Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Shots: Indulgent Holiday Treats

Introduction to Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Shots

Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Shots are sugar cookies baked into the shape of little shot glasses, then filled with frosting and finished with edible glitter. They’re cute, they taste like the classic holiday cookie, and you can even sip your favorite drink from one.

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A sweet twist on tradition

Sugar cookies with colorful icing and sprinkles are a holiday staple. Shaping them into cups makes them playful. You get the crunch of the cookie with sweet, creamy frosting inside.

Parties and gifts

They’re easy to make and work for a holiday party or as a homemade gift for friends and family. You can bake them ahead and store them, which helps on a busy schedule. Filled with frosting and dusted with edible glitter, they’re made for sharing.

Key ingredients

Dough

All-purpose flour (1 cup): Gives the cookie shots structure so they hold their shape while baking, with the tender-chewy texture of a classic sugar cookie.

Sugar (1/2 cup): The main sweetener. It also helps the cookies stay soft and brown to a golden color.

Butter (1/4 cup, softened): Adds flavor and richness and gives the cookies a tender crumb.

Egg (1): Binds the dough and adds moisture, so the shot glasses hold together.

Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and aroma and rounds out the sugar and butter.

Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookie shots rise slightly for a lighter texture against the frosting.

Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A small amount balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.

Filling

Frosting (1/4 cup): The creamy, sweet filling inside the crunchy cookie. Change the flavor or color to suit your party.

Edible glitter (1/4 cup): The festive sparkle on top. It makes the cookie shots look like a celebration and is a big part of their holiday charm.

Why you’ll love this recipe

These take the flavor of a sugar cookie and turn it into something guests can play with. They look as festive as they taste, which is half the fun at a holiday party.

A unique holiday treat

The surprise is the shape: a dessert that doubles as a mini shot glass. Filled with creamy frosting and topped with edible glitter, they look as good as they taste on a holiday dessert table.

Quick and easy to make

Prep takes 15 minutes and baking takes 10-12 minutes, so a batch is done fast. You can also make them a day in advance and spend the day of the party on everything else.

Good for sharing

Each one is a crisp cookie with sweet frosting inside, easy to pass around at parties and family gatherings. Try different frostings or sprinkles to fit the occasion.

Variations to try

Flavorful frosting options

Cream cheese frosting adds tang, and peppermint frosting tastes like the holidays. Chocolate ganache makes them richer and goes well with the sweet cookie.

Add a splash of holiday spirit

Stir a splash of flavored liqueur, or a non-alcoholic alternative, into the frosting. Eggnog, spiced rum or a hint of orange zest all work.

Decorative toppings

Swap or add to the edible glitter with crushed candy canes, colored sprinkles or small edible ornaments.

Mix and match the frostings, flavors and toppings above to make the cookie shots your own.

Cooking tips and notes

Perfecting your dough

Once the dry ingredients go in, mix only until combined. Overmixing makes the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping it into shot glasses helps the cookies keep their shape in the oven.

Baking tips

Ovens vary, so start checking around the 10-minute mark. Take them out when they’re golden but not too dark; they firm up a little more as they cool. Let them cool completely before filling, because warm cookies will melt the frosting into a gooey mess.

Decorating ideas

Tint the frosting with food coloring to match your holiday theme, or use edible decorations in different shapes so each cookie shot looks a little different.

Want a sweet bite to serve with these? Our sugar cookie cheesecake dip tastes a lot like cookie dough.

Serving suggestions

Creative serving ideas

Set the cookie shots on a decorative platter with festive drinks such as hot cocoa, eggnog or a holiday cocktail. Together they make a pretty dessert table.

Pairing with seasonal treats

Serve them with other holiday sweets like mini gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark. You could set up a themed dessert bar where everyone mixes and matches.

Personal touches

For a more elegant party, use gold or silver edible glitter and serve them on chic glassware. For a family gathering, let each guest decorate their own cookie shot with different toppings and frostings. Turning dessert into an activity makes it more fun for everyone.

Time breakdown

Preparation

15 minutes: gather your ingredients, cream the butter and sugar, and shape the dough into shot glasses.

Cooking/baking

12 minutes in the oven.

Total

27 minutes, just under half an hour.

Efficiency tip: make the dough a day ahead and chill it overnight. It saves time on baking day and gives the flavors a chance to develop.

Nutritional facts

Each shot contains approximately 150 calories.

Per shot there are 10 grams of sugar and around 7 grams of total fat, 4 grams of it saturated, which is typical for baked goods. Each one also has 18 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of protein.

They contain 100 mg of sodium and 30 mg of cholesterol. Enjoy them in moderation as part of your holiday treats.

FAQ

Can I make Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Shots in advance?

Yes, a day ahead. Let them cool completely before filling them with frosting and sprinkling on the edible glitter.

What can I use instead of frosting for filling?

Whipped cream, chocolate ganache or flavored yogurt all work. Pick something that goes with the sweet cookie.

How do I store leftover cookie shots?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Once they’re filled with frosting, refrigerate them to keep the frosting fresh.

Can I customize the flavors?

Yes. Try a different extract, such as almond or lemon, in the dough. You can also tint the frosting with food coloring or change the toppings to suit your theme.

Conclusion

A sugar cookie you can fill and sip from is a fun thing to bring to a holiday gathering, and since you can make them ahead, they won’t add stress to your holiday menu. Gather your ingredients and your favorite people, and let us know in the comments how yours turned out.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us