Save Adorable sugar cookies in heart and star shapes, decorated with colorful icing and charming bow designs—perfect for celebrations, gifts, or afternoon tea.
These cookies have become a favorite at family gatherings, bringing smiles with every bite and inspiring creativity in decorating.
Ingredients
- For the Cookies: 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- For the Royal Icing: 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar sifted, 1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder, 3–4 tablespoons warm water, Gel food coloring (pink, red, yellow, blue etc)
- For Decorating: Assorted sprinkles, Edible pearls, Piping bags and small round tips
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour baking powder and salt Set aside
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 3 minutes)
- Step 3:
- Add egg and vanilla extract beat until combined
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until dough forms
- Step 5:
- Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes
- Step 6:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) Line baking sheets with parchment paper
- Step 7:
- On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness Cut into heart and star shapes using cookie cutters
- Step 8:
- Transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart
- Step 9:
- Bake for 10 12 minutes, or until edges are just turning golden Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely
- Step 10:
- For royal icing In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and 3 tablespoons water Beat until smooth and glossy, adding more water as needed for piping consistency
- Step 11:
- Divide icing into bowls; tint each with gel food coloring as desired
- Step 12:
- Fill piping bags with colored icing Outline and flood the cooled cookies, then pipe bow designs and sprinkle with decorations Allow icing to set completely before serving or packaging
Save Baking these cookies together created joyful memories that my family cherishes, especially the decorating part that sparks so much laughter and creativity.
Notes
For a chocolate version, substitute 1/4 cup flour with cocoa powder Royal icing can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container; stir before use Let decorated cookies dry overnight for best results Pair with tea, lemonade, or a sparkling rosé for a delightful treat
Required Tools
Electric mixer Mixing bowls Rolling pin Heart & star cookie cutters Baking sheets Parchment paper Wire racks Piping bags and small round tips
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (butter) May contain traces of nuts if using certain sprinkles or decorations always check labels
Save These cookies not only look festive but also taste delicious making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Recipe FAQ
- → What gives these cookies their tender texture?
The combination of softened butter, granulated sugar, and careful mixing creates a tender crumb. Chilling the dough before rolling ensures the cookies hold their shape while staying delicate.
- → How is the colorful bow decoration achieved?
Royal icing is divided and tinted with gel food colorings, then piped onto cooled cookies to form outlines, flood areas, and intricate bow designs for a vibrant finish.
- → Can the dough be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be chilled for up to 24 hours before rolling and cutting, which helps enhance flavor and ease handling.
- → What is the ideal baking temperature and time?
Baking at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes ensures the cookies set with slightly golden edges while remaining soft inside.
- → Are there variations to the basic dough?
You can substitute a portion of flour with cocoa powder to create a chocolate version, adding a rich twist to these shaped cookies.
- → How should decorated cookies be stored?
Once icings have fully hardened, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or slightly cool to maintain freshness and decorations.