Decorated Sugar Cookie Recipe

Name: Decorated Sugar Cookie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 36 cookies (3-inch)
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 2 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; For royal icing: 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons meringue powder, 1/3 cup water, food coloring

American · Dessert · 40 min total

Decorated Sugar Cookie recipe videos

These buttery sugar cookies are soft, slightly crisp, and perfect for decorating with royal icing. A classic treat for holidays or any celebration.

30
min prep

10
min cook

36
servings

120
kcal/serving

Ingredients

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
For royal icing: 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons meringue powder, 1/3 cup water, food coloring

Instructions

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Place on prepared sheets, 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are just lightly golden. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
For royal icing: Beat powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water on low until combined, then beat on high for 5-7 minutes until stiff peaks form. Divide and tint with food coloring.
Decorate cooled cookies with icing using piping bags or squeeze bottles. Let icing set for at least 2 hours before serving.

Tips

Chilling the dough prevents spreading and makes it easier to handle.
For a softer cookie, bake for 8 minutes; for crisper, bake for 10.
Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Decorated cookies can be stored in a single layer after icing hardens.
Royal icing can be thinned with a few drops of water for flooding consistency.

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