Save Adorable sugar cookies in heart and star shapes, decorated with colorful icing and charming bow designs—perfect for celebrations, gifts, or afternoon tea.
This recipe has been a favorite for gifting during holidays and makes any afternoon tea extra special.
Ingredients
- For the Cookies: 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- For the Cookies: 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- For the Cookies: 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Cookies: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- For the Cookies: 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- For the Cookies: 1 large egg
- For the Cookies: 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- For the Royal Icing: 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- For the Royal Icing: 1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder
- For the Royal Icing: 3–4 tablespoons warm water
- For the Royal Icing: Gel food coloring (pink, red, yellow, blue, etc.)
- For Decorating: Assorted sprinkles
- For Decorating: Edible pearls
- For Decorating: Piping bags and small round tips
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 3 minutes).
- Step 3:
- Add egg and vanilla extract beat until combined.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients mixing just until dough forms.
- Step 5:
- Divide dough in half flatten into discs wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 7:
- On a floured surface roll out dough to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness. Cut into heart and star shapes using cookie cutters.
- Step 8:
- Transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets spacing them 1 inch apart.
- Step 9:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are just turning golden. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Step 10:
- For royal icing In a bowl combine powdered sugar meringue powder and 3 tablespoons water. Beat until smooth and glossy adding more water as needed for piping consistency.
- Step 11:
- Divide icing into bowls tint each with gel food coloring as desired.
- Step 12:
- Fill piping bags with colored icing. Outline and flood the cooled cookies then pipe bow designs and sprinkle with decorations. Allow icing to set completely before serving or packaging.
Pin it These cookies always bring smiles to family gatherings especially when kids help decorate them.
Required Tools
Electric mixer mixing bowls rolling pin heart & star cookie cutters baking sheets parchment paper wire racks piping bags and small round tips
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten) eggs milk (butter) May contain traces of nuts if using certain sprinkles or decorations always check labels
Nutritional Information
Calories 150 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 20 g Protein 2 g per cookie
Pin it These pretty bows cookies add a charming touch to any occasion while being fun to make and decorate.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I ensure the dough doesn’t stick while rolling?
Lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour. Chill the dough well to reduce stickiness and handle it gently while rolling.
- → What’s the best way to achieve smooth royal icing?
Beat the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until you get a smooth, glossy consistency. Adjust water gradually for piping consistency.
- → Can I prepare the icing ahead of time?
Yes, royal icing can be stored in an airtight container. Stir it well before use to restore smoothness.
- → How long should the decorated treats dry before packaging?
Allow decorated items to dry overnight to ensure the icing sets fully and remains intact during handling or packaging.
- → Can I make a chocolate variation of these treats?
Substitute 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder in the dough for a rich chocolate flavor.