Indulge in the timeless delight of classic cutout sugar cookies perfectly decorated with smooth royal icing. This easy-to-follow recipe yields soft, buttery cookies that hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced cookie decorator, this recipe guides you step-by-step to achieve bakery-quality results at home. Learn expert tips on rolling dough evenly, cutting intricate shapes, and creating stunning royal icing designs that will wow family and friends.
Our recipe combines the perfect balance of sweetness and texture—crispy edges with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center. The cookies are versatile and can be customized with vibrant icing colors, sprinkles, or edible glitter. Decorating with royal icing not only enhances their flavor but also gives you the satisfaction of crafting a beautiful edible masterpiece.
Ingredients
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter (softened) and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a smooth dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling makes it easier to roll and cut precise shapes.
Roll and Cut: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create desired shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
Bake: Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
Prepare Royal Icing: In a mixing bowl, combine 3 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons meringue powder, and 4–5 tablespoons warm water. Mix until smooth and stiff peaks form. Separate icing into bowls and tint with food coloring as desired.
Decorate Cookies: Use piping bags or squeeze bottles to outline and flood cookies with royal icing. Let cookies dry for several hours or overnight for best results. Optional: add sprinkles or edible glitter before icing sets.
Store and Serve: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect treat.
Classic Cutout Sugar Cookies (Decorated with Royal Icing)
Serves: 24 People
Prepare Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minut
Calories: 200
Difficulty:
Medium
Indulge in the timeless delight of classic cutout sugar cookies perfectly decorated with smooth royal icing. This easy-to-follow recipe yields soft, buttery cookies that hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced cookie decorator, this recipe guides you step-by-step to achieve bakery-quality results at home. Learn expert tips on rolling dough evenly, cutting intricate shapes, and creating stunning royal icing designs that will wow family and friends.
Our recipe combines the perfect balance of sweetness and texture—crispy edges with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center. The cookies are versatile and can be customized with vibrant icing colors, sprinkles, or edible glitter. Decorating with royal icing not only enhances their flavor but also gives you the satisfaction of crafting a beautiful edible masterpiece.
Ingredients
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter (softened) and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a smooth dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling makes it easier to roll and cut precise shapes.
Roll and Cut: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create desired shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
Bake: Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
Prepare Royal Icing: In a mixing bowl, combine 3 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons meringue powder, and 4–5 tablespoons warm water. Mix until smooth and stiff peaks form. Separate icing into bowls and tint with food coloring as desired.
Decorate Cookies: Use piping bags or squeeze bottles to outline and flood cookies with royal icing. Let cookies dry for several hours or overnight for best results. Optional: add sprinkles or edible glitter before icing sets.
Store and Serve: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect treat.
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