Get ready to transform your kitchen into a festive celebration of American pride with these jaw-dropping Patriotic Royal Icing Star Cookies! Whether you're gearing up for the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or simply want to add a burst of red, white, and blue to your dessert table, these stunning cookies are guaranteed to make everyone's eyes light up. Imagine biting into a perfectly crisp, buttery star cookie adorned with glossy, vibrant royal icing that looks almost too beautiful to eat – these aren't just cookies, they're edible works of art that will have your guests asking, "How did you make these?"
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- Food coloring (red, white, blue)
Instructions
- Prepare the cookie dough by whisking together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow it to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookie shapes and transfer them to prepared baking sheets.
- Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely on wire racks.
- For royal icing, mix powdered sugar and water until smooth and glossy.
- Divide royal icing into three bowls and tint with red, white, and blue food coloring.
- Use piping bags to decorate cooled cookies with patriotic designs and colors.
- Let decorated cookies dry completely for 1-2 hours before serving or storing.
Tips
- Keep your butter at room temperature for the smoothest, creamiest dough possible.
- Chill the cookie dough for at least an hour - this prevents spreading and helps maintain the star shape.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant, concentrated colors in your royal icing.
- Invest in quality star-shaped cookie cutters for precise, clean edges.
- Let cookies cool completely before decorating to prevent icing from melting.
- Use a toothpick to help spread and detail your royal icing designs.
- Allow icing to dry completely for a professional, glossy finish.
- Store cookies in a single layer between parchment paper to preserve their beautiful decoration.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
