23 Ornament Cookie Decorating Ideas: Fun Designs for Every Holiday Occasion

Decorating cookies is one of those simple joys that brings people together during the holidays. Ornament cookies crank up the fun with their bright colors and playful shapes—no wonder they’re a favorite for Christmas treats.

Close-up view of several heart-shaped decorated sugar cookies with red and white candy cane patterns on a clean background.

Whether you’re baking with kids or just want to try something new, you’ll find plenty of easy, inspiring ways to make your cookies pop.

Swirled Ornament Icing

Close-up view of several sugar cookies decorated with red and white marbled icing arranged on a clean surface.

Ready to wow your holiday cookie tray? These ornament cookies feature mesmerizing red and white swirls that are super fun to create with just a toothpick and some royal icing.

Holly Leaf Cookies

Close-up view of several sugar cookies decorated with holly leaf designs, arranged neatly on a plain background.

These swirled ornament cookies are pure eye candy! The red and white royal icing creates a dreamy marbled effect that’s easier to make than it looks.

Snowflake Detail

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

Delicate piping brings these crisp white snowflake cookies to life. They’re a timeless classic with an elegant finish that makes your winter dessert table feel extra magical.

Candy Cane Twist

Close-up view of several sugar cookies decorated with red and white candy cane stripe borders arranged on a clean surface.

Nothing says holiday cheer like these vibrant candy cane cookies. With smooth red and white stripes, they’re a sweet nod to tradition—and almost too cute to eat!

Beaded Elegance

Close-up view of several decorated sugar cookies with silver dragee toppings arranged on a plain background.

Iced in flawless white and trimmed with silver dragees, these ornament cookies are pure sophistication. They’re the perfect pick for a chic, upscale holiday cookie box.

Plaid Linework

Closeup view of several decorated sugar cookies with colorful plaid patterns on a clean background.

Bold royal icing lines in red, green, and blue give these cookies a modern plaid twist. The texture pops beautifully against a crisp white base for easy visual impact.

Pearl Accent Cookies

Close-up of several decorated sugar cookies with smooth icing and tiny edible pearls arranged on a plain background.

Soft pastels meet dainty pearl details for a cookie that’s sweet, stylish, and totally gift-worthy. They’re perfect for winter tea parties or elegant dessert platters.

Santa Claus Face

Little Santa faces peek out from these cheerful cookies. Jolly hats, fluffy beards—what’s not to love?

Chocolate Reindeer Faces

Closeup of several reindeer-shaped sugar cookies with chocolate antlers arranged on a plain background.

With expressive antlers and adorable noses, these reindeer cookies bring instant holiday cheer. A simple two-tone icing technique turns plain cookies into playful treats in no time.

Edible Gold Highlights

Close-up view of several decorated sugar cookies with smooth icing and gold leaf accents on a clean background.

These cookies shimmer with edible gold accents and embossed detailing. They’re a stunning choice when you want your holiday treats to feel a little extra luxe.

Simple Iced Ornaments

Closeup view of several decorated gingerbread ornament cookies arranged on a clean surface.

Sometimes classic is best. These gingerbread cookies skip the fuss and go straight for charm with playful piped patterns and a warm, homey finish.

Winter Scene Mittens

Closeup of several decorated sugar cookies shaped like winter trees and ornaments arranged on a plain surface.

These mitten cookies capture a full winter scene, from textured evergreen trees to tiny colorful ornaments. It’s a cozy design that instantly adds storytelling charm to your cookie tray.

Piped Ribbon Bows

Close-up view of several decorated sugar cookies with smooth icing and ribbon-like icing details on a clean background.

A playful twist on gift wrap, these pastel cookies feature 3D piped bows that practically pop off the surface. They’re simple, sweet, and perfect for cookie box layering.

Bright Ornament Pop

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

With vibrant bases and bold white piping, these ornament cookies feel festive and fun. The layered dot patterns bring texture and whimsy with a clean, modern flair.

Candy Cane Hearts

A swirl of red and white transforms these heart-shaped cookies into candy cane cuties. They strike the perfect balance between sweet, festive, and totally swoon-worthy.

Iced Bloom Toppers

Close-up view of several ornament-shaped sugar cookies decorated with detailed 3D icing flowers on a plain background.

Piped petals in cheerful pastels bring these floral cookies to life. Whether for gifting or display, they add a vibrant, garden-fresh touch to your holiday tray.

Frosted White Set

Close-up of several decorated snowflake and ornament-shaped sugar cookies dusted with powdered sugar on a clean background.

Coated in smooth white icing and detailed with soft piping, these cookies feel like a snowy wonderland. Sprinkle some powdered sugar for that freshly fallen snow effect.

Polka Dot Pop

Close-up of several white sugar cookies decorated with small red dots arranged on a clean background.

Bright red dots over a smooth white glaze give these cookies a playful yet polished look. This minimal design adds instant cheer without needing intricate piping.

Lacework Cookies

Close-up view of several decorated sugar cookies with intricate lace-like icing patterns on their edges arranged on a plain background.

Delicate lace piping transforms soft pink icing into something truly elegant. These are perfect for winter weddings, cookie swaps, or adding a little romance to your tray.

Classic Holly Icon

Closeup of several sugar cookies decorated with green holly leaves and red berries on a plain background.

Timeless and bold, these holly cookies showcase crisp green leaves and red berries. They’re festive, fresh, and bring traditional charm with every bite.

Santa Hat Piping

Close-up view of several Santa hat shaped sugar cookies decorated with red and white icing on a plain background.

Fluffy texture steals the show! These Santa hat cookies combine smooth red icing with ridged white piping for a fun, cozy look that’s surprisingly easy to pull off.

Polar Bear Faces

These adorable polar bear cookies come together with just a few layered shapes. They’re sweet, wintery, and perfect for kids’ parties or cozy cocoa pairings.

Beaded Ornaments

Closeup of several decorated sugar cookies with colorful edible beads on a clean background.

Sleek white icing meets rows of vibrant candy pearls in this bold design. The ornament shape stays classic while the texture adds playful dimension to your cookie set.