25 Cutest Graduation Party Cookie Ideas

If you want a dessert table that instantly screams “congrats, grad!” cookies are the easiest (and cutest) way to do it.

Stock up on graduation cookie cutters, cookie boxes, and a piping bag set so decorating stays fun instead of frustrating.

1. Classic Mortarboard Cap Sugar Cookies

These are the ultimate graduation cookie and look adorable stacked on a platter like mini caps. They’re perfect for matching school colors with a simple tassel detail.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• mortarboard graduation cookie cutter

Directions

1. Cream softened butter and sugar in a stand mixer or bowl until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
2. Mix in egg and vanilla until smooth.
3. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then add to the wet mixture.
4. Mix just until a dough forms, then chill the dough 30–45 minutes so it rolls cleanly.
5. Roll on a lightly floured surface with a rolling pin to about ¼-inch thick.
6. Cut caps using a mortarboard cutter and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes until set (they shouldn’t brown much).
8. Cool completely before decorating with royal icing and adding a tassel using decorating gel or piped icing.

2. Tassel Tie Cookies (Ribbon Bow Style)

These are sweet and simple, and they look adorable lined up in rows like little tassels. They’re also easy to customize with any school color.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• gel food coloring set
• small round piping tips

Directions

1. Make and bake a basic sugar cookie dough using flour, butter, sugar, egg, and almond extract.
2. Cut dough into long rectangles with a rectangle cookie cutter (or use a knife and ruler for straight edges).
3. Bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes and cool completely.
4. Mix a simple icing with powdered sugar and a splash of water or milk until thick but pipeable.
5. Tint icing with gel food coloring to match school colors.
6. Use small round tips to pipe a “knot” near the top and thin tassel lines down the cookie.
7. Let set 1–2 hours before stacking or boxing.

3. Diploma Scroll Cookies (Rolled Parchment Look)

These are such a fun graduation detail and look adorable tied with a little icing “ribbon.” They’re great as favors in little cookie boxes.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• royal icing mix
• round piping tip set

Directions

1. Cream butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Add egg and vanilla.
3. Mix in flour and cornstarch until dough forms, then chill 30 minutes.
4. Roll dough into a rectangle and cut into long scroll shapes using a rectangle cutter.
5. Bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes, cool completely, then outline and flood with royal icing in a parchment-like color.
6. Once set, pipe tight curl lines on each end to mimic a rolled diploma, using a round piping tip.
7. Add a thin “ribbon” band around the center in school colors and let dry overnight before stacking.

4. “Class of 2026” Number Cookies

Number cookies are super easy to theme and look amazing on a cookie board. They’re also perfect for photos because they show the year instantly.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• number cookie cutter set
• royal icing mix
• edible glitter spray

Directions

1. Prepare sugar cookie dough with flour, butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla, then chill.
2. Roll dough ¼-inch thick and cut out numbers using a number cutter set.
3. Bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes and cool completely.
4. Decorate with royal icing in school colors, adding dots, stripes, or confetti patterns.
5. Finish with a light mist of edible glitter spray for a celebratory sparkle.

5. Mini Graduation Gown Cookies

These look adorable paired with cap cookies on a dessert tray, and they’re surprisingly simple to decorate. Add a tiny collar detail and they instantly read “gown.”

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• graduation gown cookie cutter
• black gel food coloring
• piping bags set

Directions

1. Mix cookie dough using flour, butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla, then chill.
2. Roll dough and cut gown shapes using a gown cutter.
3. Bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes and cool completely.
4. Make icing and tint deep black using black gel coloring (start with a little, then deepen).
5. Use piping bags to outline and flood the gown, then pipe a small V-shape collar and sleeve lines.
6. Let dry overnight before stacking so the details stay crisp.

6. “Grad Party Ticket” Cookie Stubs

These are so cute for a party theme because they look like little admission tickets. Add the year and a tiny “Seat: Congrats” line for extra charm.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• rectangle cookie cutter
• food-safe edible markers
• mini hole punch cutter

Directions

1. Prepare and chill sugar cookie dough using flour, butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla.
2. Roll dough ¼-inch thick and cut rectangles using a rectangle cutter.
3. Press tiny “ticket holes” along one edge with a mini hole punch cutter.
4. Bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes and cool completely.
5. Flood with simple icing (or leave plain) and let set.
6. Write “GRAD,” the year, and a cute message using edible markers.

7. Confetti Sprinkle Grad Cookies

These are perfect when you want maximum cute with minimal decorating skills. They look festive in any color combo and feel like instant celebration.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• graduation sprinkles
• vanilla frosting tub
• offset spatula

Directions

1. Bake round sugar cookies using a standard dough (or your favorite recipe) and cool completely.
2. Spread a thin layer of vanilla frosting with an offset spatula.
3. Immediately dip the frosted tops into graduation sprinkles so they stick well.
4. Let set 20–30 minutes before stacking on a platter.

8. “Smart Cookie” Glasses Cookies

These are hilarious in the cutest way and perfect for a grad party. Add little nerdy glasses and a tiny smile for instant personality.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• round cookie cutter set
• black royal icing
• food-safe edible markers

Directions

1. Cut and bake round cookies using a round cutter and cool completely.
2. Flood cookies with a light icing color and let set until firm to the touch.
3. Pipe glasses frames using black royal icing, making two circles with a small bridge.
4. Once dry, draw tiny eyes and a smile using edible markers.
5. Add “Smart Cookie” or the year in small writing if you want.

9. School Color Stripe Cookies

These look super polished but are actually easy—just stripes in two or three colors. They’re perfect when you want a cohesive party spread.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• gel food coloring set
• piping bags set
• round piping tip set

Directions

1. Bake a batch of rectangle or round cookies and cool completely.
2. Divide icing into 2–3 bowls and tint with gel coloring to match school colors.
3. Fill piping bags and snip small openings (or use round tips).
4. Pipe clean stripes across each cookie, letting colors meet edge-to-edge.
5. Use a toothpick to gently nudge lines straighter if needed.
6. Let dry fully before stacking.

10. “Congrats Grad” Message Plaque Cookies

These are the easiest way to personalize your cookie table without doing anything too complicated. They look adorable displayed upright on a cookie stand.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• plaque cookie cutter
• food-safe edible markers
• royal icing mix

Directions

1. Cut plaque shapes using a plaque cutter and bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes.
2. Cool completely, then flood with royal icing and let dry until smooth.
3. Write “Congrats,” the grad’s name, and the year using edible markers.
4. Add tiny confetti dots around the message if you want extra detail.

11. Tiny Star “Valedictorian” Cookies

Stars are a cute way to shout out the grad’s big moment without doing complicated designs. They’re also great for filling empty spaces on a cookie board.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• star cookie cutter set
• gold edible luster dust
• food-safe small paintbrush

Directions

1. Cut stars using a star cutter and bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes (smaller cookies bake faster).
2. Cool completely and flood with a thin layer of icing.
3. Once dry, dust with gold luster dust using a food-safe paintbrush.
4. Let set, then serve scattered around your main cookies for a “star graduate” vibe.

12. Mini Book Cookies (For the Scholar Grad)

These are adorable for any book-loving grad and look amazing paired with cap cookies. Add a tiny “Class of” on the cover and they’re instantly themed.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• book cookie cutter
• black royal icing
• food-safe edible markers

Directions

1. Cut book shapes using a book cutter and bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes.
2. Cool completely, then flood with icing in a “cover” color and let set.
3. Pipe a thin border and a center line to mimic a book spine using black icing.
4. Write “Class of ____” with edible markers.

13. Little A+ Grade Cookies

These are cute, quick to decorate, and everyone instantly gets the vibe. They’re perfect as filler cookies on a big dessert board.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• round cookie cutter
• white royal icing
• red food coloring gel

Directions

1. Cut and bake round cookies, then cool completely.
2. Flood with white royal icing and let dry until smooth.
3. Tint a small amount of icing red using red gel coloring.
4. Pipe an “A+” in the center with a small round tip and let set before stacking.

14. Pennant Flag Cookies (School Spirit Style)

These look adorable lined up like a little banner across your cookie tray. They’re perfect for school colors and super photo-friendly.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• triangle cookie cutter
• gel food coloring set
• white sprinkles

Directions

1. Cut triangle shapes using a triangle cutter and bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes.
2. Cool completely and divide icing into two bowls for school colors.
3. Flood each cookie half-and-half with two colors, using a toothpick to clean the center line.
4. Add dots or stripes with the opposite color, then finish with white sprinkles for a sporty look.
5. Let dry completely before arranging like a banner on a platter.

15. Mini “Grad Photo Frame” Cookies

These are next-level cute and perfect if you want one really special cookie on the table. You can add a tiny year in the corner like a real photo.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• square cookie cutter
• small rectangle cookie cutter
• food-safe edible markers

Directions

1. Cut large squares with a square cutter.
2. Before baking, lightly press a smaller rectangle cutter into the center (don’t cut through) to create a frame guide.
3. Bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes and cool completely.
4. Ice the outer frame a bold color, and fill the center with white icing like a “photo background.”
5. Add tiny “2026” or “Congrats” in the corner using edible markers.

16. Mini Graduation Cap Oreo-Top Cookies

This one is extra cute because it’s a cookie topped with a tiny “cap” that looks like a mortarboard. It’s a fun mixed-texture treat and super party-friendly.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 24 mini sandwich cookies
• black decorating gel
• royal icing mix

Directions

1. Bake round sugar cookies and cool completely.
2. Pipe a small circle of royal icing in the center as “glue.”
3. Press a mini sandwich cookie on top to create a cap look.
4. Add a tiny tassel line using black gel.
5. Let set before stacking.

17. Chalkboard “Future Is Bright” Cookies

These look so cute and modern and are actually easy to pull off. The chalkboard style is perfect for writing fun little messages.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• black gel food coloring
• white royal icing
• food-safe edible markers

Directions

1. Bake rectangle cookies and cool completely.
2. Tint icing black using black gel coloring and flood each cookie.
3. Let dry until smooth and matte (at least 4 hours is ideal).
4. Write messages like “Future,” “Congrats,” or the year using edible markers or thin white icing.

18. Mini “Grad Badge” Award Ribbon Cookies

These look like little award ribbons and are so cute for a graduation theme. They’re great in school colors and feel extra celebratory.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• award ribbon cookie cutter
• gel food coloring set
• edible gold pearls

Directions

1. Cut ribbon shapes with an award ribbon cutter and bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes.
2. Cool completely and flood the top circle and ribbon tails in school colors.
3. Pipe a thin outline around the edges for dimension.
4. Add a tiny gold pearl in the center like a medal button.
5. Let dry overnight before stacking.

19. “Grad Confetti” Polka Dot Cookies

These are colorful, cheerful, and easy—just dots in a few colors. They look adorable mixed with more detailed cookies on a big tray.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• gel food coloring set
• piping bags set
• round piping tip set

Directions

1. Bake round cookies and cool completely.
2. Flood cookies with a base color and let set until firm.
3. Tint small bowls of icing with gel coloring for bright confetti dots.
4. Pipe dots using piping bags and a small round tip.
5. Let dry fully before stacking.

20. Mini “Grad Bouquet” Flower Cookies (School Colors)

These add a soft, pretty touch to your cookie tray and look gorgeous next to caps and diplomas. They’re perfect if you want a mix of cute and classic.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• flower cookie cutter set
• star piping tips
• gel food coloring set

Directions

1. Cut flower shapes using a flower cutter and bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes.
2. Cool completely and flood with a base icing color.
3. Tint thicker icing in school colors and pipe petals using star tips.
4. Add a center dot, then let dry fully before serving.

21. “Next Chapter” Graduation Bookmark Cookies

These are adorable for bookish grads and look so cute packaged as favors. Add a little “ribbon” icing detail at the top like a bookmark tassel.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• long rectangle cookie cutter
• royal icing mix
• food-safe edible markers

Directions

1. Cut long rectangles using a bookmark cutter and bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes.
2. Cool completely and flood with royal icing in a pastel or school color.
3. Pipe a small “ribbon” bow at the top in a contrasting color.
4. Write “Next Chapter” and the year using edible markers.
5. Let dry fully before packaging in cookie bags.

22. “Grad Hat Stack” Cookie Sandwiches

These are extra fun because they’re two cookies with frosting in the middle—like a little celebratory sandwich. They look adorable lined up on a dessert tray.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• vanilla buttercream frosting
• gel food coloring set
• round cookie cutter

Directions

1. Bake round cookies (slightly thicker than usual so they hold up) and cool completely.
2. Tint buttercream with gel coloring to match school colors.
3. Pipe or spread frosting on the bottom of one cookie, then gently press a second cookie on top.
4. Optional: roll the edges in sprinkles for extra cuteness.
5. Chill 15 minutes before serving so the filling sets neatly.

23. Mini “Grad Cap” Black Cocoa Cookies

If you want a cookie that naturally looks graduation-themed without tons of icing, black cocoa is the cutest trick. These feel a little fancy but are still easy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup black cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• graduation cookie cutters

Directions

1. Whisk flour, black cocoa, and baking powder.
2. Cream butter and sugar, then add egg and vanilla.
3. Mix in dry ingredients until dough forms, then chill 30 minutes.
4. Roll and cut shapes with graduation cutters.
5. Bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes, cool, then add minimal icing details like a tassel if you want.

24. “Grad Garland” Mini Circle Cookies (String of Lights Look)

These tiny cookies look adorable scattered like confetti or lined up like a little garland across the platter. They’re super easy and perfect for using up leftover icing colors.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• mini round cookie cutters
• gel food coloring set
• graduation sprinkles

Directions

1. Roll dough thinner than usual (about ⅛-inch) and cut tiny circles using mini round cutters.
2. Bake at 350°F for 6–8 minutes since they’re small, then cool completely.
3. Divide icing into several colors using gel coloring.
4. Dip tops into icing or flood quickly, then add sprinkles while wet.
5. Let dry, then arrange on a platter like confetti or a cute garland border.

25. “Cheers to the Grad” Mini Toast Cookies

These look like little clinking toast glasses and are so cute for celebrating. They’re fun for older grads or parties that lean a bit more “grown up.”

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• champagne glass cookie cutter
• gold sprinkles
• edible glitter spray

Directions

1. Cut shapes using a champagne glass cutter and bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes.
2. Cool completely and flood with pale “champagne” colored icing.
3. While wet, add gold sprinkles to the top section like bubbles.
4. Once dry, finish with a quick mist of edible glitter spray for sparkle.

FAQ

What kind of cookies work best for decorating graduation designs?

Sugar cookies that hold their shape are the easiest for graduation themes because you can cut clean caps, diplomas, and numbers.

Using graduation cookie cutters and a smooth royal icing mix helps your designs look crisp and party-ready. If you want super simple, round cookies with fun writing still look adorable.

How far ahead can I make graduation party cookies?

You can bake cookies 2–3 days ahead and store them in an airtight container, then decorate 1–2 days before the party.

If you’re boxing them up as favors, use cellophane cookie bags or cookie boxes once the icing is fully dry. For best results, let royal icing dry overnight before stacking.

What are the easiest graduation cookie designs for beginners?

Confetti sprinkle cookies, polka dots, and simple school color stripes are the easiest because you don’t need perfect piping.

A piping bag set and a few gel food colors go a long way for beginner-friendly designs. You can also write “Congrats” with edible markers for a super easy win.

How do I get dark black icing for graduation cap cookies?

Start with a small amount of black gel food coloring and mix it into your icing, then let it sit for 15–20 minutes to deepen before adding more.

Some bakers also use black cocoa powder in the cookie dough so the cookie itself is already dark. Either way, giving the color time to develop is the secret.

What’s the best way to display graduation cookies on a dessert table?

A big cookie board looks amazing—mix caps, diplomas, numbers, and a few simple sprinkle cookies for variety.

Use a cookie display stand for height and add little signs near the cookies for extra graduation flair.

If you’re handing them out, stack them in cookie boxes for an easy favor moment.

Graduation Cookies

Graduation cookies are such an easy way to make your party table feel personal, festive, and totally photo-worthy.

With a few basics like graduation cookie cutters and a reliable royal icing mix, you can create everything from caps and diplomas to fun confetti designs.

Mix a few detailed cookies with a few super simple sprinkle or stripe cookies, and your whole spread will look intentional (without feeling like you spent days on it).

Get the scoop on more like this:

• 25 Make-Ahead Graduation Party Foods
• 25 Easy Graduation Finger Foods
• 25 Graduation Party Food Ideas for a Crowd
• 55+ Side Dishes for Graduation Party: Easy Food Ideas