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!

2. Bake Evenly Shaped Cookies

4. Use Piping Bags and Tips

Now that you know how to decorate gingerbread cookies, as well as how to make gingerbread icing, it’s time to share them! With a little decorative packing, like festive boxes lined with parchment paper, clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon or even a mason jar with a decorated lid, you have an affordable, personalized, and thoughtful gift for family and friends. For an extra special touch, add a handwritten note, a card with a holiday greeting or the recipe you used to bake the cookies so the giftee can get in on the baking fun too.