sugar cookie decorating recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
sugar cookie decorating recipe
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I love making sugar cookies with my family, it’s a tradition that brings us all together. Sugar cookies are a classic treat that never goes out of style. They’re easy to make and decorate, and the best part is that you can customize them to fit any occasion or holiday.

I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my kids and their friends. The key to making great sugar cookies is to use high-quality ingredients and to not overmix the dough. This recipe uses a simple sugar cookie dough that is easy to work with and yields a tender, crumbly cookie that is perfect for decorating.

I like to use a combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar for added flavor, and I always make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out. This helps the cookies retain their shape and gives them a nice texture. When it comes to decorating, I like to keep things simple with a basic royal icing recipe that I’ve perfected over the years.

It’s easy to make and can be colored with food dye for a fun touch. My kids love helping me decorate the cookies, and it’s become a special bonding time for us. We’ll spend hours making cookies together, laughing and chatting as we work.

It’s truly one of my favorite activities with my family.

Sugar Cookie Decorating
4.9 from 1480 votes

This recipe for sugar cookie decorating is easy to follow. Perfect for beginners and experts alike.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 24Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

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
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

For the Decorating

2 cups powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring and sprinkles for decorating

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
5Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
6Mix well until combined.
7In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
8Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together.
9The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
10On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
11Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
12Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
13Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes.
14The edges should be lightly golden.
15Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
16While the cookies are cooling, prepare the royal icing by combining powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
17Mix until smooth, adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed to achieve a thick but spreadable consistency.
18Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to create desired colors.
19Once the cookies are completely cooled, decorate them using the royal icing and sprinkles.
20Use a piping bag or a small spoon to apply the icing and add your decorative touches.
21Allow the icing to set for at least 1 hour before serving.
22This will ensure the decorations are firm and the cookies are ready to be enjoyed.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smooth finish, chill the dough before rolling it out. Ensure cookies are completely cooled before decorating to prevent icing from melting.

This sugar cookie decorating recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday party or just a fun family activity on a lazy Sunday afternoon. One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can customize it however you want by adding different mix-ins or flavors.

Plus, they store beautifully in an air-tight container for up to two weeks at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer. Simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes before serving.

Q: What is the best type of flour to use for sugar cookies?

A: For sugar cookies, you want to use a high-quality all-purpose flour that has a good balance of protein and starch. I prefer using bread flour or all-purpose flour with a high protein content for this recipe.

Q: Can I use artificial food coloring in place of natural dyes?

A: While artificial food coloring can give your cookies a bright color, I prefer using natural dyes like food-grade beet juice or turmeric powder for their health benefits and vibrant colors.

Q: How do you keep the royal icing from becoming too runny?

A: To avoid too-runny icing, make sure you add enough powdered sugar to balance out the liquid content in the recipe. You can also refrigerate the icing for about 10 minutes before using it if it becomes too thin.

Q: Can I substitute butter with oil in this recipe?

A: While you can use oil as a substitute in this recipe, keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile of your cookies slightly.

Q: How long do you recommend storing decorated sugar cookies at room temperature?

A: If you plan on storing decorated sugar cookies at room temperature, keep them in an air-tight container away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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