time of year, it’s finally here!
And to celebrate? We have cookies! Possibly the best tasting sugar cookies…that just so happen to be easy (or at least easier), and fun to make.
I have to admit, I spent a lot of time thinking about what would be the perfect post to share with you all today. I went back and forth with a few ideas (as I always do). But in the end, I had these cookies pictured in my head and my excitement for them won me over. These are the best way to officially welcome in the holiday season. Along with all the decorating, holiday music, baking, and time with friends and family that’s to come.
They’re especially perfect if you happen to be trimming the tree and decking the halls today…like I am.
Here’s the story.
I come up with recipes in unusual ways. I’m very visual and often have a vision in my head of the recipe I want to create. That was the case with these cookies. I had one picture in my head and one goal when I set out to make them.
The picture was a snowy, winter wonderland with Santa front and center. Kind of like his own snowy North Pole. I wanted to use lots of fun snowflake cookie cutters and Christmas trees with a few Santas snuggled throughout my snowy scene. And then, as I was starring at the photos, it hit me, these needed to be called, The Santa Clause Cookies. The Santas remind me so much of Tim Allen in The Santa Clause…one of my favorite Christmas movies.
The Santa Clause Cookies. Details…
The goal was simple. Create a sugar cookie that actually tastes GOOD. As in not just sugary, but a cookie with real flavor, and a frosting that doesn’t just taste like cardboard. All in a beautiful wintry setting.
I really LOVE these cookies, but every other sugar cookie? Not usually my thing. My pet peeve with typical sugar cookies is that they just taste like sugar. There’s no flavor. So that’s why I love these cookies, these cookies have flavor! Some of the best cookies to come out of my kitchen. Dramatic, but even my mom agrees, these are DELICIOUS.
And they happen to be pretty easy too. Well, depending on how you decide to decorate. You can keep things simple or go all out and make them Pinterest worthy, but I’ll leave that up to you!
These cookies are soft, buttery, and hinted with just the right amount of brown sugar, which has hints of caramel from the molasses.
The process is simple. In a stand mixer, beat the butter with brown sugar, add an egg, add in the dry ingredients, roll, cut, and bake. There’s absolutely nothing fancy here.
Whenever I make any kind of cut-out cookie, I always like to roll out the dough, cut the cookies, and then freeze the cut cookies on a prepared baking sheet for a few minutes. This chilling time ensures that the cookies hold their shape. To cut my cookies, I used varying snowflake cookie cutters, a holiday tree, and a star for Santa. But you can use any shapes you have on hand, or that your family loves the most.
The Frosting.
I kept it simple since I wanted the color to remain white, but I made mine with double the vanilla and a splash of hazelnut liquor.
In addition to my vanilla frosting, I also made a simple cream cheese buttercream to use for Santa’s hat and beard. Both are SO good. You can make one or the other…or both! It’s Christmas, tis’ the season!
A Couple Special Touches.
One, hazelnut liquor, which is not needed, but it does add something special. The sweet liquor really helps to highlight all the vanilla within the recipe. It’s a pricey ingredient, but if you make a lot of holiday sweets…and cocktails, it’s definitely a liquor I would recommend having on hand.
The smell alone reminds me of the holidays.
Two, a little vanilla sugar for decorating. Which is simply just sugar and vanilla bean powder. Not only does this sugar add a sparkle to each cookie, but it gives these White Christmas Cookies that extra special and oh so sweet holiday touch.
Decorating is easy…
Well, I kept mine easier anyway. The Santa cookie took me a bit longer than the trees and snowflakes. But all-in-all, you can re-create these with no fancy ingredients or equipment!
Just find some fun sprinkles, red sanding sugar, mini chocolate, and use up that homemade vanilla sugar. I did my best to explain my process within the directions, but guys, have fun with these cookies! The more imperfect they are the cuter they end up being. Perfect for kids!
Hope you guys love these as much as I do! Happy Christmas baking to you all! See ya tomorrow for a very special Christmas drink!
The cookie cutters I used are all linked below:
Looking for other Christmas cookies? Here are my favorites:
Vanilla Ginger Shortbread Wreaths
Coconut Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Covered Pretzel Presents
Lastly, if you make these The Santa Clause 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!
The Santa Clause Cookies.
Servings: 22 cookies
Calories Per Serving: 273 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut liquor (optional)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus an additional 2-4 tablespoons, if needed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Vanilla Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut liquor (optional)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- assorted sprinkles, vanilla sugar, and or sanding sugar, for decorating
Vanilla Buttercream
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter, at room temperature
- 2 ounces cream cheese, , at room temperature (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar. Add the hazelnut liquor (if using) and vanilla, beat until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add the egg and mix until combined. Add the flour, baking soda, and salt, beat until combined and the dough forms a ball. If the dough feels too wet to roll out, add 2-4 tablespoons additional flour.2. Divide the dough in half. Roll out the dough on a floured piece of parchment to 1/4 inch thickness. Make sure you're using enough flour or your dough will stick. Cut out the cookies using your desired shape/shapes. I used a variety of snowflakes, a star, and a Christmas tree. Carefully transfer the cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet. I recommend using a floured spatula to lift the cookies. Cover the baking sheet and place in the freezer. Freeze until firm, about 20-30 minutes. Roll out the leftover scraps, and repeat with the remaining dough. 3. Preheat oven to 350° F. Bake the cookies on the middle rack of the oven for 8-10 minutes or until just lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.4. Meanwhile, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, hazelnut liquor (if using), vanilla, and 1 tablespoon water until smooth and drizzly. If needed, thin the glaze by adding water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until drizzly. 5. To make the buttercream, in a bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until extra light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat together until whipped, about 2 more minutes.5. Decorate each cookie as desired with vanilla frosting, buttercream frosting, sprinkles, and or vanilla sugar.To Make Santas: Outline a star cookie with vanilla frosting, then fill the cookie in with frosting, leaving 1 triangle portion without frosting for Santa's face. Sprinkle/press red sprinkles and/or sanding sugar into the frosting to create his body and hat, shake off the excess. Attach two mini chocolate chips for his eyes. Fill in his beard with the buttercream frosting, then add a red sprinkle for his nose. See photos above.To Make Snowflakes: Pipe lines and dots of frosting onto each cookie to enhance the snowflake shape (see photos for visuals). If desired, sprinkle with vanilla sugar. Let the frosting set before serving, about an hour.To Make Christmas Trees: Fill in each tree with vanilla frosting, then sprinkle with vanilla sugar.
Notes
To Pipe Frosting Onto Cookies: add the frosting to a small sandwich size Ziploc bag (or a piping bag), then snip off a small portion of the corner off.
Vanilla Sugar: Mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean powder or 1/2 a vanilla bean, seeds scraped.
Your decorating and photography skills are outstanding. I’m sure the recipe is very good too, though I haven’t tried it yet. You are to be commended on such an impressive website.
Wow thank you so much, that is such a kind compliment!! xT
This recipe has become my go-to sugar cookie recipe since you’ve posted this, so figured I’d finally leave a review! They are a hit every time, with every one I’ve shared them with. Like someone else mentioned, the Frangelico makes all the difference. I make these a few times a year. Thank you!
Hi Mika,
Yay!! Love to hear these cookies always turn out well for you and are always enjoyed! Thank you so much for making them every year and sharing your feedback! Happy Friday! XxT
Hey there! My family and I aren’t big on hazelnut. Is there a substitute liqueur that you would recommend to swap? TIA!
These were fab. The hazelnut liquor makes all the difference!Question- can you freeze the dough OR the baked cookies?
Thank you!
So glad to hear you enjoyed these cookies, Beverly! Yes, you can freeze either the dough or the baked cookies, just not the frosting:) xT
These cookies sound delicious! Would these cookies work with royal icing? Thank you!
Hey Lori,
Sure, you could totally do that! Let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xx
Could you tell me where you get all your sprinkles from? I’m planning my cookie exchange and want to start grabbing supplies. Thank you
Hi Krystal,
So sorry, this recipe is 3 years old so I no longer have a link for the exact sprinkles, but this is where I ordered from:
https://sprinklepop.shop/products/red-sprinkle-mix?variant=12494651555911&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google+Shopping&gclid=CjwKCAiA5IL-BRAzEiwA0lcWYpgEHgNILzQ7swmja9dDYjFY_frvtxZ3eJWEsKGoQ8xHNu-eGMVCsBoChGEQAvD_BwE
I hope this helps! xx
Made these last year and ended up making two batches worth because of how good they are. Cannot wait to make them again this year!
Hey Meagan,
Happy Holidays!! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed and appreciate you giving it a try! 🎄❄️
We have made these two years in a row and I plan on making them every year. Not only are they super cute but I didn’t expect them to taste as good as they do!
Hey Kim,
Happy Sunday! I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear it was delish! xx
Do the Santa cookies need to be stored in the refrigerator?
Hey Pat,
Nope, you can store these in an airtight container on the counter! I hope you love the recipe! xT
you mention in step 1 to add the hazelnut liquor if you want, but I dont see it in the ingredients for the cookies, if you add it to the cookies how much would you recommend?
Hi Madalynn,
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of hazelnut liquor. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
On the Santa cookie, do you use the same frosting for sprinkles to stick and for the beard?
Hi Debi,
You bet! Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this recipe! xx
Since the Santa has buttercream cream cheese frosting. How long can they be stored on the counter in an airtight container?
Hey Amanda,
I would say 4-5 days! Let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xT
These are so adorable!! Anyway you would be able to freeze the dough a couple of days before use??
Hey Loren,
Sure, that will work well for you! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xx
Already planning my holiday cookies for next year, lol, and I can’t wait to try these! Does the frosting on the beard and hat harden up enough to add these to cookie boxes to give away to friends and family? Or would it spread all over the other cookies in the box? Thanks!
Hey Zoe,
Wow!! You are on top of your game! I would just put some wax paper between the cookies and they should be great! Please let me know if you have any other questions. xTieghan
Great sugar cookie recipe! So easy and delicious!
Hey Jessica,
Wonderful! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a try! Happy Holidays!?? xTieghan
I love these and plan on making for my cookie bake!! Especially the Santa and the trees! Where did you get that awesome Christmas tree cookie cutter??
Hi Kim,
Sorry, I don’t have a link for the tree, I drew it:) xTieghan
Oh, that’s cool!! I found one a little bit similar, not quite as cute though! thanks!!
Where do you get your decorating supplies like the sprinkles?
I’m curious if you found any cute sprinkles?
Hi Susan,
Here is the link for the sprinkles:
https://sprinklepop.shop/products/red-sprinkle-mix?variant=12494651555911&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google+Shopping&gclid=CjwKCAiA5IL-BRAzEiwA0lcWYpgEHgNILzQ7swmja9dDYjFY_frvtxZ3eJWEsKGoQ8xHNu-eGMVCsBoChGEQAvD_BwE
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan