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The Joy of Baking Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Baking has always held a special place in my heart, and when it comes to making sugar cookies adorned with royal icing, nostalgia sweeps me back to my childhood holidays. I remember gathering in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, flour dust hanging in the air like magic. Together, we would roll out dough, cut perfect shapes, and transform them into delightful treats with vibrant colors. Each bite was a sweet memory, a token of love and connection. This recipe for Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing isn’t just a treat; it’s a portal to those cherished moments a chance to recreate that warmth and joy in my own home.

What makes this recipe so meaningful to me is the way it brings people together. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a weekend baking session, these cookies serve as a delightful way to share love and laughter with family and friends. Let’s dive into how you can create these culinary masterpieces yourself!

What Sets This Recipe Apart

Making sugar cookies is a classic craft, but adding royal icing elevates these treats into something extraordinary. This recipe offers you a delightful blend of easy preparation, whimsical artistry, and sweet satisfaction. What truly sets it apart is its ability to leave lasting impressions on anyone who tastes them. This cookie is not just a dessert; it’s a canvas for creativity. You’ll love the satisfaction that comes with decorating them, and there’s a charm in packaging them as gifts. You’ll find that this recipe is not only family-approved but also perfect for all occasions, making it a must-try in your baking repertoire.

What You’ll Need

For the Sugar Cookies:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Royal Icing:

2 egg whites (or 5 tablespoons of meringue powder)
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Food coloring (optional)

Choose high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. You can substitute margarine for butter, though it may affect the texture slightly. For the royal icing, meringue powder is a great egg-free alternative.

How to Make Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set this dry mixture aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt until well blended.
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined; do not overmix.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This will help the cookies hold their shape.
Dust the countertop with flour and roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes.
Place the cookies about 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are golden. Cool on wire racks.
Meanwhile, prepare the royal icing by beating the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and lemon juice until stiff peaks form.
Divide the icing into bowls and mix in food coloring as desired.
Use piping bags or brushes to decorate the cooled cookies with royal icing. Allow the icing to dry completely before serving (approx. 4-6 hours).

Tips & Recipe Variations

Ensure your butter is truly softened for easier mixing.
If you’re short on time, consider using store-bought icing.
Use a toothpick to create fun designs in the royal icing.
To store, keep decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to one week; uniced cookies can be stored for longer.
Try adding different flavors to your cookies, such as cinnamon or lemon zest, for a unique twist.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.

How to Serve

Sugar cookies with royal icing can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. They shine on dessert tables at parties, make for delightful gifts wrapped in cellophane, or serve as charming decorations when displayed on cake stands. Pairing them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa can take your dessert experience to the next level. For an appealing presentation, consider stacking decorated cookies in a clear jar, adding height with some colorful ribbons for a festive touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just make sure they are well wrapped in an airtight container.
What can I use instead of egg whites in royal icing?
Meringue powder is a great alternative. Use 5 tablespoons mixed with water for a similar result.
How do I prevent the icing from becoming too hard?
Add a tiny bit of corn syrup to your royal icing to keep it softer and more pliable.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Certainly! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil.

Conclusion

Baking Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing not only fills your home with delicious aromas but also brings a sense of joy and connection. Every decorated cookie is a chance to express your creativity and share sweet moments with loved ones. I encourage you to try this recipe, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of baking unfold. Whether for a holiday, a celebration, or just because, these cookies will surely sweeten your day!

“These sugar cookies brought back childhood memories and tasted just as I remember! The royal icing was the perfect touch fun to decorate and even better to eat!” – A Happy Baker

Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Delightful sugar cookies adorned with royal icing, perfect for any occasion that brings joy and connection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 10

Total Time 40

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 160

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookies

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is truly softened for easier mixing.
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 each egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Royal Icing

2 each egg whites Or use 5 tablespoons of meringue powder as a substitute.
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Food coloring (optional)

Method

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set this dry mixture aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt until well blended.
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined; do not overmix.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.

Baking

Dust the countertop with flour and roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thick.
Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes.
Place the cookies about 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are golden. Cool on wire racks.

Royal Icing Preparation

Meanwhile, prepare the royal icing by beating the egg whites until frothy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and lemon juice until stiff peaks form.
Divide the icing into bowls and mix in food coloring as desired.

Decorating

Use piping bags or brushes to decorate the cooled cookies with royal icing.
Allow the icing to dry completely before serving (approximately 4-6 hours).

Notes

Use a toothpick to create fun designs in the royal icing. Store decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to one week; uniced cookies can be stored for longer. Try adding different flavors like cinnamon or lemon zest for a unique twist. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.