The Santa Skillet Cookie is more than a dessert — it’s a holiday showstopper. With a golden sugar cookie base, glossy royal icing, and a creative Santa design, this treat brings a touch of magic to your Christmas table. Perfect for family gatherings, this dessert combines easy prep with an artistic twist, making it both fun to bake and delightful to serve.

What makes the Santa Skillet Cookie irresistible is its simplicity and presentation. Made from a ready-to-use sugar cookie mix, it’s ideal for busy holiday bakers who still want a festive masterpiece. The rich butter flavor, crisp edges, and soft center balance perfectly with the sweet, fluffy royal icing. Plus, the whimsical Santa design turns it into a fun edible puzzle — guests will love discovering eight tiny Santas in every wedge.

• Unsalted Butter: Used to grease the skillet, ensuring easy release and a golden edge.
• Prepared Sugar Cookie Mix: The convenient base that provides the perfect buttery sweetness and chewy texture.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Creates a smooth, glossy royal icing that’s ideal for decorating.
• Meringue Powder: Stabilizes the icing and gives it structure without raw egg whites.
• Red Food Coloring: Adds festive vibrance to the Santa hats and mittens.
• Red Sanding Sugar: Adds sparkle and a delightful crunch to the icing details.
• Edible Pearl Dragees: Used for Santa’s hat pom-poms, adding texture and shine.

Ingredient Swaps and Creative Alternatives

• Homemade Dough: Replace the packaged cookie mix with your favorite sugar cookie dough recipe for a scratch-made touch.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and an egg-free cookie mix, and replace meringue powder with aquafaba for the icing.
• Gluten-Free Option: Choose a gluten-free cookie mix to make this treat accessible for everyone.
• Natural Colorings: For a dye-free version, beetroot powder or natural red coloring can replace traditional food dye.

Prepare the Skillet: Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously butter an 8-inch cast iron skillet to prevent sticking.
Bake the Base: Mix the sugar cookie dough as directed on the package. Press half the dough evenly into the skillet. Bake until golden and set — about 11 to 13 minutes. Cool in the skillet for 30 minutes before removing.
Slice with Precision: To cut clean wedges, dip a sharp knife in boiling water for three minutes, wipe dry, and carefully cut the cookie into eight wedges, keeping them together in a circle.
Whip Up Royal Icing: Beat together confectioners’ sugar, meringue powder, and a little water until glossy peaks form. Adjust texture by adding small amounts of water if needed.
Color and Divide: Tint most of the icing red. Reserve some plain white icing for Santa’s beard and hat trim. Thin a portion of the red icing with water for easy filling.
Decorate Like a Pro:
- Pipe a 2-inch red circle in the center of the cookie.
- Add eight smaller circles along the edges to form Santa’s hats and mittens.
- Fill each with thinner red icing and sprinkle with red sanding sugar.
- Add white icing borders and V-shaped beards between the circles.
- Finish with a white border along the edge to represent Santa’s coats.
Add Final Details: Place a pearl dragee at the center of each wedge as the pom-pom on Santa’s hat.
Let It Set: Allow the icing to dry completely for about 30 minutes before serving or wrapping.

Baking Tips & Decorating Tricks

• Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution — it ensures crispy edges and a soft center.
• Chill your cookie dough briefly before pressing into the skillet for easier handling.
• Don’t rush the cooling time; cutting a warm cookie can lead to crumbles.
• To avoid air bubbles in your icing, let it rest for a few minutes before piping.
• For extra sparkle, add edible glitter or shimmer dust after the icing sets.

Pairing Ideas and Festive Variations

Serve the Santa Skillet Cookie with a mug of hot cocoa, spiced latte, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. To make it even more festive:
• Peppermint Twist: Add crushed peppermint candy to the cookie dough for a minty flavor.
• Chocolate Lover’s Version: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cookie before decorating.
• Mini Skillets: Divide the dough into several small skillets for individual Santa cookies — perfect for gifting or dessert platters.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Bake and cool the cookie a day in advance. Decorate closer to serving time for the freshest look.

The Santa Skillet Cookie embodies the warmth and whimsy of the holiday season. Inspired by classic sugar cookies and festive crafts, it turns baking into a joyful family project. The “find the Santa” design invites kids and adults alike to participate — transforming dessert into an interactive celebration. Whether it’s the centerpiece of your Christmas Eve dessert spread or a cozy winter weekend activity, this Santa Skillet Cookie will become a cherished holiday tradition.

Bringing Holiday Magic to Your Table

The Santa Skillet Cookie captures everything we love about the holidays: creativity, sweetness, and togetherness. It’s the perfect dessert for anyone who enjoys both baking and decorating. Easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for a festive table, it’s guaranteed to spark smiles and conversations.

From the first golden slice to the last crumb of icing, the Santa Skillet Cookie proves that the best holiday desserts are not just baked — they’re shared, decorated, and enjoyed together.

Making the Santa Skillet Cookie a Holiday Tradition

Every holiday season deserves a signature dessert, and the Santa Skillet Cookie is one that beautifully combines creativity and comfort. Its buttery aroma fills the kitchen, while the decorating process brings everyone together — kids can help with sprinkling sugar or placing the pearl dragees, making it a shared festive moment. Beyond its eye-catching presentation, this cookie delivers the nostalgic flavors of a classic sugar cookie with the charm of a homemade holiday craft.

Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or presented as a centerpiece at your Christmas gathering, the Santa Skillet Cookie guarantees smiles, laughter, and a touch of sweet holiday wonder. Keep this recipe in your family’s rotation, and each December, it’ll become a heartwarming reminder of joyful times spent together.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my Santa Skillet Cookie from overbaking?

Bake just until the edges turn light golden and the center looks set. Overbaking can cause dryness, so start checking around the 11-minute mark. Cast iron retains heat, meaning the cookie continues baking slightly even after being removed from the oven.

Can I make the Santa Skillet Cookie ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake the cookie a day in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. For the best texture, decorate within 24 hours of serving so the icing stays vibrant and crisp.

What can I use instead of meringue powder for the royal icing?

If you don’t have meringue powder, substitute with pasteurized egg whites. Beat until soft peaks form before mixing with confectioners’ sugar. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought royal icing mix for convenience.

How should I store leftover Santa Skillet Cookie?

Keep decorated cookie wedges in a single layer inside an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to five. To maintain the icing’s shine, avoid stacking the cookies or storing in humid areas.

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