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 first made these treats for a family gathering and the kids couldn't get enough of the sweet, buttery cookies and colorful icing designs.
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 to 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 smiles to our family celebrations, making each cookie a little moment of magic and joy.
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 per serving. Total Fat: 6 g. Carbohydrates: 21 g. Protein: 1.5 g.
Save Enjoy creating these magical treats that bring sparkle and sweetness to any occasion.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I ensure the dough chills properly?
Wrap the dough disks tightly in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up, which helps maintain shape during baking.
- → What’s the best way to achieve vibrant icing colors?
Use gel-based food coloring to mix into the royal icing for bright, rich hues without affecting consistency.
- → Can the shaped sugar treats be stored after decorating?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to keep them fresh and crisp.
- → How thick should the dough be rolled for cutting?
Roll the dough to about 6 mm (¼ inch) thickness to ensure even baking and sturdy shapes.
- → What can I add for a citrus flavor twist?
Incorporate 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus note.