Imagine biting into a perfectly crafted sugar cookie, adorned with glossy, intricate royal icing that looks almost too beautiful to eat. These aren't just cookies - they're edible works of art that will transform your baking game and impress everyone from kids to professional pastry chefs! Whether you're looking to create stunning holiday treats, personalized party favors, or simply want to elevate your dessert skills, these Royal Icing Sugar Cookies are your ticket to becoming a baking superstar.
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 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 6 tablespoons water
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar 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 flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the dough to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut desired shapes.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the royal icing, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water in a large mixing bowl.
- Beat with an electric mixer on high speed for 7-10 minutes until the icing is glossy and forms stiff peaks.
- Divide icing into separate bowls and tint with food coloring as desired.
- Use piping bags to decorate the completely cooled cookies with royal icing. Allow icing to set for 1-2 hours before serving.
Tips
- Chill Your Dough: Never skip the refrigeration step! Chilling the dough for at least an hour helps prevent spreading and maintains crisp cookie shapes.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your dough just until ingredients are combined to keep cookies tender.
- Use Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
- Consistency is Key for Royal Icing: For piping details, aim for a "10-second consistency" where icing smooths out in 10 seconds when drizzled.
- Allow Icing to Set Completely: Patient decorators get the most stunning results - let icing dry thoroughly between layers.
- Get Creative with Colors: Use gel food coloring for vibrant, concentrated hues without changing icing consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg
