Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing Recipe

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked sugar cookies wafting through your home, wrapping you in a warm, sweet embrace. Picture this: golden edges, soft centers, and a glossy finish from royal icing that practically begs you to take a bite. These sugar cookies with royal icing are not just cookies; they’re little bites of happiness that can transform any ordinary day into a celebration.

Now, let’s be real—who doesn’t have a sweet spot for cookies? I remember the first time I tried to replicate my grandmother’s famous recipe. It was a disaster! Flour everywhere, a kitchen that looked like it had survived a snowstorm, and let’s not even talk about the “creative” shapes I attempted. But after countless trials (and many cookie casualties), I finally nailed these delightful treats. Now, every holiday or family gathering is an excuse to whip up a batch of these beauties, and trust me, they never last long.

Ingredients for sugar cookies with royal icing

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

• All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your cookie dough, providing structure and texture. Make sure it’s spooned and leveled for accuracy.
• Granulated Sugar: The star of the show! It adds sweetness and helps create that delightful crunch on the edges.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature for rich flavor and easy mixing. You’ll thank me later!
• Eggs: One large egg brings everything together, adding moisture and richness to your dough.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps your cookies rise slightly while keeping them soft inside.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile of your cookies to new heights.

For the Royal Icing:

• Powdered Sugar: This is the main ingredient in royal icing and provides that gorgeous glossy finish we all love.
• Egg Whites or Meringue Powder: Use either for stability in your icing; both options work wonders!
• Lemon Juice: Just a dash adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the powdered sugar.

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: Prepare Your Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial; think of it as giving your dough a spa day!

Step 2: Add Eggs and Flavor

Beat in one large egg along with vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy—like a cloud but sweeter.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients while stirring gently until you have a smooth dough. Don’t overmix; we’re making cookies here, not bread!

Step 4: Roll Out & Cut Shapes

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your dough to about a quarter-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes—think holiday cheer or whimsical designs! Place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Bake

Pop those cute little shapes into the oven for about 8-10 minutes or until you see just a hint of golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them; nobody likes burnt cookies!

Step 6: Decorate with Royal Icing

Once cooled completely (patience is key here), whip up your royal icing by mixing powdered sugar, egg whites or meringue powder, and lemon juice until smooth. Pipe or spread this beautiful glaze onto your cookies for that professional touch.

Transfer to plates and serve these delightful treats at parties or just keep them all for yourself (no judgment here)! Enjoy each bite as you recall those sweet memories tied to every sprinkle of love in these lovely sugar cookies with royal icing!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

For the best results, start by making the cookie dough first. Chill it while preheating your oven. Once baked, let the cookies cool completely before decorating them with royal icing for that flawless finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap vanilla extract for almond extract in the cookie dough for a nutty twist. You can also add sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the icing to make these sugar cookies truly pop!

Storing & Reheating

Store your decorated sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, place parchment paper between layers and then seal them in an airtight bag.

I still smile when I think about the first time I made these sugar cookies for my niece’s birthday party. The kids went wild over them, and I felt like a baking rockstar that day!

FAQs

What are sugar cookies with royal icing?

Sugar cookies with royal icing are a delightful treat that combines a sweet, buttery cookie base with a decorative icing made from egg whites and powdered sugar. This royal icing hardens when dry, making it perfect for intricate designs. These cookies are often used for special occasions like holidays, birthdays, or events where beautiful presentation is key.

How do you make royal icing for sugar cookies?

To make royal icing for sugar cookies, combine egg whites (or meringue powder) with powdered sugar and a splash of lemon juice or water. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and glossy. The consistency is crucial: for outlining, it should be thick, while for flooding the surface, it needs to be thinner. Adjust with water or more powdered sugar as needed to achieve the desired texture.

How long do sugar cookies with royal icing last?

Sugar cookies decorated with royal icing can last up to two weeks when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or humidity, as this can affect both the texture of the cookie and the appearance of the icing.

Can you use different flavors in sugar cookies?

Absolutely! You can infuse various flavors into your sugar cookie dough by adding extracts like almond, vanilla, or even citrus zest. Experimenting with flavorings allows you to customize your cookies and surprise your guests with unique tastes that complement the sweet royal icing beautifully.

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

Conclusion for sugar cookies with royal icing

In summary, making sugar cookies with royal icing is a rewarding experience that combines baking skills with artistic flair. By mastering both the cookie dough and the royal icing techniques, you can create stunning treats perfect for any occasion. Remember to store your decorated cookies properly to enjoy them fresh for longer. Embrace your creativity and have fun decorating—your efforts will surely impress family and friends!

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Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the joy of baking with these delightful sugar cookies topped with glossy royal icing. Perfect for celebrations or everyday treats, they promise smiles with every bite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Sugar Cookies:

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

For the Royal Icing:

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 large egg whites or 2 tbsp meringue powder
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

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Instructions

For the Sugar Cookies:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3. Beat in one large egg and vanilla extract until combined.
4. 4. In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking powder.
5. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a smooth dough forms.
6. 6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about a quarter-inch thickness.
7. 7. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
8. 8. Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
9. 9. Let cookies cool completely before decorating.

For the Royal Icing:

1. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, egg whites (or meringue powder), and lemon juice.
2. 2. Mix until smooth and glossy; adjust consistency if necessary by adding water or more powdered sugar as needed.
3. 3. Once cookies are cool, pipe or spread royal icing onto cookies to decorate.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg