Pin Whimsical, buttery sugar cookies shaped like hearts and stars, decorated with sparkling royal icing—perfect for a magical tea party or a royal celebration.
This recipe always brings joy to our family gatherings and is a delightful treat for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- Cookie Dough: 225 g (1 cup) unsalted butter softened, 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 350 g (2 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour, ½ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt
- Royal Icing: 250 g (2 cups) powdered sugar sifted, 1 large egg white (or 2 tbsp meringue powder + 3 tbsp water), ½ tsp lemon juice, Food coloring (pink, yellow, purple, blue, etc.), Edible glitter or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 2:
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 3:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Step 5:
- Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 7:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 6 mm (¼ inch) thickness.
- Step 8:
- Cut out heart and star shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies on prepared trays, spacing them 2.5 cm (1 inch) apart.
- Step 9:
- Bake 8 10 minutes or until edges are just beginning to turn golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Step 10:
- For icing: In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, egg white (or meringue powder mixture), and lemon juice until smooth. Divide icing into bowls and tint with desired food colors.
- Step 11:
- Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter as you wish. Let icing set before serving.
Pin Our family cherishes making these cookies together during holidays and celebrating with a magical tea party.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, Electric mixer or hand whisk, Measuring cups and spoons, Rolling pin, Heart and star-shaped cookie cutters, Baking sheets, Parchment paper, Wire cooling racks, Small spatulas or piping bags for decorating
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs, Wheat (gluten), Dairy (butter). May contain Traces of nuts if sprinkles or decorations are not nut-free. If concerned, double-check all labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 140, Total Fat 6 g, Carbohydrates 21 g, Protein 1.5 g per serving
Pin These treats add a special sparkle to any celebration and are sure to delight all ages.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve the perfect texture for these sugar cookies?
Ensuring the butter is softened and creamed well with the sugar creates a tender and light dough. Chilling the dough helps maintain cookie shape during baking.
- → What is the best way to decorate the cookies?
Use royal icing tinted with food coloring for vibrant designs. Edible glitter or sprinkles add extra sparkle once the icing has set.
- → Can I make the royal icing ahead of time?
Yes, royal icing can be prepared in advance and stored covered to prevent drying. Stir before use and add color as desired.
- → How should I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to preserve freshness and texture.
- → Are there any allergen considerations to keep in mind?
These treats contain eggs, wheat, and dairy. Check decorations for nut-free labels if allergies are a concern.