Roly-Poly Santa Cookies

4.32 from 19 votes

Buttery, fat Santa cookies! These are the cutest Christmas cookies to add to your baking list!

Prep Time1

Cook Time15

Total Time1 15

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: Cookies

Calories: 411kcal

Author: Eden

Cost: $15

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and prepare a baking sheet.
Using an electric mixer with the paddle attachment (or an electric hand mixer), beat the butter on high for 30 seconds. Add sugar and beat until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Beat in milk and vanilla.
Turn the mixer to low speed and gradually add in the Flour.
Remove 1 cup of dough and set aside. Mix red food coloring in the remaining dough. Make one 1-inch dough ball and five 1/2-inch dough balls from the red dough.
From the plain dough, make a 3/4-inch ball and four 1/4-inch. Attach them by pushing the dough together, as the picture shows.
Add the chocolate chips for the eyes and three buttons.
After the Santas are assembled on a cookie sheet, bake cookies for 12-15 minutes. Let cool for 2 minutes.

To make the frosting, beat shortening and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla in a mixer for 30 seconds. Gradually add powdered sugar and enough milk to make the frosting piping consistent.
Spoon frosting into a decorating bag and use a medium star tip to pipe Santa's beard hat and add the nose! Voila, you have a charming little cookie!

When making the Santa shape, press the dough securely together so Santa can hold his shape when baking.
For the frosting, ensure you add enough milk to get the right consistency to the pipe.
You can switch up the type of candy you use for buttons, get creative, and use your favorite little candies.
Use natural food coloring if you don't want to use red dye. You can make charming pink Santas!
Make gluten-free by using gluten-free baking flour.
Make the dough the day before and store it in the refrigerator until ready to shape.