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.
These cookies always brighten our family tea parties and bring smiles to everyone's faces.
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 Sharing these treats is a cherished family tradition that fills our home with laughter and sweetness.
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
Save These cookies are perfect for celebrations and sure to impress your guests with their charming appearance and delicious taste.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I get the dough to roll out easily?
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling to make it firm and less sticky, allowing for clean shapes and easy handling.
- → What is the best way to achieve smooth royal icing?
Whisk powdered sugar with egg white or meringue powder and lemon juice until glossy and lump-free. Adjust consistency with water as needed for piping or spreading.
- → Can I use natural food coloring for decorating?
Yes, natural food colorings work well and can add subtle hues while keeping the icing vibrant and appealing.
- → How should decorated cookies be stored?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and icing texture.
- → Is it necessary to use parchment paper when baking?
Using parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures even baking, making removal and cleanup easier.