Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing Recipe

Sugar cookies with royal icing are like the warm hug you didn’t know you needed. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie that melts in your mouth, topped with a glossy, sweet royal icing that’s so smooth it could double as a mirror. The aroma of vanilla wafts through the air, wrapping around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. You’ll want to make these for every occasion or even just because it’s Tuesday and you deserve a treat!

The first time I made sugar cookies with royal icing was for my best friend’s birthday party. I had visions of Pinterest perfection dancing in my head, but let’s just say my cookies looked more “abstract art” than “bake sale chic.” Despite their questionable appearance, the taste was out of this world! Now, I whip them up for everything from holiday gatherings to movie nights—and they never fail to bring smiles (and maybe a few giggles) to the table.

Ingredients for sugar cookies with royal icing

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your cookies, giving them structure without being too dense.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and gives those lovely cookies their signature crunch.
• Baking Powder: Helps your cookies rise, ensuring they’re soft rather than flat as a pancake.
• Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for that rich flavor and tender texture that makes these cookies irresistible.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture; go for large eggs for best results.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla enhances the flavor profile and adds warmth.

For the Royal Icing:

• Powdered Sugar: The key ingredient for royal icing; it creates that smooth finish we all love.
• Egg Whites or Meringue Powder: Provides structure; meringue powder is great if you’re looking to avoid raw eggs.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make sugar cookies with royal icing

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because no one likes cold, sad cookies when they could be warm and inviting.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In one bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking powder until well combined. This ensures even distribution so every bite has that delightful sweetness.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about three minutes should do the trick. Think of it as giving your butter a spa day!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in those eggs one at a time while mixing until fully incorporated. Then add vanilla extract for an aromatic boost that makes your kitchen smell heavenly.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your flour mixture into the butter mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix—just blend until you see no more flour!

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about half an inch thick. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters and place them on lined baking sheets. Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Step 7: Prepare Royal Icing

While your cookies cool, mix powdered sugar with egg whites or rehydrated meringue powder according to package directions until smooth but spreadable.

Step 8: Decorate Your Cookies

Once cooled completely, use piping bags or knives to spread royal icing onto each cookie. Let them dry completely before stacking or serving.

Transfer to plates and enjoy these delightful treats that not only look stunning but also taste amazing!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing your sugar cookie dough and chilling it while preheating your oven. Roll out the dough, cut your shapes, and bake until lightly golden. Once cooled, it’s time to whip up that royal icing for decorating.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap regular flour for almond flour for a nutty flavor or add citrus zest for a fresh twist. Experiment with different colors and flavors in your royal icing too—vanilla, lemon, or even chocolate can work wonders!

Storing & Reheating

Store your decorated sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to reheat them, use the microwave for just a few seconds—this helps keep them soft without losing their charm.

I once baked a batch of sugar cookies with royal icing for my niece’s birthday party. Watching her squeal with delight as she decorated them was priceless; they quickly became her favorite treat!

FAQs

What are sugar cookies with royal icing?

Sugar cookies with royal icing are a delightful treat that combines a soft, sweet cookie base with a glossy, decorative icing. The cookies are typically made from simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter, allowing their flavor to shine. Royal icing, made from egg whites and powdered sugar, dries hard and provides a perfect canvas for intricate designs. This combination makes them popular for celebrations, holidays, and special occasions.

How do I decorate sugar cookies with royal icing?

To decorate sugar cookies with royal icing, start by preparing your royal icing to the desired consistency. Use a piping bag or squeeze bottle for precision. Outline your cookie shapes first, then flood the center with thinned royal icing. Use a toothpick to spread the icing evenly or create designs. Allow your decorated cookies to dry completely before stacking or packaging to prevent smudging.

Can I make sugar cookies in advance?

Absolutely! You can make sugar cookies in advance and store them properly. After baking, let the cookies cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you plan on decorating them later, consider freezing the undecorated cookies. They can last in the freezer for up to three months—just thaw and decorate when you’re ready!

How do I store sugar cookies with royal icing?

Storing sugar cookies with royal icing requires care to maintain their freshness and decoration. Once they are fully dried, place them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store them at room temperature away from direct sunlight. They should stay fresh for about two weeks if properly stored.

If you’re craving more sweet treats, explore these delightful dessert recipes for your next baking adventure.

Conclusion for sugar cookies with royal icing

Sugar cookies with royal icing are not just delicious; they also offer endless creative possibilities for decoration. By mastering the basics of making both the cookies and the royal icing, you can create stunning treats that impress friends and family alike. Remember to store your decorated cookies correctly to keep them fresh and vibrant. With practice, you’ll find joy in baking these charming delights for any occasion!

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Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in these delightful sugar cookies topped with smooth royal icing, perfect for any occasion and sure to bring smiles to your table!

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Ingredients

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For the Sugar Cookies:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Royal Icing:

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 large egg whites or 3 tbsp meringue powder mixed with water according to package directions

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Instructions

For the Sugar Cookies:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder until combined.
3. 3. In another bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about three minutes).
4. 4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined; do not overmix.
6. 6. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about half an inch thick and cut into desired shapes.
7. 7. Place cookies on lined baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.

For the Royal Icing:

1. 1. While cookies cool, combine powdered sugar with egg whites (or rehydrated meringue powder) in a bowl.
2. 2. Mix until smooth but spreadable; adjust consistency if necessary by adding water or more powdered sugar.
3. Decorating:
4. 1. Once cookies are cool, use piping bags to outline and fill in each cookie with royal icing.
5. 2. Let them dry completely before stacking or serving.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 35mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg