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.
I remember making these sugar cookies with my family during holiday seasons, filling the kitchen with joy and a sweet aroma.
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.
Save This recipe always brings my family together, sharing laughter and creativity decorating each unique cookie.
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 (per serving)
Calories 140, Total Fat 6 g, Carbohydrates 21 g, Protein 1.5 g
Save Enjoy these treats best shared with loved ones over a magical tea party. Happy baking!
Kitchen Guide
- → What ingredients create the cookie dough?
The dough includes softened butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt for a tender crumb.
- → How is the royal icing prepared?
Royal icing is made by whisking powdered sugar with egg white or meringue powder and lemon juice, creating a smooth, pipeable consistency.
- → Why chill the dough before baking?
Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut precise shapes while preventing spreading during baking.
- → How long should the cookies bake?
Bake the cut-out shapes at 180°C (350°F) for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden.
- → What decorating tips enhance the cookies?
Use tinted royal icing, edible glitter, and sprinkles for vibrant, sparkling decorations; allow icing to set fully before serving.
- → Can I add flavors to the dough?
Yes, finely grated lemon or orange zest can be incorporated into the dough for a subtle citrus note.