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.
These cookies have become a favorite at family gatherings, adding a magical touch to any occasion.
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 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 Our family loves making these cookies together, especially decorating them with colorful icing and glitter.
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 These treats bring joy to any celebration with their magical shapes and delightful sweetness.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve a tender cookie texture?
Using softened butter and chilling the dough before baking helps maintain tenderness and prevents spreading.
- → What is the best way to roll out the dough evenly?
Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to about 6 mm thickness for even baking and consistent cookie shapes.
- → Can I add flavor variations to the dough?
Yes, adding finely grated lemon or orange zest imparts a refreshing citrus twist.
- → How long should the cookies bake?
Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges start turning golden for a perfect delicate crumb.
- → What alternatives exist for egg white in royal icing?
Meringue powder mixed with water can replace fresh egg white for a stable and safe icing option.