How to Make a DIY Santa Cookie Tray with Cut Files

I wanted to make a fun last-minute Christmas craft and this DIY Santa cookie tray was so quick to put together. Below, I’m also sharing how to make a Santa cookie plate safely.

What I’m saying is whether you want a tray or a plate, I’m sharing free Santa cookie plate SVG files to get you started. And you can have the cutest cookie delivery this holiday season.

how to make a cookie tray for santa
Making this easy Santa cookie tray was SO FUN! The kiddo really loved helping and this alternative to a Santa cookie plate is awesome.

Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots, we adore Christmas around here. It’s a little ridiculous, between the fun holiday gnomes and the Christmas cupcakes, I’m surprised I ever have any time to do anything else. But I found myself with a few minutes free and made this absolutely adorable DIY Santa cookie tray.

RELATED READING: FREE CHRISTMAS SVG FILES

Genuinely fun, this easy Christmas craft makes for a great addition to any Christmas tradition. My kiddo is so excited to put this out for Santa, we even had to test it out–you know, to make sure it worked. If you’re ready to get a tray for Santa’s cookies made, well, let’s get started.

No Time to Make This Now? Pin it for Later

You’re busy, I get it. Pin this to your favorite Christmas DIYs board on Pinterest and it’ll be here for when you’re ready.

photo collage of easy diy santa plate with text which reads how to make a santa cooke tray

As an Amazon Associate, I can earn from qualifying purchases.

Tips to Make A Tray for Santa Cookies

  • Click here to get the free cut files for Cricut or Silhouette to make this easy Santa cookie plate alternative. You could totally make this by just painting on the words, but seriously, if you have a cutting machine, why would you do that?!
  • Don’t forget, if you’re going to use heat transfer vinyl, be sure to mirror the image in Cricut Design Space or Silhouette Studio. I have wasted so much vinyl that way…don’t be like me.
  • One of the most awesome tools I’ve recently added to my arsenal is the EasyPress Mini. Now, I’m not joking you, I was using my household iron before and you can certainly press your vinyl with that. But the deal is that, if you want a more consistent, fast and beautiful finish with your vinyl, the EasyPress is the way to go. Click here to get an EasyPress Mini and make this project move like a breeze.
  • My hot glue gun is literally my go-to, but I’ve found that for handles on anything that’s going to get picked up or hung on a wall, I really ought to use E6000 craft glue. It’s really stout and just puts up with more abuse. But doesn’t set as quick as super glue, so I still have time to position things and make it right before it’s stuck forever. So, click here and get some E6000 just so you can keep your handles on your tray for Santa cookies.
how to make a christmas cookie tray for santa

I’m so glad you asked. Below is our written tutorial.

Yield: 1 Adorable Santa Cookie Tray

DIY Santa Cookie Tray

how to make a christmas cookie tray for santa

If you're awaiting a visit from the jolly old elf, this DIY Santa cookie tray is the perfect alternative to a Santa plate. Plus, the cut files make weeding so easy and, even though it's a big project, it's definitely fun!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Active Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost $5

Materials

Instructions

  1. Start by staining your wood. I just did one coat, then allowed it to dry per the package directions for the stain.
  2. Download the cut files and upload them to the cutting machine software of your choice.
  3. Load the heat transfer vinyl onto your cutting mat. Be sure to mirror the image in Cricut Design Space or Silhouette Studio. I have wasted so much vinyl that way…don’t be like me.
  4. Also, another trick: be sure to hit the "attach" button so that your lettering stays all nice and neat together. You won't save any vinyl this way, but you will save your sanity.
  5. Cut the lettering and shapes, then cut out each of the general groupings.
  6. Weed the lettering and discard the unnecessary vinyl scraps.
  7. Place the shapes and lettering on the wood and iron it on using your EasyPress Mini. Follow the vinyl's directions for how long and what heat level to use with the EasyPress.
  8. Remove the backing from the vinyl lettering and shapes.
  9. Place your handles and glue them down with the E6000.
  10. Allow the E6000 to dry overnight.
  11. Pop some cookies on your Santa cookie tray and place next to the mantle! photo collage tutorial of how to make a DIY santa cookie tray

Notes

For more fun Christmas crafts, visit Ruffles and Rain Boots!

Did you make this?

Please leave a comment or share a photo and tag me @rufflesandrain

How to Make a Vinyl Safe Santa Cookie Plate

We know that vinyl isn’t safe to eat from and if you’re concerned small hands might be tempted, I’m going to share a little secret: use a glass plate from the Dollar Tree! If you do this, not only is the vinyl safe to eat off of (because it does not touch any food), but the cookie plate for Santa is small and you can easily store it!

Instructions to Make a Safe Cookies for Santa Plate

  1. Buy a glass plate (I got mine from the Dollar Tree).
  2. Clean the underside of the plate with alcohol.
  3. Create the size of the cut files you need to fit your plate. You can create your own text in Cricut Design Space or Silhouette Studio and curve it to add a “Cookies for Santa from Child’s Name” along the outer rim if you would like.
  4. Before you cut the adhesive (permanent) vinyl, MIRROR THE DESIGN. I know this isn’t a normal step when working with adhesive vinyl, but we need it for our plate.
  5. Cut, weed, and attach to the plate like normal. Remember, no sealing is needed for permanent vinyl.
A clear and safe cookies for Santa plate made with adhesive vinyl and Cricut on a red Santa hat and a tartan plaid background with pine cones and candy canes.
This plate is safe to eat from because we are using permanent (adhesive) vinyl on the underside of the Cookies for Santa plate.

More Christmas DIYs and Crafts You Might Like

  • DIY Farmhouse Christmas Crafts – I adore all of these fun ideas for farmhouse Christmas decor. Just so many things to make and so little time!
  • Mason Jar Christmas Crafts – Mason jar crafts for Christmas are the epitome of farmhouse style. And all of these ideas are perfect fun.
  • Best Christmas Gnome Tutorials – Oh, wait–the REAL epitome of farmhouse decor is gnomes. Gnomes make every holiday just a little more whimsical and fun. And these amazing gnome tutorials are nothing short of the best of Christmas.
Please Save This to Pinterest

Your shares are how this site grows and I am sincerely grateful. Know a friend who’d like this? Please share it on Facebook or save it to your favorite DIY Christmas crafts board on Pinterest.

photo collage of santa cookie plate with text which reads make this easy santa cookie tray with cut files

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *