Growing up, my mom’s sugar cookies with royal icing were the talk of the town. Every holiday season, our kitchen would transform into a sugary wonderland, the air thick with the aroma of freshly baked cookies and the sound of laughter as we decorated them together. I can still remember the way the icing would harden to a shiny, smooth finish, and the joy on my siblings’ faces as they carefully piped on intricate designs.
Those sugar cookies with royal icing were more than just a seasonal treat – they were a cherished family tradition that brought us all together. Whether we were cutting out shapes like snowflakes, Christmas trees, or hearts, or meticulously decorating each one with vibrant hues of red, green, and gold, it was a labor of love that we all took part in. And the best part? Sneaking a few bites of the dough before they even made it to the oven!
Why This Sugar Cookies With Royal Icing Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Sugar Cookies With Royal Icing
The secret to these sugar cookies with royal icing is in the perfect balance of ingredients and techniques. By using a combination of butter, sugar, and a touch of vanilla, you’ll end up with a cookie that’s crisp on the outside, yet delightfully soft and chewy on the inside. And the royal icing? It’s the true showstopper, transforming these simple cookies into edible works of art.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter: This provides the rich, creamy base for the cookies.
- Granulated sugar: The perfect sweetener to balance out the butter.
- Eggs: Helps bind the dough and adds structure.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the cookie dough.
- Baking powder: Gives the cookies a light, airy texture.
- Salt: Brings out the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Confectioners’ sugar: The key ingredient for the smooth, glossy royal icing.
- Meringue powder: Helps the icing set and hold its shape.
- Milk or water: Adjusts the consistency of the icing.
Step-by-Step Sugar Cookies With Royal Icing Instructions
Preparing Your Sugar Cookies With Royal Icing
Baking these sugar cookies with royal icing is a truly satisfying process, taking you from start to finish in just a couple of hours. You’ll need a few essential tools, like a stand mixer, rolling pin, and cookie cutters, but the end result is well worth the effort. Let’s dive in and learn how to create these delectable treats!
1- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined.
2- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms.
3- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour (or up to 3 days).
4- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes, then carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
6- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your sugar cookies with royal icing turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Chill the dough before rolling and cutting – this helps the cookies retain their shape during baking.
- Use room temperature butter for the smoothest, creamiest dough.
- Avoid over-mixing the dough, as this can lead to tough, dry cookies.
- Be patient when decorating with the royal icing – it may take some practice, but the results are worth it!
- Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Serving and Storing Your Sugar Cookies With Royal Icing
Perfect Pairings for Sugar Cookies With Royal Icing
These sugar cookies with royal icing are the ultimate Christmas or holiday treat, but they’re also a delightful year-round indulgence. Serve them alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate or a crisp glass of milk for a classic pairing, or get creative with festive cocktails like mulled wine or eggnog. They also make a lovely addition to any cookie platter or dessert spread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The best part about these sugar cookies with royal icing is that they can be made in advance! The dough can be chilled for up to 3 days before baking, and the baked, undecorated cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
For the royal icing, you can make it a day or two ahead and keep it in the refrigerator, covered, until you’re ready to decorate. When it’s time to use, simply let the icing come to room temperature and give it a good stir before piping or spreading it onto the cookies.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Sugar Cookies With Royal Icing
Creative Sugar Cookies With Royal Icing Variations
While the classic sugar cookies with royal icing are a holiday staple, you can get creative and try all sorts of fun variations. For a touch of citrus, try adding lemon or orange zest to the dough. Or, for a festive twist, incorporate crushed candy canes or a dash of peppermint extract. You can also experiment with different cookie cutter shapes, from hearts and stars to Christmas trees and reindeer.
Making Sugar Cookies With Royal Icing Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make these sugar cookies with royal icing a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can try. For the cookie dough, you can use a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour, or opt for a gluten-free flour blend. And for the royal icing, you can swap out the confectioners’ sugar for a powdered sugar substitute, like erythritol or xylitol. Just be sure to adjust the consistency of the icing as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: While you can use salted butter, it’s best to stick with unsalted to better control the overall salt content of the cookies. If you do use salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.
Q: How long do the cookies stay fresh?
A: Undecorated, baked sugar cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. The decorated cookies with royal icing will stay fresh for up to 1 week as well when stored in the same manner.
Q: Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?
A: Yes, you can! The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months, and the baked, undecorated cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw them completely before decorating or serving.
Q: How do I get the royal icing to the right consistency?
A: The key is to add the milk or water slowly and mix well, checking the consistency after each addition. You want the icing to be smooth and spreadable, but not too thin or runny.
Q: Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?
A: Overworking the dough or using room temperature butter can cause the cookies to spread excessively. Make sure to chill the dough before baking and use cold butter for the best results.
Sugar Cookies With Royal Icing
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Indulge in the classic holiday flavor of buttery, soft sugar cookies topped with a silky smooth royal icing. These delightful treats are perfect for Christmas, cookie exchanges, or any time you crave a sweet, festive dessert.
Ingredients
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
– 3 tablespoons meringue powder
– 5 tablespoons water
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. – In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
4. – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. – Roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
6. – Place the cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
7. – Bake for 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden on the edges. Allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. – In a large bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar and meringue powder. Gradually add the water and beat on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 5-7 minutes.
9. – Pipe or spread the royal icing onto the cooled cookies. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired.
10. – Let the iced cookies sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours to allow the icing to set.
Notes
– For a thicker icing, add less water. For a thinner icing, add more water.
– Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
– Freeze the undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and decorate before serving.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These sugar cookies with royal icing are the perfect way to celebrate any occasion, from festive holidays to casual gatherings. With their irresistible flavor and eye-catching decorations, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. So gather your loved ones, don your aprons, and let’s start baking! Don’t forget to share your creations with me – I can’t wait to see the delicious masterpieces you’ll create.