Save to Pinterest Whimsical, buttery sugar cookies shaped like hearts and stars, decorated with sparkling royal icing—perfect for a magical tea party or a royal celebration.
This recipe brings joy to every tea party and special royal celebration we host at home.
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 to Pinterest Preparing these treats has become a cherished family tradition filled with laughter and creativity.
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 to Pinterest These cookies add a magical touch to any occasion and are sure to impress your guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients create the tender cookie dough?
A combination of unsalted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt produces the tender cookie base.
- → How is the royal icing prepared and colored?
Whisk powdered sugar with egg white and lemon juice until smooth, then divide and mix in food coloring for vibrant decoration.
- → What is the ideal baking temperature and time?
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8 to 10 minutes until edges turn just golden for perfect texture.
- → How can the dough be flavored with a citrus twist?
Add finely grated lemon or orange zest to the dough before chilling to impart a fresh, zesty note.
- → What tools are essential for shaping and decorating?
Heart and star-shaped cutters, rolling pin, parchment-lined baking sheets, and piping bags or small spatulas help create and decorate each cookie.