24 Beginner Cookie Decorating Ideas: Fun and Easy Designs to Try -

Decorating cookies is one of those kitchen hobbies that just feels good. Anyone can turn a plain cookie into something colorful and cheerful with a few tools and a spark of imagination.

Learning easy decorating ideas helps beginners make cookies that look great without needing special skills or equipment.

Lots of folks try new designs for holidays, parties, or just to unwind at home. Here are 50 ideas for anyone who wants to give cookie decorating a shot—no fancy experience needed.

Simple Polka Dots

Closeup of several sugar cookies decorated with simple polka dot patterns on a clean background.

These polka-dot cookies are pure fun with evenly spaced icing dots in bold, cheerful colors. Great for beginners—all you need to do is pipe and pop!

Striped Hearts

A plate of five heart-shaped cookies decorated with pastel-colored icing and two diagonal lines across each one in varying shades.

Keep it sweet and chic with these pastel hearts, topped with two smooth diagonal stripes. Easy to make, but they look so polished.

Smiley Faces

You can’t go wrong with happy face designs! Just ice two dots and a curved line to turn plain cookies into instant mood-boosters.

Dipped and Salted Cookies

Four chocolate chip cookies partially dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt on a white plate.

Dip your chocolate chip cookies in melted chocolate, then sprinkle sea salt for a delicious twist. No piping bags needed—just dunk and dazzle!

Star Outlines

A plate of star-shaped cookies decorated with white icing outlining the star shape.

For a clean, simple finish that feels polished yet easy, outline star-shaped cookies with white icing. Perfect for new decorators who want a touch of flair.

Cute Ghosts

Ghost-shaped sugar cookies with white icing and black facial features arranged on a tray.

These spooky ghost cookies are super simple with just a white outline and two black eyes. They’re a breeze to make—and adorable too!

Pastel Marble

Close-up of several sugar cookies with marbled icing arranged on a clean surface.

With just a toothpick and a few icing colors, you can create this dreamy marble swirl look. It’s super simple and feels like painting with icing!

Piped Flowers

Close-up view of several sugar cookies decorated with simple piped flower designs on a clean background.

These dainty flower cookies are as easy as piping a few petals with royal icing. Remember to use soft pastels for a soft, elegant vibe.

Colorful Smiley Faces

Closeup of several smiley face sugar cookies decorated with colorful icing on a clean surface.

Want instant smiles? Create smiley faces on cookies with bold, colorful icing, and you’ve got the happiest cookies around!

Striped Patterns

Close-up view of several sugar cookies decorated with colorful striped icing patterns on a clean background.

Add a playful touch to your cookies by piping three stripes across a vibrant icing base. It’s an easy and clean way to make your baked treats look instantly polished.

Icing Swirls and Edible Glitter

Closeup of several decorated sugar cookies with smooth icing and edible glitter on a clean background.

Make a statement with sugar cookies featuring swirly icing that sparkles. This design proves that simple piping with a pinch of edible glitter goes a long way!

Simple Rainbow Design

Plate of sugar cookies decorated with rainbow-colored icing arcs on a white background.

Brighten anyone’s day with these cheerful rainbows! All you need is a steady hand and colorful icing ropes—so simple and so joyful.

Animal Faces

These cuddly bear cookies are as sweet as can be. A few piped details turn basic round cookies into adorable animal faces!

Geometric Shapes in Different Colors

Closeup of several decorated sugar cookies with colorful geometric icing designs on a clean background.

Get playful with piped geometric shapes and colors! These modern, artsy designs are surprisingly easy and totally eye-catching.

Polka Dots in Bright Colors

Closeup of several decorated sugar cookies with colorful polka dot patterns on a clean background.

Bring on the cheer with these colorful polka dots! Just pipe small bright-colored dots on a smooth base for a classic, fun design.

Line of Nonpareils

Closeup of several decorated sugar cookies with colorful sprinkles on a plain background.

Who doesn’t love sprinkles? For an easy way to impress with your latest batch of cookies, simply add soft-colored icing and a line of nonpareils to your cookies for a quick, festive finish.

Snowflake Designs

Close-up of several snowflake-shaped sugar cookies decorated with detailed white icing on a clean background.

To create these delicate snowflakes, you just need to pipe a few lines and dots. Just like that, you’ll have treats that are perfect for winter and super beginner-friendly.

Drizzled Stripes

Close-up image of several sugar cookies decorated with smooth icing and striped patterns arranged on a clean surface.

Add a little flair with casual diagonal lines. These playful drizzles make a bold impact without much effort!

Piped Petals

Close-up view of several sugar cookies decorated with flower petal designs on a clean background.

Pipe flower petals on top of your sugar cookies and finish with a swirl center. You’ll have lovely florals in no time—so easy, so pretty!

Stencil Outlines

Close-up view of several decorated sugar cookies with detailed royal icing designs arranged on a clean surface.

These cookies are all about simple piping fun! Try tracing whimsical outlines using stencils on colored icing for a decorative, beginner-friendly effect.

Piped Stars

Close-up view of several sugar cookies decorated with small star-shaped icing details on a plain background.

Using a star tip, add a few piped stars to your cookies for a playful texture boost. This is a great way to practice using a piping tip with minimal mess!