There is something so joyful about bringing out a giant festive cookie that feels both nostalgic and playful. This Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Pizza is everything I love in a holiday dessert: a tender cookie base, a creamy snowy layer of icing, and a flurry of colorful toppings that make it sparkle on the table. It slices beautifully, smells like a warm bakery, and disappears faster than I ever expect.
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This is one of those treats that makes the kitchen feel cozy the moment it hits the oven. The best part? It uses simple store-bought dough, but it still tastes completely homemade. If you're craving an easy recipe that feels special, this Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Pizza is such a fun one to make. Ready to bake together?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Festive, colorful, and perfect for holiday parties
- Uses simple store-bought ingredients
- A great make-ahead dessert for busy evenings
- Kid-friendly and fun to decorate
- Soft, chewy cookie base with creamy vanilla icing
INGREDIENTS
- 1 package refrigerated sugar cookie dough, 16 ½ ounces
- 1 tub white vanilla icing, 16 ounces
- ¾ cup red and green M&M's
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles
- ¼ cup crushed Starlight peppermints, plus extra whole pieces for garnish
INGREDIENT NOTES & SUBSTITUTIONS
- Sugar cookie dough: Any refrigerated brand works. If you prefer a softer cookie, choose a dough marked as "soft-baked" style.
- Icing: Vanilla tastes the most like a classic Christmas cookie, but cream cheese icing adds a lovely tang.
- Peppermints: Crushing them yourself gives the best texture. Sometimes I lightly tap them with a rolling pin instead of fully smashing them, so you get both fine flakes and larger pieces.
- Color theme: Use any candy colors you love. This works beautifully for Valentine's Day or birthdays too.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 12-inch pizza pan with cooking spray. I like to give the edges an extra quick spray so the cookie lifts cleanly once cooled.
- Slice the dough. Cut the sugar cookie dough into ¼-inch slices. Lay the pieces on the pizza pan and press them together until they form one even layer. If the dough looks patchy, keep pressing. It will smooth out in the oven.
- Bake the base. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cookie is golden around the edges and set in the center. The scent alone feels like Christmas morning.
- Cool completely. Transfer the pan to a cooling rack and let the cookie cool fully. If the icing goes on while warm, it will melt and slide.
- Frost the cookie. Spread the vanilla icing over the cooled cookie. I like to pipe it in a spiral first and then smooth it with an icing spatula for a fluffy, snowy look.
- Decorate. Add crushed peppermints, M&M's, sprinkles, and whole peppermints around the border. This is the fun part, and it's almost impossible to make it anything but beautiful.
PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Top Tip
- Let the cookie cool fully before icing so the topping stays creamy.
- If the dough resists pressing into the pan, warm it in your hands for a few seconds.
- Use parchment under the cookie if your pan tends to stick.
- Want neat slices? Wipe your knife between cuts.
- Chill the cookie pizza for 20 minutes if you prefer a firmer topping.
STORAGE AND REHEATING
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Refrigerate for slightly firmer icing and cleaner slices.
- Not ideal for reheating, but it tastes wonderful chilled or at room temp.
MAKE AHEAD & FREEZING
- Bake the cookie base one day ahead, wrap tightly, and frost before serving.
- You can freeze the baked cookie (unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Thaw fully before adding icing and toppings.
TIPS AND VARIATIONS
- Healthier twist: Use reduced-sugar M&M-style candies or skip the icing and drizzle melted white chocolate instead.
- Quick version: Use pre-spread icing from the tub and sprinkle everything right on top.
- Make-ahead: Frost right before serving for the freshest look.
- Flavor twist: Add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract to the icing for a minty finish.
- Presentation tip: Arrange the toppings in circles or stripes to create a wreath or ornament look.
FAQs
Yes, any chilled sugar cookie dough works. Just keep the thickness even so it bakes uniformly.
Pull the cookie out the moment the center sets. It continues cooking as it cools.
Absolutely. Form a large circle or press it into a rectangle for easy slicing.
Yes. Chill it for 20 minutes before packing so the icing stays firm.
📖 Recipe
Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Pizza
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 9 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
There is something so joyful about bringing out a giant festive cookie that feels both nostalgic and playful. This Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Pizza is everything I love in a holiday dessert: a tender cookie base, a creamy snowy layer of icing, and a flurry of colorful toppings that make it sparkle on the table. It slices beautifully, smells like a warm bakery, and disappears faster than I ever expect.
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated sugar cookie dough, 16 ½ ounces
- 1 tub white vanilla icing, 16 ounces
- ¾ cup red and green M&;M's
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles
- ¼ cup crushed Starlight peppermints, plus extra whole pieces for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 12-inch pizza pan with cooking spray.
- Cut the sugar cookie dough into ¼-inch slices and press them evenly into the pan to form one layer.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden on the edges and set in the center.
- Cool completely before decorating.
- Spread vanilla icing over the cookie base using a spatula for a smooth finish.
- Top with crushed peppermints, M&M's, sprinkles, and garnish with whole peppermints.
Notes
Let the cookie base cool all the way before frosting. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for firmer icing. Bake the base ahead and frost before serving. You can freeze the unfrosted base for up to 2 months. Try cream cheese icing for a tangy twist or decorate with seasonal colors for other holidays.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
This cookie pizza shines at cookie swaps, school parties, or as a cheerful centerpiece for a Christmas dessert board. Serve it with hot cocoa or warm apple cider for the coziest combination. It slices like a soft, sugary pie, and every bite bursts with sweet vanilla and peppermint crunch.
NUTRITION & NOTES
- Yield: 8 to 10 slices
- Skill level: Beginner friendly
- Tested multiple times to get the cookie-to-icing ratio just right
RELATED RECIPES
If you're planning a full holiday menu, here are a few cozy favorites you may love:
- Try my Gingerbread Muffins for a warmly spiced breakfast treat: https://letsflytasty.com/gingerbread-muffins
- If you want something soft, sweet, and nostalgic, you'll love my Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies: https://letsflytasty.com/soft-frosted-sugar-cookies
- For a comforting winter dinner before dessert, my Creamy Mushroom Risotto is always a reader favorite: https://letsflytasty.com/creamy-mushroom-risotto
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