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Perfect Star-Spangled Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

star-spangled sugar cookies - featured image
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These star-spangled sugar cookies feature a buttery, soft-but-crisp base decorated with easy homemade royal icing, perfect for patriotic holidays and festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 large egg whites or 4 tablespoons meringue powder mixed with water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vanilla extract
  • Red and blue gel food coloring
  • Star-shaped cookie cutters (about 3 inches wide)
  • Optional sprinkles: white nonpareils or edible glitter

Instructions

  1. Mix sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
  2. Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until fully combined.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture on low speed until dough just comes together; avoid overmixing.
  5. Divide dough into two disks, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. Roll one dough disk on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. Cut out star shapes and place 1 inch apart on baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges just begin to turn golden; rotate sheets halfway if needed.
  9. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
  10. Prepare royal icing by combining powdered sugar, egg whites (or meringue powder mix), and lemon juice; beat on medium-high for 5-7 minutes until stiff peaks form and icing is glossy.
  11. Divide icing into three bowls; color one red, one blue, and leave one white.
  12. Using piping bags with fine tips, outline cookie edges with white icing, flood inside with white, then add red and blue stars or stripes. Let each color dry slightly between layers.
  13. Allow decorated cookies to dry at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Notes

Chill dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading and ensure tender cookies. Let each icing color dry before adding another to prevent bleeding. Adjust royal icing consistency by adding water or powdered sugar as needed. Gloves recommended when using red gel food coloring to avoid staining.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookies, royal icing, star-shaped cookies, patriotic cookies, holiday cookies, easy sugar cookies, homemade cookies, festive treats

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/perfect-star-spangled-sugar-cookies-recipe-easy-homemade-royal-icing-tutorial/