Description
These Pastel Iced Sugar Cookies are a beautiful and delicious addition to any spring party or Easter celebration. Buttery, soft sugar cookies are topped with glossy pastel royal icing, making them both elegant and festive. Perfect for gifting, decorating with kids, or impressing guests at your next gathering. These cookies hold their shape and look stunning in any color you choose.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Sugar Cookies
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
- For the Royal Icing
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tbsp meringue powder
- 6 tbsp water (more as needed)
- Gel food coloring in pastel shades (pink, yellow, blue, green, purple)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until dough forms. Divide dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Roll dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into shapes using spring-themed cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just turning golden. Cool completely.
- For the icing, beat powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until stiff peaks form. Divide icing into bowls and tint with gel colors.
- Decorate cooled cookies with pastel icing. Use a piping bag or squeeze bottle for precision. Let icing dry completely before storing.
Notes
- If you want extra-sharp cookie edges, chill cut cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking. Royal icing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
