Description
A fun and approachable sugar cookie decorating kit perfect for graduation parties, featuring tender sugar cookies and customizable royal icing for a festive, personalized touch.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 5–6 tablespoons warm water
- Food coloring gels (red, blue, gold, silver)
- Assorted sprinkles and edible glitter
- Edible markers (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside. (5 minutes)
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup (225 g) softened unsalted butter with 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. (7 minutes)
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in 1 large room-temperature egg and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until combined. (2 minutes)
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with 2 tablespoons whole milk. Beat on low speed until dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies soft. (5 minutes)
- Chill Dough: Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. (30 minutes)
- Roll and Cut Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. Use graduation-themed cookie cutters to cut shapes, placing them 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. (15 minutes)
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are just golden. Remove from oven and cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. (15 minutes)
- Prepare Royal Icing: In a clean bowl, whisk 3 cups (360 g) sifted powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons meringue powder. Slowly add 5-6 tablespoons warm water, mixing until smooth. Adjust water to reach a thick but pipeable consistency. Divide icing into bowls and tint with food coloring gels as desired. (10 minutes)
- Decorate Cookies: Fill piping bags or zip-top bags with colored icing. Outline cookie edges first, then flood the centers. Use sprinkles or edible glitter while icing is wet. Let cookies dry uncovered for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Notes
Chill dough to prevent spreading and maintain shape. If icing is too thin, add more powdered sugar. Practice piping on parchment paper before decorating. Cover royal icing bowls with damp towels to prevent drying out. Dough can be made ahead and chilled or frozen. For dairy-free, use vegan margarine and plant milk; for gluten-free, use gluten-free flour blend. Royal icing can be made vegan using aquafaba instead of meringue powder.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 decorated sugar co
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 2
Keywords: graduation cookies, sugar cookies, cookie decorating kit, royal icing, festive cookies, personalized cookies, easy cookie recipe