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Perfect Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing Easy Star Decorations Recipe

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These sugar cookies are soft yet sturdy, perfect for decorating with smooth royal icing and star-shaped decorations. A quick and easy recipe ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk (optional)
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 large egg whites or 4 tablespoons meringue powder mixed with 6 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or lemon juice
  • Food coloring gels (optional)
  • Edible glitter or sanding sugar
  • Star-shaped sprinkles or sugar pearls (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients (5 minutes): In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar (7 minutes): Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla (2 minutes): Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry (3 minutes): Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed. Add the milk as you go to help the dough come together but avoid overmixing.
  5. Chill the Dough (at least 1 hour): Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans (10 minutes): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. Roll and Cut Dough (15 minutes): Roll dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut shapes and transfer to baking sheets spaced 1 inch apart.
  8. Bake (8-10 minutes): Bake until edges are just turning golden. Cookies should feel set but soft in the center.
  9. Cool Completely (at least 20 minutes): Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Prepare Royal Icing (10 minutes): Beat egg whites or meringue powder mixture with powdered sugar and vanilla or lemon juice until stiff peaks form. Adjust consistency as needed.
  11. Decorate Cookies (30 minutes+): Use piping bags with small round tips to outline and flood stars with royal icing. Add edible glitter or sprinkles while icing is wet. Let dry at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Notes

Chill dough to prevent spreading and maintain clean edges. Use room-temperature ingredients for smooth dough. Practice piping on parchment paper if new to royal icing. Let icing dry fully (4+ hours or overnight) for best results. Use meringue powder for safer royal icing instead of raw egg whites. Adjust icing consistency by adding water or powdered sugar as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookies, royal icing, star decorations, easy cookies, holiday cookies, baking, cookie decorating

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/perfect-sugar-cookies-with-royal-icing-easy-star-decorations-recipe/