Pin It Adorable sugar cookies in heart and star shapes, decorated with colorful icing and charming bow designs—perfect for celebrations, gifts, or afternoon tea.
This recipe brings back fond memories of baking with family during the holidays, filling the house with sweet aromas and laughter.
Ingredients
- For the Cookies: 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- For the Royal Icing: 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 3–4 tablespoons warm water
- Gel food coloring (pink, red, yellow, blue, etc)
- For Decorating: Assorted sprinkles
- Edible pearls
- Piping bags and small round tips
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour baking powder and salt Set aside.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 3 minutes).
- Step 3:
- Add egg and vanilla extract beat until combined.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients mixing just until dough forms.
- Step 5:
- Divide dough in half flatten into discs wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 7:
- On a floured surface roll out dough to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness Cut into heart and star shapes using cookie cutters.
- Step 8:
- Transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets spacing them 1 inch apart.
- Step 9:
- Bake for 10 12 minutes or until edges are just turning golden Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Step 10:
- For royal icing In a bowl combine powdered sugar meringue powder and 3 tablespoons water Beat until smooth and glossy adding more water as needed for piping consistency.
- Step 11:
- Divide icing into bowls tint each with gel food coloring as desired.
- Step 12:
- Fill piping bags with colored icing Outline and flood the cooled cookies then pipe bow designs and sprinkle with decorations Allow icing to set completely before serving or packaging.
Pin It Let decorated cookies dry overnight for best results Pair with tea lemonade or a sparkling rosé for a delightful treat.
Required Tools
Electric mixer Mixing bowls Rolling pin Heart & star cookie cutters Baking sheets Parchment paper Wire racks Piping bags and small round tips
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten) eggs milk (butter) May contain traces of nuts if using certain sprinkles or decorations always check labels
Nutritional Information
Calories 150 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 20 g Protein 2 g
Pin It This cookie recipe combines classic flavors with charming decoration ideas for a treat that delights both kids and adults.
Questions About This Recipe
- → What shapes are used for these cookies?
Heart and star cookie cutters are used to create charming shapes perfect for decorating.
- → How is the colorful decoration achieved?
Royal icing is colored with gel food coloring and piped to create bow designs and other accents.
- → Can these treats be prepared in advance?
Yes, the royal icing can be made ahead and cookies decorated can be dried overnight for best results.
- → Are there any suggested pairings?
They pair wonderfully with tea, lemonade, or sparkling rosé for a delightful experience.
- → What texture can I expect from these cookies?
They offer a crisp edge with a soft, buttery middle, enhanced by smooth, sweet icing.
- → Is there a variation with chocolate flavor?
Yes, substituting a small portion of the flour with cocoa powder creates a chocolate-infused variation.