This decorated sugar cookies recipe creates festive and beautiful cookies for the holiday season, using basic ingredients and easy-to-make royal icing. It's a fun and engaging way to add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations with delicious, homemade treats.
Ingredients
Cookies:
1cupgranulated sugar
1cupunsalted buttersoftened
1largeeggat room temperature
1teaspoonvanilla extract
3cupsall-purpose flour
Icing:
4cupspowdered sugardivided
2tablespoonsmeringue powder
2teaspoonsvanilla extractdivided
½ to ¾cupwaterdivided
2tablespoonslight corn syrup
Decoration:
Food coloringas desired
Sprinklesas desired
Instructions
To make the cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
In a stand mixer, cream together sugar and butter until smooth.
Add vanilla and egg to the mixture, blending well.
Change to a paddle attachment and gradually mix in flour until the dough forms and pulls away from the bowl sides. If the dough is tough to mix, knead it by hand.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ½ - ⅝ inch thickness. Cut into shapes and re-roll scraps until all dough is used.
Gently place the shapes on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, ensuring cookies are set but not overbaked.
Let the cookies cool completely before decorating.
For the icing:
start with combining 2 cups of powdered sugar, meringue powder, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla in the mixer using a paddle attachment. Mix on low for 30 seconds, then slowly add 3 teaspoons of water. Increase the speed to medium and mix for 2-3 minutes until stiff. Transfer to another bowl and cover with a damp towel.
In the same bowl, mix the remaining powdered sugar, corn syrup, 2 tablespoons of water, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Combine both icing mixtures and whisk until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more water or sugar as needed. Aim for a texture that settles back smoothly within 12-15 seconds when lifted.
Divide the icing into separate bowls and tint with food coloring as desired.
Fill piping bags with colored icing and cut a small tip off for decorating.
Decorate cookies as desired. If using sprinkles, add them before the icing sets.
Notes
Handling Dough: If the dough becomes too soft while rolling or cutting, place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes. This will make it easier to handle.
Icing Consistency: Adjust the icing consistency as needed for decorating. It should be fluid enough for piping but thick enough to hold its shape.
Decorating Tips: Apply sprinkles or other decorations while the icing is still wet to ensure they adhere properly.
Icing Setting Time: After decorating, let the cookies set for about 24 hours at room temperature on a cooling rack or baking sheet. This helps the icing harden properly for stacking.
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container once the icing has set. They will keep well for up to a week at room temperature.
Freezing Option: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months and thawed at room temperature before serving.