Pillsbury Stacked Sugar Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Pillsbury Stacked Sugar Cookies combine classic sugar cookie dough with colorful holiday nonpareils for a festive and fun treat. Layered with a complementary shape cookie on top, they make an eye-catching dessert perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients
- 1 (1-lb.) log Pillsbury sugar cookie dough
- Various nonpareils in holiday colors, for decorating (about 1/4 cup of each color)
- 1 (9-oz.) box Pillsbury Shape cookie dough
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Unwrap the log of sugar cookie dough and slice it into 16 pieces, each about 1/2 inch thick (approximately 27 grams each). Gently roll each slice into a ball, then flatten with the palm of your hand to disks about 1/2 inch thick.
- Step 2: Divide the nonpareils by color onto separate plates; you’ll need about 1/4 cup (2 ounces) of each color, such as red, green, and white. Roll each dough disk in the nonpareils until fully coated. Place the coated cookies onto two parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Step 3: Bake the cookies for about 2 minutes, just until they begin to spread.
- Step 4: While the cookies bake, open the package of Pillsbury Shape cookie dough and break it apart into individual pieces. Place one piece on top of each sugar cookie.
- Step 5: Return the cookies to the oven and continue baking for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Tips & Variations
- For vibrant colors, use a mix of red, green, and white nonpareils or choose colors to match your occasion.
- If you don’t have Pillsbury Shape cookie dough, try using small cutouts from any stiff sugar cookie dough for stacking.
- Chill the dough before baking if you want a thicker, chewier cookie.
Storage
Store these stacked sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them, but bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of Pillsbury dough?
Yes, homemade sugar cookie dough can be used. Make sure it holds its shape well and adjust baking times as needed since homemade doughs may vary in thickness and moisture.
What can I do if I don’t have nonpareils?
If you don’t have nonpareils, try rolling the cookie dough in colored sanding sugar or mini sprinkles for a similar festive look and texture.
Print
Pillsbury Stacked Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in these festive Pillsbury Stacked Sugar Cookies featuring a crunchy sugar cookie base topped with colorful Pillsbury Shape cookie dough, perfect for holiday celebrations and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
Base Cookies
- 1 (1-lb.) log Pillsbury sugar cookie dough
- Various nonpareils in holiday colors (approximately 1/4 cup or 2 oz. each of red, green, and white)
Toppings
- 1 (9-oz.) box Pillsbury Shape cookie dough
Instructions
- Prepare Cookie Dough: Preheat oven to 350°F. Unwrap the 1-lb. log of Pillsbury sugar cookie dough and slice it into 16 pieces, each about 1/2-inch thick (approximately 27 grams each). Gently roll each slice into a ball and flatten into disks about 1/2-inch thick using the palm of your hand.
- Decorate with Nonpareils: Divide the nonpareils by color onto separate plates. Roll each dough disk in nonpareils until thoroughly coated on both sides. Arrange the coated disks on two parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Initial Baking: Bake the coated cookies for about 2 minutes until they just begin to spread.
- Add Toppings: While the cookies bake, open the box of Pillsbury Shape cookie dough and break it apart into pieces suitable for topping. Place one piece of the shape cookie dough on top of each sugar cookie base.
- Final Baking: Return the topped cookies to the oven and continue baking for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the top layer is set.
- Cooling and Storage: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets. For make-ahead convenience, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Use parchment paper-lined baking sheets to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- For best results, do not overbake; cookies should be golden but still soft in the center.
- Customize nonpareil colors according to the holiday or occasion for a festive look.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days without losing freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pillsbury sugar cookies, stacked sugar cookies, holiday cookies, easy sugar cookies, festive cookies

