Save It Adorable sugar cookies in heart and star shapes, decorated with colorful icing and charming bow designs—perfect for celebrations, gifts, or afternoon tea.
I have made these cookies many times for family parties and everyone loves the combination of buttery dough and colorful icing bows
Ingredients
- For the Cookies: 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- For the Cookies: 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- For the Cookies: 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Cookies: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened
- For the Cookies: 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- For the Cookies: 1 large egg
- For the Cookies: 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- For the Royal Icing: 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar sifted
- For the Royal Icing: 1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder
- For the Royal Icing: 3 4 tablespoons warm water
- For the Royal Icing: Gel food coloring (pink red yellow blue etc)
- For Decorating: Assorted sprinkles
- For Decorating: Edible pearls
- For Decorating: Piping bags and small round tips
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl whisk together flour baking powder and salt Set aside
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy about 2 3 minutes
- Step 3:
- Add egg and vanilla extract beat until combined
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients mixing just until dough forms
- Step 5:
- Divide dough in half flatten into discs wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes
- Step 6:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) Line baking sheets with parchment paper
- Step 7:
- On a floured surface roll out dough to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness Cut into heart and star shapes using cookie cutters
- Step 8:
- Transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets spacing them 1 inch apart
- Step 9:
- Bake for 10 12 minutes or until edges are just turning golden Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes then transfer to wire racks to cool completely
- Step 10:
- For royal icing In a bowl combine powdered sugar meringue powder and 3 tablespoons water Beat until smooth and glossy adding more water as needed for piping consistency
- Step 11:
- Divide icing into bowls tint each with gel food coloring as desired
- Step 12:
- Fill piping bags with colored icing Outline and flood the cooled cookies then pipe bow designs and sprinkle with decorations Allow icing to set completely before serving or packaging
Save It Making these cookies has become a beloved holiday tradition in my family especially decorating them with kids
Notes
For a chocolate version substitute 1/4 cup flour with cocoa powder Royal icing can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container stir before use Let decorated cookies dry overnight for best results Pair with tea lemonade or a sparkling rosé for a delightful treat
Required Tools
Electric mixer Mixing bowls Rolling pin Heart & star cookie cutters Baking sheets Parchment paper Wire racks Piping bags and small round tips
Nutritional Information
Calories 150 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 20 g Protein 2 g per cookie
Save It These cookies are a delightful treat perfect for gifting or enjoying with your loved ones
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes the bows on the cookies so distinct?
The bows are piped with royal icing, which dries hard and holds shape well, allowing for intricate, colorful designs that add a charming finishing touch.
- → How thick should the dough be rolled out?
Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness to ensure even baking and maintain crisp edges without losing softness inside.
- → Can I prepare royal icing ahead of time?
Yes, royal icing can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container; stir well before use to restore smooth consistency.
- → What is the recommended baking temperature and time?
Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until edges turn lightly golden to achieve a tender yet slightly crisp texture.
- → Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients used are vegetarian-friendly, containing no meat or animal-derived gelatin.
- → How should the decorated cookies be stored?
Once decorated and fully dried, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and prevent icing damage.