These Summer sugar cookies are a fun, customizable treat perfect for the warm-weather!
These classic cookie recipes get a seasonal twist with bright icing, citrus zest, or fruity mix-ins.
They can be shaped into summer-themed designs like suns or seashells, making them ideal for parties, picnics, or gift-giving.
Easy to make with simple ingredients, they’re great for all skill levels. The dough can be prepared ahead, and decorating them is a fun activity for kids and adults alike.
Whether crisp or soft, these cookies bring vibrant flavors and festive charm to any summer occasion.
Summer Sugar Cookie Decorating Ideas
Here are some fun ideas to try:
Tropical Designs – Decorate cookies as palm trees, pineapples, or flamingos with bright royal icing.
Ice Cream & Popsicles – Create fun shapes with pastel-colored icing and sprinkles for a sweet touch.
Citrus-Inspired Cookies – Use lemon, lime, or orange zest in the dough and decorate with citrus glaze or royal icing.
Tropical Flavors – Add coconut, pineapple, or mango extract to the icing for a summery twist.
Bright & Bold Colors – Decorate with vibrant blues, pinks, and yellows to match the fun energy of summer.
Iced Ombre Designs – Use a gradient effect with pastel or sunset hues.
Beachy Textures – Use crushed graham crackers for a “sand” effect on cookies.
Watercolor Icing – Blend food coloring into royal icing for a dreamy, hand-painted look.
Ice Cream-Inspired Flavors – Try vanilla bean, chocolate chip, or birthday cake-flavored dough with matching decorations.
Fruit-Filled Centers – Use jam or a fruit curd recipe for a soft center in your sugar cookies.
Should you refrigerate sugar cookies before decorating?
Yes! It helps the cookies to set and prevents icing from running. Once baked and cooled, chilling them for about 30 minutes makes handling easier, especially when using intricate designs.
How to get sugar cookies to keep their shape?
To prevent spreading, use chilled dough, avoid overmixing, and bake on parchment-lined trays.
How many decorated cookies for a party?
Plan for about 2-3 decorated cookies per guest, depending on the size of the cookies and the variety of desserts available.
What type of icing is best for cookies?
oyal icing is the best choice for detailed designs, as it dries firm and smooth. For a softer texture, buttercream or glaze icing works well, though it doesn’t harden as much.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, sugar cookies freeze well. Place undecorated cookies in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating or serving.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely. Sugar cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to three days before rolling and baking. Alternatively, freeze the dough for up to three months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
You’ve got to try these dessert recipes – they’re the perfect way to make your summer sweet and memorable!
These summer cookie recipes are sure to bring some sunshine to your table with fresh, vibrant flavors! Pool party desserts should be fun, refreshing, and easy—these ideas will keep everyone cool and satisfied! If you’re craving a tropical twist, these tropical cake flavors will transport you straight to paradise with every bite!
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Lemon Sugar Cookies
These chewy lemon sugar cookies are bursting with bright citrus flavor and have the perfect soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. They’re sweet, tangy, and irresistibly good!
Soft, pillowy, and topped with sweet frosting, these Lofthouse sugar cookies taste just like the ones from the store—but even better! Perfect for any occasion!
These adorable watermelon sugar cookies are a fun and fruity treat for summer! With bright colors and a sweet vanilla flavor, they’re perfect for pool parties and BBQs.
Bring summer vibes to your dessert table with these easy watermelon cookies! They’re soft, buttery, and decorated to look just like a juicy slice of watermelon.
These orange creamsicle sugar cookies taste just like your favorite childhood treat! With a hint of vanilla and a burst of citrus, they’re the perfect summer cookie.
Bright, zesty, and shaped like lemon slices, these sugar cookies are almost too cute to eat! The perfect citrusy treat for summer gatherings or afternoon snacks.
These campfire cookies bring the cozy flavors of a s’more into every bite! With gooey marshmallows, chocolate, and graham cracker flavors, they’re a camping must-have.
How to: Make Cute Surfboard Cookies for any Occasion
These surfboard cookies are the ultimate summer treat! With fun, beachy designs and a delicious sugar cookie base, they’re perfect for pool parties and luaus.
Love Crumbl’s famous sugar cookies? This copycat recipe gives you the same thick, soft cookies with that rich buttercream frosting—perfect for any sweet tooth!
Rich, nutty, and perfectly chewy, these brown butter sugar cookies take a classic treat to the next level. That deep caramelized flavor makes them totally addictive!
Bring island vibes to your kitchen with these tropical cookie decorating tips! From palm trees to pineapples, these ideas will make your cookies summer-ready.
Bright, tangy, and refreshingly sweet, these lime sugar cookies are the perfect treat for citrus lovers! A simple yet flavorful cookie for any occasion.
Mini fruit pizza cookies are a fresh and fun twist on a classic summer dessert! Sugar cookie bases topped with creamy frosting and juicy fruit make them irresistible.
These adorable flip flop cookies are the perfect patriotic treat for summer holidays! Easy to decorate and fun to eat, they’re great for Fourth of July parties.
These strawberry shortcake sugar cookies combine buttery cookies, sweet strawberries, and a dollop of cream for a delicious twist on the classic dessert.
Zesty lemon cookies meet sweet blueberry frosting in this flavor-packed dessert! The perfect balance of tart and sweet makes these cookies a standout treat.
These sand dollar cookies are a beachy twist on classic cinnamon sugar cookies! A crispy, buttery treat with a touch of spice and a cute coastal design.
Old-fashioned and full of flavor, these frosted Amish cherry sugar cookies have a soft texture and a sweet cherry-infused frosting that makes them unforgettable!
Bring back childhood memories with these root beer float sugar cookies! The classic soda shop flavors of vanilla and root beer make them a nostalgic treat.
Bright and colorful, these citrus fruit sugar cookies are as pretty as they are delicious! Lemon, lime, and orange flavors make them the ultimate summer treat.
Reesa Lewandowski is the creator of Momma Lew, a New Jersey-based food blog where she shares easy, family-friendly recipes inspired by everyday life. A mom of two teenagers and a self-taught cook and baker, Reesa has spent over a decade developing simple, approachable meals—from quick weeknight dinners to festive desserts—all tested in her own kitchen. Her recipes focus on comfort food with a modern twist, seasonal favorites, and stress-free baking. Drawing inspiration from her Jersey roots, Reesa’s goal is to help busy families enjoy delicious meals without the fuss.
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