sugar cookie for decorating recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
sugar cookie for decorating recipe
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The Best sugar cookie for decorating recipe

I love sugar cookies for decorating because they are a classic treat that everyone enjoys. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, holiday celebration, or just a fun family activity.

My kids and I often spend an afternoon baking and decorating these cookies together, and it’s always a memorable experience. The best part is that these cookies are versatile and can be decorated in countless ways, making them a hit with both kids and adults.

Plus, they have a delicious, soft texture that melts in your mouth, and the decorations can be tailored to any theme or color scheme. My family enjoys them so much that we often have them as a daily treat, especially after dinner.

The health benefits of these cookies are limited, but they can be made healthier by using whole wheat flour and reducing the sugar. They are a great source of carbohydrates for energy and can be enjoyed as a reward after a long day or a tough workout.

Perfect Sugar Cookies for Decorating

Perfect Sugar Cookies for Decorating

4.9 from 891 votes

These soft and chewy sugar cookies are perfect for decorating. The dough is easy to work with and holds its shape well, making them ideal for cut-out cookies.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 24 cookiesCuisine: InternationalCalories: 150 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Royal Icing

3 cups powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons meringue powder
4-6 tablespoons water
Food coloring gels

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F 175°C.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
Set aside.
4In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
5Then add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
6Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
7The dough will be slightly sticky.
8On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
9Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
10You can re-roll the scraps once or twice.
11Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
12Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
13To make the royal icing, in a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water.
14Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth and glossy, about 5-7 minutes.
15Divide the icing into small bowls and add food coloring gels to achieve your desired colors.
16Add water or powdered sugar as needed to reach your desired consistency.
17Fit piping bags with couplers and fill with icing.
18Once the cookies are completely cooled, decorate them with the royal icing.
19You can use different techniques such as outlining, flooding, or piping to create various designs.
20Allow the icing to dry completely before stacking or storing the cookies.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Piping bags
Couplers
Small bowls for icing

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 150 kcal🧈Total Fat: 6g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 25mg🧂Sodium: 120mg🌾Total Carbs: 22g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 16g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

Tips: For a healthier option, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the undecorated cookies for up to 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Perfect Sugar Cookies for Decorating Works

These sugar cookies for decorating are always a good idea for any occasion. They are perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or just a fun afternoon activity with the kids.

I love how versatile they are and how you can customize them to fit any theme or color scheme. Plus, they taste amazing and have a perfect balance of sweetness and softness.

The best part is that they are easy to make and decorate, so anyone can enjoy them. Just make sure to store them properly to keep them fresh and delicious.

These cookies are a classic treat that everyone will love, so give them a try and enjoy the process of making and decorating them with your family or friends. They are a great way to create lasting memories and enjoy some sweet treats together.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sugar Cookies for Decorating

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

You can use salted butter, but you may need to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe. I recommend using unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness of the cookies.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Why do my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be due to the dough being too warm or the oven not being hot enough. Make sure your dough is chilled and your oven is preheated to the correct temperature.

Can I use food coloring gels instead of powder?

Yes, you can use food coloring gels. They are more vibrant and easier to work with than powdered food coloring. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors, so you can get creative with your decorations!

Can I make the royal icing without meringue powder?

Yes, you can make royal icing without meringue powder by using egg whites. However, it requires cooking the egg whites to prevent foodborne illness, and the icing may not be as stable.

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