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Perfect Sweetheart Sugar Cookies with 5 Easy Royal Icing Tips for Elegant Decorating

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These Perfect Sweetheart Sugar Cookies offer a sweet, buttery crunch with a smooth, glossy royal icing finish, perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or baby showers. The recipe is quick, easy, and family-approved, delivering tender cookies ideal for detailed decorating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons pasteurized egg whites or 2 tablespoons meringue powder with water
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice or clear vanilla extract
  • Food coloring gels (optional)
  • Water (as needed)

Instructions

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat 1 cup (227 g) softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, then mix in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until combined.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  5. Chill the Dough: Shape dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. Roll Out and Cut: Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll dough to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut shapes and transfer gently to baking sheets.
  8. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges just start to turn golden. Remove and let cool slightly on baking sheets.
  9. Cool Completely: Transfer cookies to cooling racks and let cool completely before decorating.
  10. Prepare Royal Icing: In a bowl, beat 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar with 3 tablespoons pasteurized egg whites or 2 tablespoons meringue powder plus water, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice until stiff peaks form. Adjust consistency with water as needed.
  11. Decorate: Use piping bags with small round tips for outlining cookie edges, then flood interiors with thinner icing. Let each layer dry about 15 minutes before adding details or colors.
  12. Let Icing Set: Allow decorated cookies to dry at room temperature for several hours or overnight for best results.

Notes

Chill dough for at least 1 hour or overnight to prevent spreading and make rolling easier. Use room temperature butter and eggs for best texture. Practice royal icing consistency by adjusting water gradually. Let decorated cookies dry overnight for a perfect finish. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze uniced dough for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookies, royal icing, Valentine's Day cookies, decorated cookies, easy sugar cookies, buttery cookies, cookie decorating

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/perfect-sweetheart-sugar-cookies-with-5-easy-royal-icing-tips-for-elegant-decorating/