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Festive Decorating Ideas for Your Holiday Cookie Swap

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Holiday cookie swaps are the perfect way to spread cheer and sweet treats during the most wonderful time of the year. To make your swap stand out, these recipes all make decorating the star.

From classic sugar cookies to festive designs like reindeer and snowmen, these recipes will be a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Christmas Lights Cookies

A plate of Christmas Lights Cookies decorated with icing and M&M's resembling string lights, on a marble surface.
Image Credit: Dessert For Two

Bright, colorful, and incredibly festive, these Christmas lights cookies are a joy to decorate and a treat to eat. With a simple sugar cookie base and a clever design using frosting and M&M’s, they’ll light up any cookie platter.

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Grinch Sugar Cookies

Two Grinch sugar cookies, placed on a red textured cloth.
Image Credit: Wondermom Wannabe

These green Grinch-inspired cookies are soft, chewy, and irresistibly cute. Perfect for bringing some playful holiday mischief to your swap, they’re sure to be a favorite.

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Best Cut Out Sugar Cookies

Assorted Christmas cookies shaped like trees, stars, and stockings, decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles.

This recipe is a must-have for any cookie decorating event. With a dough that holds its shape beautifully, it’s perfect for cutting into festive holiday shapes and decorating with royal icing or sprinkles.

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Christmas Sugar Cookies

A plate with Christmas sugar cookies shaped like trees and snowflakes, decorated with white and blue icing and small beads.
Image Credit: Wondermom Wannabe

Soft, buttery, and beautifully frosted, these Christmas sugar cookies are easy to make and even easier to customize for any holiday theme. They’re a great choice for both novice and experienced decorators.

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Snowman Nutter Butter Cookies

Snowman nutter butter cookies are arranged on a festive plate featuring a plaid reindeer design.
Image Credit: Wondermom Wannabe

Transform store-bought Nutter Butters into adorable snowmen with a bit of white chocolate and creative decorating. These no-bake treats are perfect for kids to help make and bring some frosty charm to your swap.

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Insanely Delicious Turtle Cookies

Rows of turtle cookies topped with caramel and drizzled chocolate on a baking sheet.
Image Credit: The Kitchen Is My Playground

These decadent cookies combine chocolate, caramel, and pecans for a rich, indulgent treat. Their unique texture and flavor make them a sophisticated addition to your holiday cookie tray.

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Reindeer Cookies

Reindeer cookies on a red and white striped cloth.
Image Credit: Wondermom Wannabe

Cute and creative, these reindeer cookies use pretzels, candy eyes, and M&Ms to bring Rudolph and his friends to life.

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Cherry Almond Cookies

Cherry almond cookies resting on a metal cooling rack.
Image Credit: The Kitchen Is My Playground

These elegant cherry almond cookies feature a light base, cherry on top, and a drizzle of icing for a festive finish. Their flavors are as wonderful as their appearance.

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Classic Gingerbread Cookies

A plate of gingerbread cookies shaped like people, decorated with white icing to show faces and details.
Image Credit: Butter Your Biscuit

No holiday cookie swap is complete without gingerbread. This classic recipe yields perfectly spiced cookies that are sturdy enough for intricate decorating but still soft and delicious.

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Christmas Chocolate Kiss Cookies

A variety of Christmas chocolate kiss cookies with red, green, and white sprinkles on a baking sheet.
Image Credit: The Kitchen Is My Playground

These soft, chewy cookies topped with a chocolate kiss are a holiday favorite. They’re simple to make and look stunning on any holiday platter with their festive sprinkle coating.

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Want More Family-Friendly Recipes and Tips?

VISIT MY WEBSITE: Head over to Wondermom Wannabe for more easy family-friendly recipes and tips to make life easier. From meal plans to simple weeknight dinners, you’ll find everything you need to make mealtime stress-free!

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Meet Corinne

Hi! I’m Corinne, a busy mom of four and the creator of Wondermom Wannabe. I’ve spent years helping moms like you simplify life with quick meal solutions and easy family tips. Wondermom Wannabe started as a place to share practical tips for home and family life, and it’s grown into a resource where you can find inspiration to make every day a little easier. Learn more about me here.

Corinne Schmitt

Corinne Schmitt

Hi, I'm Corinne! I'm the mom behind Wondermom Wannabe, helping busy moms simplify life with easy meals, fun family activities, and stress-free organization. As a mom of five, I know how overwhelming it can be—so I share practical, real-life tips to make things easier!

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