Dessert

Snowflake Sugar Cookies Recipe

ByJeannette Jaeger December 5, 2025December 5, 2025

Introduction

Snowflake Sugar Cookies are a festive and delicious treat perfect for the holiday season or any winter celebration. These light, buttery cookies are easy to make and decorated with a smooth vanilla frosting that you can pipe or spread. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the smell of fresh-baked sweetness and impress your friends and family with beautiful snowflake shapes.

The image shows two white plates with blue floral and scroll designs on the border, each holding star-shaped sugar cookies. There are four cookies on the left plate and parts of two on the right plate. Each cookie has a light golden-brown base topped with a thick layer of white frosting. The frosting is piped in small, rounded star shapes that cover the surface of each cookie, giving a textured look. Silver edible beads are sprinkled on top of the frosting, adding shiny details. The plates rest on a white marbled surface, with some pale decorative star shapes around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons whole milk, as needed
Vanilla Frosting (see Notes for options)

Instructions

Step 1: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on high speed until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Step 2: Sift in the confectioners’ sugar. Start beating on low speed to prevent sugar from flying, then increase to high speed and beat until very light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the vanilla extract and beat briefly to combine. Scrape down the bowl again.
Step 4: Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat on low speed just until incorporated; avoid overmixing as the dough will be thick.
Step 5: Add milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing briefly after each addition, until a thick but smooth dough forms. You may not need all the milk.
Step 6: Divide the dough into two halves, shape each into a thick disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Step 7: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thick.
Step 8: Use snowflake cookie cutters to cut out shapes, re-rolling scraps once if needed. Place the cookies on Silpat or parchment-lined baking sheets.
Step 9: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, watching closely. Remove when edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 10: Frost the cooled cookies with your chosen vanilla frosting, spreading with a knife or piping with a pastry bag. Add sprinkles if desired.

Tips & Variations

Chill dough for longer than 3 hours? Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before rolling out for easier handling.
Use Christmas-colored sprinkles or any festive decoration to personalize your cookies.
If dough feels too crumbly, add a little more milk, but do so sparingly to keep the right consistency.
Re-roll dough scraps only once to avoid tough cookies.
Choose from whipped cream frosting, buttercream, or store-bought frosting depending on taste and convenience.

Storage

Store frosted cookies in an airtight container. Frosting type affects storage time: whipped cream frosting keeps 3-4 days in the fridge, buttercream can stay fresh up to 5 days at room temperature or 1 week refrigerated, and store-bought frosting keeps cookies fresh up to 1 week at room temperature. For best taste, let refrigerated cookies come to room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

There are two white plates with blue floral patterns on the edges, each holding star-shaped cookies. Each cookie has one layer, topped with white fluffy frosting decorated with small silver balls and piped star-shaped details that add texture. The cookies are light golden brown, and they create a neat and pretty pattern on the plates. The plates rest on a white marbled surface with a small pine cone and a clear snowflake decoration nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after forming discs. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out.

What frosting options do I have?

You can use a whipped cream-based vanilla frosting for a light texture, a classic vanilla buttercream for sturdier piping and longer shelf life at room temperature, or a store-bought vanilla frosting for convenience. Each has its own storage requirements and flavor characteristics.