Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 5–7 tablespoons warm water
- Food coloring (gel or liquid), as desired
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. Reroll scraps as needed.
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder.
- Gradually add the warm water, starting with 5 tablespoons, and beat with an electric mixer on low speed until combined. Gradually increase the speed to medium and beat for 5-7 minutes, or until the icing is smooth, glossy, and forms stiff peaks.
- If the icing is too thick, add a little more water, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time.
- Divide the icing into separate bowls and tint with food coloring as desired. Gel food coloring is recommended for vibrant colors without thinning the icing too much.
Notes
Create delightful Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing. This recipe guides you through each step, from mixing ingredients to artistic flourishes. Perfect for both seasoned bakers and novices, it ensures delicious and beautifully decorated sugar cookies. Includes tips, tricks, and FAQs.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 24 cookies
- Calories: 150 calories
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g