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Easy Alphabet Sugar Cookies with Colorful Royal Icing

alphabet sugar cookies - featured image
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Buttery sugar cookies topped with bright, glossy royal icing letters, perfect for kids’ parties and fun edible name tags.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups (312 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons pasteurized egg whites or meringue powder
  • 5–6 tablespoons warm water
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or lemon juice
  • Gel food coloring in assorted colors

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Beat in the egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, blending on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
  3. Divide the dough in half, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin.
  5. Take one dough portion out of the fridge, let it sit 5 minutes to soften slightly. Roll out dough evenly to about 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness. Use alphabet cookie cutters to cut letters. Transfer carefully to baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart.
  6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges just start to turn golden. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  7. While cookies bake, prepare royal icing: combine 4 cups sifted powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons meringue powder, and 5 tablespoons warm water. Beat on medium speed until glossy and stiff peaks form (about 5-7 minutes). Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or lemon juice. Adjust consistency by adding small water amounts for piping.
  8. Divide icing into small bowls and tint each with gel food coloring. Stir gently to avoid air bubbles. Fill piping bags fitted with small round tips.
  9. Pipe letters carefully onto cooled cookies. For crisp edges, outline the letter and then flood inside with thinner icing. Let dry at room temperature uncovered for at least 3-4 hours or overnight.

Notes

Chill dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading and keep letter shapes sharp. Use gel food coloring for vibrant, thick royal icing. Practice piping on parchment paper before decorating cookies. Keep royal icing covered when not in use to prevent drying. Let icing dry completely at room temperature to avoid smudging or cracking.

Nutrition

Keywords: alphabet sugar cookies, royal icing, kids party treats, sugar cookies, colorful cookies, easy baking, party cookies

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/easy-alphabet-sugar-cookies-with-colorful-royal-icing-recipe-for-perfect-kids-party-treats/