The next best thing to baking homemade gingerbread cookies? Decorating them! The sturdy nature of gingerbread dough makes these cookies the ideal canvas for icing, frosting, and all the decorations you can think of. From candies to sprinkles, the artistic possibilities are truly endless! Plus, you don’t have to stick to the classic gingerbread men and women—they can be cut into a variety of festive shapes including stars, trees, snowflakes, ornaments, and so much more. Each cookie is a unique opportunity to let your creativity shine, plus they make great personalized gifts—all you need is a simple gift bag and a ribbon to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

Equipped with a few baking supplies and Betty’s top 10 tips for how to decorate gingerbread cookies, you’re set to make this the best cookie season yet. Now’s a great time to invite the family into the kitchen, especially your little bakers and let your imaginations run wild. Don’t be afraid if it gets a little messy—it’s all a part of the process. Plus, it’s proven that the more messy the creativity gets, the more chance you have of slaying the annual cookie exchange!

When it comes to decorating gingerbread cookies, Betty knows a thing or two! Whether this is your first or 41st time working with these classic cookies, always remember that gingerbread cookies are meant to be fun and festive—let your creativity shine. And don’t worry about perfection or get too focused on the end result, simply enjoy the process. By following these tips, you’re guaranteed to not only create a delicious and family-friendly treat, but beautiful memories that will last long after the last crumb is devoured.

1. Start with a Good Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

Before you spread on the frosting or icing, you of course need a reliable gingerbread cookie recipe. You want a gingerbread dough that is going to bake into cookies that are nice and firm so they stand up to the weight of your decorations. The cookies should hold their shape in the oven and bake to a texture that’s not too soft or too crumbly. To achieve this ideal texture, it’s a good idea to refrigerate your dough before baking. Gingerbread dough is known to be sticky, so let it rest for 30 minutes to an hour before you roll it out.

Our Favorite Homemade Gingerbread Cookie Recipes

Need a recipe? Betty’s got you! If you have time to make your dough from scratch, we’ve gathered a few of our favorite homemade recipes below. If you’ve got a million things on your to-do list or just want to get to decorating faster, take a shortcut to scratch with Betty’s Easy Gingerbread Man Cookies. They start with Betty Crocker™ Limited Edition Gingerbread Cookie Mix so you know they’re going to be easy and delicious.

2. Bake Evenly Shaped Cookies

4. Use Piping Bags and Tips