12 New Year’s Eve Cookies: Amazing Sparkle

The countdown clock is ticking, that fizzy wine is chilling, and you need the perfect sweet bite to celebrate as the ball drops! Forget the boring shortbread this year; we’re aiming for pure, unadulterated holiday sparkle. These cookies are designed to make your New Year’s Eve spread pop—they are totally fun, ridiculously festive, and yes, super simple to pull off.

I still remember the thrill of baking for our New Year’s Eve party a few years back. I wanted to surprise my friends with something special, so I experimented late into the night, mixing colorful sprinkles and ice cream toppings into a basic cookie dough. The kitchen was a sparkly mess, but wow, when those cookies emerged from the oven, their golden edges shimmered under the lights—perfect for ringing in the New Year. Sharing those gooey, fun treats around the table, surrounded by laughter and cheer, solidified my love for baking unforgettable party desserts.

Trust me, you need these 12 New Year’s Eve Cookies (Sparkly & Fun) on your dessert platter this year. They bring the glam without demanding hours of difficult decorating!

Why You Will Love These 12 New Year’s Eve Cookies (Sparkly & Fun)

Honestly, if your cookies don’t look like little pieces of midnight magic, are you even celebrating New Year’s Eve? These treats are everything a good party dessert should be. They look incredibly impressive, but I promise you, the hard work is minimal!

• They are the definition of festive! That blast of edible glitter makes them look instantly high-end, perfect for showcasing those amazing New Year Cookie Designs.
• Super quick assembly! Since we start with a fantastic sugar cookie base, about 10 minutes of decorating time gets you twelve showstoppers.
• They hold up beautifully on a platter, making them ideal for setting out before the party starts. No melting disasters here!
• Customizable year! While I designed these specifically for the countdown, it’s so easy to swap out “2019” for the new year—your guests will love the personalized touch.
• Total crowd-pleaser factor—everyone loves a cookie that practically shines! These are definitely going to be the hit of your Party Dessert table.
• The flavor is classic and comforting: rich sugar cookie meeting smooth, slightly sweet fondant. It’s straightforward deliciousness topped with glamour.

Essential Ingredients for Your 12 New Year’s Eve Cookies (Sparkly & Fun)

You don’t need a pantry full of fancy specialty items for these New Years Cookies, but you do need to be clear about your decorative choices! We keep the cookie base simple so all the attention can go to the glamour—and that amazing edible glitter. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start your countdown baking.

For the Basic Cookie Base

Since the magic here is really in the decoration and the sparkle, we’re using a reliable base. If you don’t have your favorite sugar cookie recipe handy, I have a fantastic foundational recipe you can check out here: Check out my go-to sugar cookies! For these 12 cookies, you just need one batch of dough.

• 1 batch of prepared sugar cookie dough (enough for 12 circles)

For the Sparkly New Year Themed Cookies Decoration

This is where the party shines! Don’t skip the black fondant; it makes the silver and white writing really pop against the gold cookie. And please, please use good quality edible glitter—it makes all the difference!

• 5-6 oz. Black fondant
• 1 container White decorating frosting (I prefer the squeeze tubes for precision writing)
• 1 container Edible food glitter (Silver or gold looks best!)

Equipment Needed for 12 New Year’s Eve Cookies (Sparkly & Fun)

Gathering your tools first saves so much hassle when the excitement is high. You really don’t need much specialized gear for these New Years Cookies, but having these items handy makes the whole process smooth. It’s all about preparation so you can focus on the fun parts—like the glitter!

You absolutely must have something to cut your shapes. I find that a simple round cutter works best here to mimic a plate or a clock face, but feel free to use a star or champagne glass shape if that fits your New Year Cookie Designs better!

• Your essential round cookie cutter (make sure it’s the same size you used for your raw dough!)
• A sturdy wire rack for cooling—this is non-negotiable if you want them to cool evenly and fast enough for decorating.
• A clean rolling pin for flattening out that tricky black fondant.
• Piping bag or squeeze bottle if you’re using store-bought frosting, or a small offset spatula if you prefer working manually.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make 12 New Year’s Eve Cookies (Sparkly & Fun)

Okay, time to move from prep to party prep! This method is straightforward, but you’ll want to follow these steps exactly, especially the cooling part. Trust me, trying to put fondant on a warm cookie is a recipe for a smudged, gooey disaster. We want clean lines and maximum shine here!

If you need a refresher on getting your base cookies perfect before we dress them up, hop over to my guide on foolproof baking methods right here: My fool-proof baking methods. Otherwise, let’s get decorating!

Baking and Cooling the Cookie Base

First things first, get those sugar cookies cut. You’ll want to use your round cookie cutter to punch out exactly 12 circles from your chilled dough. Bake them up according to your usual recipe directions—usually around 8 to 10 minutes. The most important thing is letting them cool completely on your wire rack. I mean it! If they are even slightly warm, the fondant will melt right into the cookie.

Preparing the Black Fondant Toppers

While those cookies are cooling down (which feels like forever, I know!), work on your black fondant. Dust your counter ever so lightly—too much flour will dry it out! Roll that fondant out until it’s about a quarter of an inch thick. Don’t worry about perfectly sizing it yet; just get it rolled flat enough. Now, grab that same cookie cutter you used for the dough and cut out 12 perfect black circles.

Assembling and Decorating Your New Years Cookies

Once everything is cool, just press one black fondant circle onto each cookie—it sticks pretty well all on its own! Now for the personalization: Use that white decorating frosting to pipe your anticipated year onto the black disk. Since these cookies were originally for ‘2019’, just remember to pipe the CURRENT year! Finally, this is the fun part—grab that glitter and sprinkle it *everywhere*. Don’t be shy; we are aiming for maximum nighttime shimmer on these New Years Cookies!

Tips for Perfect New Year Cookie Designs and Sparkle

Getting that polished, high-end look for your New Year Cookie Designs is easier than you think, even when you’re working with fondant. My biggest secret for cutting the black circles? If the fondant starts sticking to the counter, I lightly dust my cutter in cornstarch instead of more sugar. That keeps the edges super crisp!

When you pipe the year, practice on parchment paper first, especially if you’re using those tricky squeeze tubes. It helps you find the right pressure so you don’t accidentally gouge the soft black fondant, which ruins the smooth surface. For maximum sparkle, which is what these New Years Cookies are all about, make sure your white lettering is totally dry before you sprinkle. If it’s still wet, the glitter just sinks in instead of staying right on top!

And don’t stress about the year! If you’re baking these in March, just pipe a simple star or ‘2024’ if you like; these are meant to be fun Party Dessert items, not homework. For tips on getting your baking temps just right for any recipe, you might want to peek at my guide on ingredients and temperatures!

Serving Suggestions for Your Party Dessert

These cookies are definitely the superstars of any Party Dessert spread, but they look even better when they have friends! Since New Year’s Eve often involves snacking for hours until midnight, you want a variety of textures and colors surrounding these glamorous little numbers.

Presentation is key when you have something as sparkly as these 12 New Year’s Eve Cookies (Sparkly & Fun). I always arrange mine on a tiered glass stand—the glass really helps reflect the edible glitter, making them look like tiny, edible fireworks!

Try pairing them with simpler, less decorative items so their sparkle really draws the eye. Think about keeping the savory items separate, perhaps a nice cheese board or some warm dips. If you want other sweets, make them complementary rather than competitive.

Here are my favorite things to serve beside these shimmering cookies:

• Contrast Textures: Set out something creamy, like a rich chocolate mousse in small shot glasses. It’s decadent but doesn’t compete visually.
• Color Pop: For something fruity—since these cookies are dark and glittery—I love arranging fresh raspberries and bright green grapes around the base of the stand. The colors just sing against the black fondant!
• Keep it Simple: Alongside those amazing cookies, a big bowl of salty popcorn lets people cleanse their palate between the sweet bites. You can even sprinkle a tiny bit of salt on the edge of the popcorn bowl for a visual nod to the sparkle!

If you’re looking for other ideas to build that perfect celebratory menu—especially if you are worried about timing everything right—make sure you check out my tips on what makes a perfect dinner menu. A well-balanced dessert table is just as important as the main spread!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for 12 New Year’s Eve Cookies (Sparkly & Fun)

Planning a New Year’s Eve bash means juggling a million things at once, right? That’s why I love that these 12 New Year’s Eve Cookies (Sparkly & Fun) are fantastic for making ahead of time. You absolutely want to get these done a day or two before the party so you can relax when the countdown starts!

The key to storage is keeping them dry and not stacking them too aggressively, especially since we’ve got that beautiful fondant layer and all that gorgeous edible glitter. If the frosting isn’t 100% hard, you absolutely cannot stack them yet, even though you’ll be tempted!

Here’s my routine for prepping these New Years Cookies in advance. If you are rushing to get your make-aheads done, take a look at my guide for meal prep strategies—it helps even with desserts!

Make-Ahead Timeline

I always try to break this process up over two days. Day one is all about the base. Bake your sugar cookies and let them cool completely—don’t rush this! I usually keep them in an airtight container on the counter overnight.

Day two is decorating day (which is tomorrow or the day of your party). Once the white frosting is piped on top of the black fondant and it feels set to the touch (give it at least 30 minutes), that’s when you bring out the glitter. Sprinkling glitter when the frosting is almost dry really helps lock it in place.

The Best Way to Store Finished Cookies

Once they are totally decorated and glittered up, you need to store them somewhere they won’t get crushed or stick together. I use a large, rigid container—like a Tupperware with a tight lid. Place a single layer of wax paper on the bottom, arrange your New Year Themed Cookies in a single layer, and then put another sheet of wax paper on top before adding the next layer.

A few little tips here: Never store them near anything damp or smelly (like onions or strong cheese!) because cookies love to absorb ambient odors. Also, avoid putting them in the fridge if you can help it! The condensation in the fridge can sometimes make the fondant look a little sweaty, and nobody wants a soggy shimmer.

Keeping That Sparkle Fresh

The glitter is the star here, so we must protect it! Keep the container sealed tight at cool room temperature, and they should stay perfectly festive for up to three or four days. If you’re worried about them losing any vibrancy, just dust on a tiny bit more edible glitter right before you set them out on the dessert table. A little refresh before serving never hurt anyone and ensures your Party Dessert looks its absolute best when guests arrive!

Frequently Asked Questions About New Year’s Eve Cookies

I get so many questions after I post pictures of these sparkly treats! Everyone wants to know how to make their own amazing New Years Cookies without too much fuss, which is totally fair. Baking for a party needs to be fun, not stressful. Here are the top things I hear from other bakers when they try to recreate these fun cookies.

Can I use royal icing instead of decorating frosting for the year number?

Oh, absolutely, you can! Royal icing is actually fantastic here because it dries rock hard and gives you a really crisp number, which is great for a sharp look. If you use royal icing, you just need to make sure you give it plenty of time to dry before you move onto the next step—the glitter! While the thick decorating frosting I use dries in about 30 minutes, royal icing might take a couple of hours, depending on how thick you pipe it. So, plan accordingly if you switch!

How do I prevent the edible glitter from falling off the 12 New Year’s Eve Cookies (Sparkly & Fun)?

This is my number one kitchen secret for maximum sparkle retention! You want that glitter to stay put like it’s glued! If you are using thick decorating frosting, wait until it’s *just* set—tacky but not fully dry. Then—and this is crucial—take a tiny, clean paintbrush that has only ever touched food items, dip it in water (or a tiny splash of clear vodka if you have it—it evaporates way faster!), and gently brush a micro-layer over the area you want to sparkle.

It just slightly dampens the frosting. Then, hold the cookie over a plate or bowl (to catch the overflow!) and dramatically shake the edible glitter over it. It catches immediately. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to dry completely, and that shimmer will last through the whole party. It really upgrades the look of your Party Dessert!

What are some alternative New Year Cookie Designs if I don’t want to write the year?

If writing numbers makes you nervous, don’t sweat it! These are supposed to be fun, remember? You have tons of options for great New Year Cookie Designs. Instead of piping a year, try piping tiny, messy gold stars all over the black fondant. That looks super dramatic and celebratory.

Or, for a simpler approach that still leans into the New Year Themed Cookies vibe, you can just skip the white frosting entirely! Once you place the black fondant circle on the cookie, spray it lightly with the water/vodka mist I mentioned above, and then literally *dredge* the entire surface in gold or silver edible glitter. It becomes a solid, moody, sparkling disk. Super chic and zero piping required!

Nutritional Estimates for This Party Dessert

Listen, I’m Jenny Miller, the Queen of Keto Confectionery Arts—so I tend to look at numbers differently than most people! If you’re using a regular sugar cookie dough as the base for these incredible 12 New Year’s Eve Cookies (Sparkly & Fun), you know this isn’t exactly spa food; it’s a celebration dessert! We are looking at sugar, butter, and a bit of fondant here, so balance is key when enjoying your Party Dessert.

Since these cookies use standard pantry ingredients for the base and include the toppings (fondant and glitter), I can’t give you exact FDA-approved numbers, because your base cookie recipe might be wildly different than mine! But based on a standard sugar cookie recipe topped exactly as directed, here are my best guesses for one cookie. Remember, these are just estimates, so use them as a fun guideline!

When you are indulging in these amazing New Years Cookies, think of it as one glorious, sparkly moment to cap off the year!

• Estimated Calories: 180-220 kcal
• Estimated Total Fat: 8-10g
• Estimated Protein: 2-3g
• Estimated Total Carbohydrates: 25-30g (This count will be higher if you use a traditional non-keto sugar cookie dough!)

A Little Note: If you look at my keto-adapted recipes, the carb count is dramatically lower—but since these particular instructions call for standard sugar cookie dough, assume these estimates lean towards the classic recipe! Either way, they are worth every single bite as you ring in the New Year!

Share Your Sparkly Creations

Wow, you made it! Now you have twelve dazzling, shimmering, totally addictive New Years Cookies ready to ring in the best year yet. Seriously, stepping into the New Year with a plate of these makes everything feel a little more exciting and a lot more glamorous!

I truly hope you had as much fun making these as I did imagining your kitchens sparkling up with edible glitter. Baking is always better when you get to share the end result, right? Now it’s your turn to take these amazingly fun cookies and celebrate!

I’m dying to see how you personalized your New Year Cookie Designs! Did you go ultra-modern black and silver? Maybe you added some bright gold stars? Don’t keep all that hard work a secret!

When you share your photos online, please tag me! It absolutely makes my day to see my favorite recipes come to life at your parties. And if you found that the edible glitter technique worked wonders for you, let everyone else know in the comments below!

• Leave a star rating right here on the recipe page—it helps others know that this is the perfect Party Dessert for their next gathering.
• Drop a comment below telling me what you plan to toast with once you serve these cookies! Was it prosecco, sparkling cider, or something else entirely?
• Snap a picture of your finished platter of 12 New Year’s Eve Cookies (Sparkly & Fun) and share it on Instagram or Facebook, making sure you tag my page!

If you ran into any snags or have a brilliant decorative twist you want to share with the community—or if you just want to tell me how much your friends loved them—please reach out anytime! You can always get in touch through my contact page. Happy New Year, everyone, and keep baking sparkly things!