There’s something a little magical about a perfectly decorated cookie.
The kind that looks almost too pretty to eat. ALMOST.
These little works of art are a SERIOUSLY impressive treat for any holiday, party, or special occasion.
But diving into the world of royal icing can feel a bit intimidating. It’s easy to look at those flawless designs and think, “I could NEVER do that.”
The good news? It’s easier than you think. And honestly, it’s SO much fun.
I put together a list of incredible royal icing cookie ideas to help get you inspired. You’ll find everything from simple, beginner-friendly designs to more detailed cookies that will make you look like a total pro.
So whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just looking for a fun new project, you’re sure to find the perfect idea here.
1. Lemon Cut-out Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
Lemon Cut-out Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing bring bold lemon flavor and a sweet, smooth finish.
These soft sugar cookies are perfect for decorating with royal icing, no matter the shape you choose.
They’re a bright, sunny treat that’s easy to make and always a hit.
2. Spiral Sparkler or Flag Cookies
Spiral Sparkler or Flag Cookies use one simple dough to create two bold holiday designs.
Red, white, and blue swirls make these cookies a standout for 4th of July or Memorial Day.
They’re festive, fun to make, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
3. Patriotic Surfboard Sugar Cookies
Patriotic Surfboard Sugar Cookies are a playful twist on classic treats.
With a bold red, white, and blue design, they’re great for summer holidays and pool parties.
They’re fun to look at and even better to eat.
4. Snowflake Sugar Cookies
Snowflake Sugar Cookies are made with no-chill dough and a buttercream frosting that’s easy to work with.
They’re a simple, beautiful option for holiday cookie decorating.
Perfect for beginners and anyone who loves a festive touch.
5. How to make the Best Snowflake Cookies
How to make the Best Snowflake Cookies feature a creamy cream cheese dough and a sweet raspberry jam filling.
They’re soft inside with a crisp edge and a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair.
A special cookie that feels like a holiday favorite.
6. Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Chocolate Sugar Cookies are rich, chewy, and hold their shape perfectly when cut out.
They’re easy to bake and stay tender with a hint of chocolate flavor.
Ideal for creating fun shapes and festive decorations.
7. Candy Cane Cookies
Candy Cane Cookies are soft on the inside with a crisp outside and a refreshing peppermint taste.
They bring the classic holiday candy flavor to your cookie jar.
A must-make for any peppermint lover during the season.
8. Stained Glass Cookies
Stained Glass Cookies are simple to make but look stunning with their colorful, translucent design.
They work great as holiday ornaments or as a sweet treat for family gatherings.
A creative and delicious way to enjoy festive baking.
9. Chocolate Dipped Sugar Cookies
Chocolate Dipped Sugar Cookies are a festive favorite with a sweet, rich chocolate coating.
These easy dipped sugar cookie recipes are perfect for holiday baking and party treats.
10. Grinch Cookies
Grinch Cookies are soft on the inside with a crisp bottom, a fun twist on classic sugar cookies.
This grinch cookies recipe is simple to make and comes together without cake mix.
11. Unicorn Cookies
Unicorn Cookies are soft, buttery, and bright with a pastel rainbow look.
These unicorn sugar cookies are a sweet hit at any magical-themed party.
12. Tie Dye Cookies
Tie Dye Cookies are fun, colorful, and ready to serve right from the oven.
This rolled sugar cookie recipe delivers a bold, artistic look with no extra decorating needed.
13. Frosted Sugar Cookies
Frosted Sugar Cookies come out perfectly shaped and packed with flavor every time.
This homemade sugar cookie recipe is easy to roll out and ideal for cutouts.
14. Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe
Chocolate Sugar Cookies are rich and chocolaty with clean edges perfect for decorating.
These cut out sugar cookies hold their shape and are great for any creative cookie design.
15. Spritz Cookies Recipe
Spritz Cookies are light, crunchy, and melt in your mouth with every bite.
This cookie press recipe makes dozens of pretty cookies in just minutes.
16. Mocha Sugar Cookies and Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies
Mocha Sugar Cookies have a bold coffee-chocolate twist that’s bold and delicious.
Lavender Lemon Sugar Cookies add a calming floral touch with a bright citrus kick.
17. Lemon Peppermint Cooler Cookies
Lemon Peppermint Cooler Cookies bring a zesty lemon kick with a refreshing mint finish.
Perfect for a bright, cooling treat that’s both crunchy and satisfying.
Great for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a minty lemon twist.
18. 4th of July Sugar Cookies
4th of July Sugar Cookies are festive, colorful, and made for patriotic celebrations.
They stay fresh in hot weather, making them a reliable choice for summer events.
Ideal for Independence Day, Memorial Day, or any red, white, and blue occasion.
19. Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Bakery-style Sprinkle Sugar Cookies deliver a chewy bite with a rainbow sprinkle crunch.
No chilling needed—just mix, bake, and enjoy your favorite festive sweet.
A fun, easy treat that’s perfect for parties and sweet cravings.
20. Funfetti Cookie Recipe
Easy Funfetti Cookies are chewy and packed with rainbow sprinkles for a cheerful look.
Made with heat-resistant ingredients so they stay fresh even in warm weather.
A playful, colorful cookie that’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
21. Gingerbread Spice Cookies (Time Saver Recipe)
Gingerbread Spice Cookies come together fast using a cake mix for a chewy, holiday favorite.
This time-saving recipe delivers cozy spice flavor without the hassle.
Great for last-minute desserts or gifting during the season.
22. Cinnamon Spritz Owl Cookies
Cinnamon Spritz Owl Cookies are buttery, lightly spiced, and shaped with a cookie press.
You can make dozens in minutes with a fun, festive design.
Perfect for holiday cookies or a quick treat with a charming twist.
23. Stay Cool Imprinted Cookies
Stay Cool Imprinted Cookies are crunchy sugar cookies with a clear, stylish design.
Made with a simple dough and easy to decorate with your favorite stamp.
A lovely way to add a personal touch to any dessert spread.
24. Apple Cider Stamped Cookies Recipe
Apple Cider Stamped Cookies have a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall.
Use cookie stamps or embossed rolling pins to make each one unique.
A cozy, seasonal favorite that brings holiday cheer to any table.
25. Patterned Cookies for Rosh Hashanah
These Patterned Cookies for Rosh Hashanah are thick, crunchy colored sugar cookies that bring joy to your holiday table.
Perfect for creating fun sugar cookie designs, they’re a festive way to celebrate the new year with family and friends.
26. Green Eggs and Ham Slice and Bake Cookies
Green Eggs and Ham Slice and Bake Cookies are a playful, crunchy vanilla treat inspired by Dr. Seuss.
They’re a simple way to add whimsy and fun to your favorite Dr. Seuss birthday celebration.
27. Vegan Funfetti Cookies
These Vegan Funfetti Cookies are quick, easy, and bursting with colorful sprinkles for a sweet treat.
Made with simple pantry staples, they’re a crowd-pleasing sprinkle cookie that’s ready in under 20 minutes.