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.
I have fond memories baking these treats with my family while preparing for special occasions, filling the kitchen with a sweet buttery aroma.
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 These cookies have always been a highlight at family celebrations especially when my children help decorate with vibrant colors and glitter.
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 combine whimsy and elegance perfectly and are sure to bring joy to any celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the perfect cookie thickness?
Roll the dough evenly to about 6 mm (¼ inch) thickness for balanced texture and baking.
- → What makes royal icing ideal for decorating?
Royal icing hardens to a smooth, glossy finish, allowing intricate designs and sparkles to set beautifully.
- → Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps maintain shape and enhances texture during baking.
- → How should the cookies be stored to maintain freshness?
Store them in an airtight container up to one week to keep their buttery flavor and crisp edges intact.
- → What options are there to add citrus flavor?
Incorporate 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon or orange zest into the dough for a subtle citrus twist.