Save to Pinterest 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 brings joy and sweetness to any celebration, reminding me of fun times baking with loved ones.
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 to Pinterest Sharing these treats filled our home with laughter and sweet memories that we cherish.
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 to Pinterest Enjoy crafting these charming cookies that bring a magical touch to every occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the right dough consistency?
Ensure butter is softened before mixing and avoid overworking the dough to maintain tenderness. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling out.
- → What is the best thickness for rolling the dough?
Roll the dough to about 6 mm (¼ inch) thickness for even baking and sturdy shapes that hold detail during decorating.
- → How long should I bake the cookies?
Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges begin to turn golden to achieve a crisp exterior with a soft center.
- → Can I customize the icing colors?
Yes, divide the royal icing into bowls and tint with your choice of food coloring to create a variety of vibrant decorations.
- → How should decorated cookies be stored?
Store in an airtight container to preserve freshness for up to one week, keeping decorations intact.