20 Christmas Biscuit Decorating Ideas

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Quick answer: 20 Christmas Biscuit Decorating Ideas. This guide gives 20 ideas in 4 sections: Icing Ideas; Sprinkles and Toppings; Shapes and Designs; Hosting a Decorating Afternoon.

Written by the PinkDux Team. Last updated October 2026.

Decorating biscuits is one of those jobs where everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, can join in. The results are rarely perfect, but they are always charming, and the biscuits taste just as good.

Here are twenty ideas covering icing, sprinkles and shapes, along with tips for hosting a decorating afternoon at home. Always supervise children, keep allergy information handy and use nut free ingredients when sharing with others.

Icing Ideas

Icing is the foundation of most biscuit decorating, so start here.

• Simple glace icing: Mix icing sugar with a little water until it is thick but spreadable. Add a drop of food colouring for pastel shades.
• Writing icing tubes: Ready made tubes are perfect for children and give fine control for outlines, faces and names.
• Royal icing for sharp lines: This icing sets hard and is great for neat designs. Use pasteurised egg white or ready made mix if you are unsure.
• Colouring gels: Gel colours give vibrant shades with just a tiny dab. Mix several and let the children paint with them.
• Piping bags: Disposable bags are easy to fill and pipe shapes. Snip a small corner for thin lines.

Sprinkles and Toppings

Sprinkles give instant sparkle and are ideal for little hands.

• Rainbow sprinkles: Shake a layer onto wet icing before it sets. A shallow tray underneath saves mess.
• Edible silver balls: Place these carefully on top for a shimmering finish. Check packaging, as the rules and sizes vary.
• Snowflake sprinkles: Tiny white snowflake shapes make a wintery scene on blue icing.
• Mini chocolate buttons: Use as noses, buttons or eyes. They stick well on soft icing.
• Coloured sugar crystals: Sparkling sugar adds texture and shine. Sprinkle it generously for a frosty effect.

Shapes and Designs

The shape of the biscuit can do half of the decorating for you.

• Star biscuits: Stars are easy to cut and decorate with yellow icing and sprinkles. Stack them in a pile for a pretty display.
• Snowman faces: Ice a round biscuit white and add chocolate dots for eyes and a little orange sweet nose. Add a scarf in piped icing.
• Christmas tree biscuits: Cut triangles and ice them green. Add multicoloured sprinkles as baubles for a classic look.
• Reindeer faces: Use gingerbread, add pretzel antlers and a red sweet nose. Check allergens on all the ingredients.
• Biscuit ornaments: Make a hole in the dough before baking and thread a ribbon through the finished biscuit for hanging on the tree.

Hosting a Decorating Afternoon

A little organisation makes the afternoon fun rather than stressful.

• Bake the biscuits ahead: Bake plain biscuits the day before and cool them fully, so everyone starts decorating straight away.
• Individual decorating trays: Give every child a tray with icing, sprinkles and biscuits. It keeps mess contained and makes tidying simple.
• Wipe clean tablecloth: Cover the table with a plastic cloth that you can wipe over or throw away.
• Aprons for everyone: Aprons keep clothes clean and make children feel like real bakers.
• Take home boxes: Pack finished biscuits in boxes so guests can carry them home safely. Label them with allergy notes.

Helpful links and further reading

A few trusted places to find out more.

• Food Standards Agency: food allergy and intolerance advice: Official guidance for anyone cooking or hosting for others. Always check labels.
• NHS Healthier Families: Simple recipes, food swaps and active ideas for the whole family.
• Recycle Now: Find out what you can recycle and where, including wrapping and cards.

Frequently asked questions

How long should biscuits cool before icing?

They should be completely cool, otherwise the icing will melt and slide off. Allow at least 30 minutes on a wire rack.

How do I stop icing running?

Make it thicker by adding a little more icing sugar, and use a small amount at a time. Outline first, then fill.

How far ahead can I decorate biscuits?

Iced biscuits can usually be made a few days ahead and stored in an airtight tin. Check recipe guidance for the best results.

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