Save Whimsical, buttery sugar cookies shaped like hearts and stars, decorated with sparkling royal icing—perfect for a magical tea party or a royal celebration.
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 ½ 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.
Save 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
Save These delightful cookies bring a magical touch to any celebration and are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should the dough be chilled before baking?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes without spreading during baking.
- → What thickness is recommended for rolling the dough?
Roll the dough to about 6 mm (¼ inch) thickness to ensure even baking and a tender cookie texture.
- → Can I use powdered meringue instead of egg whites for icing?
Yes, powdered meringue combined with water works well as a stabilizer in royal icing, providing a smooth and glossy finish.
- → What decorations work best with royal icing?
Food coloring, edible glitter, and sprinkles enhance the festive look; apply after icing sets slightly for best adhesion.
- → How should the cookies be stored to maintain freshness?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to preserve their texture and flavor.
- → Is it possible to add citrus flavor to the cookies?
Yes, incorporating 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon or orange zest into the dough adds a bright, citrusy note.