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Easy Sparkling Firework Sugar Cookies Recipe for Perfect Party Treats

sparkling firework sugar cookies - featured image

These festive sugar cookies feature a buttery base and vibrant royal icing decorated with sparkling sugar to resemble fireworks. Perfect for celebrations, they are quick to make and delight both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (345 g), sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (227 g), softened
  • 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar (250 g)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk (30 ml)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar (480 g), sifted
  • 3 tablespoons egg whites or meringue powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons water (3045 ml)
  • Gel food coloring (red, blue, yellow)
  • Sparkling sugar or coarse sanding sugar

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, scraping the bowl sides as needed.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix on low speed just until a dough forms, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  6. Preheat Oven and Prep Surface: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Lightly flour work surface.
  7. Roll and Cut: Roll chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes, dipping cutters in flour between uses. Arrange cookies 1 inch apart on baking sheets.
  8. Bake Cookies: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are just golden. Cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  9. Prepare Royal Icing: Beat powdered sugar, egg whites or meringue powder, lemon juice, and water until smooth and glossy. Adjust water for pipeable consistency. Divide and tint with gel food coloring.
  10. Decorate Cookies: Fill piping bags with colored icing and pipe firework bursts radiating from the center of each cookie. Sprinkle sparkling sugar on wet icing. Let dry completely for 2-3 hours before serving or stacking.

Notes

Chill dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading. Use a light dusting of flour on the surface to avoid sticking. For piping, use a thicker royal icing consistency to maintain sharp lines. Let cookies cool completely before icing to prevent melting. Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookies, royal icing, party treats, firework cookies, easy cookies, sparkling sugar cookies, festive cookies