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10 Creative Recipes All Inspired By the Classic Sugar Cookie

Including biscotti, fudge, and even martinis.

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sugar cookie inspired recipes
C.W. Newell

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With all the complex Christmas cookie recipes at hand, settling on one as simple as the sugar cookie may not be your first instinct. But just because your cookie isn't studded with chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles doesn't mean it won't satisfy your sweet tooth! The many sugar cookie-inspired recipes in Ree Drummond's repertoire are proof. Think: classic cookies like Ree's favorite sugar cookies as well as some creative Christmas treats like sugar cookie fudge and a sugar cookie martini that takes chewing out of the equation.

Whether you're looking for a festive Christmas dessert to add to your cookie platter or a simple snack to enjoy with tea, the sugar cookie-inspired recipes on this list have you covered! Here, you'll find sugar cookies that cater to every flavor and texture, including super-soft sugar cookies with crispy edges and brown butter-infused sugar cookies with an almost caramel-like flavor. Even chocoholics can find at least one sugar cookie that tickles their fancy, thanks to Ree's chocolate sugar cookies that get their rich flavor and hue from cocoa powder. Just don't forget to leave a few out for Santa Claus!

1

Soft Sugar Cookies

soft sugar cookies
C.W. Newell

These unassuming sugar cookies might look simple, but they're an explosion of texture and sweet vanilla flavor. They have everything you could want in a sugar cookie, including a soft center and delicately crispy edges.

Get Ree's Soft Sugar Cookies recipe.

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2

Sugar Cookie Biscotti

sugar cookie biscotti
C.W. Newell

Here's a sugar cookie-inspired recipe that goes beyond the Christmas cookie plate! Perfect for dipping in your morning coffee or simply munching on mid-day, this biscotti is chock-full of rainbow sprinkles and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze.

Get the Sugar Cookie Biscotti recipe.

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3

Sugar Cookie Martini

sugar cookie martinis
Danielle Daly

This Christmas, you can have your sugar cookies and drink them, too! This creamy cocktail calls for three different spirits: vanilla vodka, Irish cream liqueur, and butterscotch schnapps. It even has a sprinkle-coated rim.

Get the Sugar Cookie Martini recipe.

4

Sugar Cookie Fudge

sugar cookie fudge
Danielle Daly

If you want to fulfill your sugar cookie cravings without turning on the oven, look no further than this fudge! In addition to the usual white fudge base of sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate chips, heat-treated sugar cookie mix, and butter, this recipe calls for crushed shortbread cookies for a buttery burst of flavor.

Get the Sugar Cookie Fudge recipe.

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5

Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

peppermint sugar cookie bars
01. Chef Chudaree “Tam” Debhakam

For a customizable cookie recipe that'll be the standout of your holiday dessert tray, try your hand at these cut-out sugar cookies! Use cookie cutters to shape each cookie into a star, cowboy boot, or Christmas tree, then decorate them with royal icing.

Get Ree's Cut-Out Sugar Cookies recipe.

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6

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

peppermint sugar cookie bars
David Malosh

These melt-in-your-mouth dessert bars combine two classic Christmas treats: peppermint bark and sugar cookies! The addition of cream cheese gives them their fantastically fudgy texture.

Get Ree's Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars recipe.

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7

Brown Butter Sugar Cookies

brown butter sugar cookies
C.W. Newell

You may have heard about brown butter chocolate chip cookies, but how about brown butter sugar cookies? The addition of brown butter adds a nutty depth to these sugar cookies that take them over the edge.

Get Ree's Brown Butter Sugar Cookies recipe.

8

Chocolate Sugar Cookies

chocolate sugar cookies
David Malosh

You don't have to choose between sugar and chocolate chip cookies! If you crave the simplicity of sugar cookies with an added element of richness, try these unconventional cookies featuring a dash of unsweetened cocoa powder.

Get Ree's Chocolate Sugar Cookies recipe.

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9

Sugar Cookies

ree's favorite sugar cookies
Danielle Daly

This cookie recipe courtesy of a member of Ree's church is her favorite for a reason! They're indulgent yet light enough to eat by the handful.

Get Ree's Favorite Sugar Cookies recipe.

10

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

pumpkin sugar cookies
Caitlin Bensel

These cakey cookies are sugar, pumpkin spice, and everything nice! They're complete with a thick layer of pumpkin frosting and sparkling sugar for a festive flair.

Get the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies recipe.

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