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 treats have always brought a smile to my family's faces during our holiday celebrations.
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 These cookies have become a cherished treat in our family gatherings and celebrations.
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, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 21 g, Protein: 1.5 g per serving
Save These heart and star treats bring joy and sparkle to any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best way to chill the dough?
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, flatten into disks, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to maintain shape during baking.
- → How can I achieve smooth royal icing consistency?
Whisk powdered sugar, egg white or meringue powder, and lemon juice until smooth; adjust with a few drops of water if needed.
- → Which shapes work best for these treats?
Heart and star-shaped cookie cutters create charming, whimsical shapes that complement the icing designs perfectly.
- → Can I add a citrus flavor to the dough?
Yes, adding 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon or orange zest enhances the dough with a subtle citrus note.
- → How should I store the decorated cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to preserve freshness and decoration quality.