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Perfect ABC Book Cookies with Royal Icing Letters

abc book cookies royal icing - featured image
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These charming ABC book cookies feature a buttery, soft cookie base decorated with smooth royal icing letters, perfect for celebrations or fun baking projects.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 large egg whites or 4 tbsp meringue powder + 6 tbsp water
  • ¼ tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or almond extract
  • Food coloring gels or powders

Instructions

  1. Mix the cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream 1 cup (227 g) softened unsalted butter with ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Add 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups (312 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
  3. Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
  4. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  5. Roll and cut cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thickness. Use alphabet cookie cutters to cut letters, transferring them carefully to the baking sheets. Keep the cookies about 1 inch apart.
  6. Bake the cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges just begin to turn golden. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Prepare the royal icing: Beat 3 cups (360 g) sifted powdered sugar with 2 large egg whites (or meringue powder substitute), ¼ tsp cream of tartar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form (7-10 minutes). Divide and tint with food colors.
  8. Outline and flood the cookies: Use a piping bag with a small round tip to outline each letter. Let dry 10 minutes, then flood inside with thinner icing. Use a toothpick to spread evenly.
  9. Pipe letter details: After flood layer sets slightly (15-20 minutes), pipe royal icing letters neatly on top with a fine tip.
  10. Let cookies dry: Allow to dry completely at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight before stacking or packaging.

Notes

Keep royal icing covered with a damp towel to prevent drying. Use rolling pin rings or a ruler for consistent dough thickness. Chill dough to prevent spreading. Allow icing to dry fully to avoid smudges. Use meringue powder for safer royal icing. If dough is sticky, lightly flour surface but avoid over-flouring.

Nutrition

Keywords: ABC cookies, royal icing, alphabet cookies, decorated cookies, kids party cookies, baking with kids, easy cookie recipe

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/perfect-abc-book-cookies-with-royal-icing-letters-easy-step-by-step-tutorial/