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Perfect Star-Spangled Sugar Cookie Cutouts Easy Royal Icing Recipe Tutorial

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These star-spangled sugar cookie cutouts with royal icing are quick, easy, and perfect for patriotic celebrations. The buttery cookies have a crisp texture and the royal icing dries to a smooth, glossy finish, making them both delicious and festive.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk (optional)
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 5–6 tablespoons warm water
  • Food coloring gel in red and blue
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients (5 minutes): In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar (7 minutes): Using a stand or hand mixer, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla (2 minutes): Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry (3 minutes): Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture on low speed. If dough is too crumbly, add 2 tablespoons whole milk a little at a time until it holds together.
  5. Chill the Dough (at least 1 hour): Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate.
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans (10 minutes prior to baking): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. Roll and Cut Cookies (15-20 minutes): Roll dough to about ¼ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use star-shaped cutters to cut shapes and place 1 inch apart on baking sheets.
  8. Bake Cookies (8-10 minutes): Bake until edges start to turn golden.
  9. Cool Completely: Transfer cookies to wire racks and let cool fully before decorating.
  10. Prepare Royal Icing (10 minutes): In a large bowl, combine 4 cups sifted powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons meringue powder, and 5 tablespoons warm water. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 7-10 minutes. Adjust consistency as needed.
  11. Color and Decorate: Divide icing into bowls and tint with red and blue gel colors. Use piping bags with small round tips to outline and flood cookies. Let each color dry before adding the next.
  12. Dry and Set (overnight recommended): Allow decorated cookies to dry in a cool, dry place until icing hardens.

Notes

Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain sharp star points. Sift powdered sugar for smooth royal icing. Beat meringue powder to stiff peaks for proper icing consistency. Let each icing color dry before layering to avoid bleeding. Store cookies in airtight container with parchment paper for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months after icing is set.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookies, royal icing, star-shaped cookies, patriotic cookies, Fourth of July, Memorial Day, easy sugar cookies, festive cookies

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/perfect-star-spangled-sugar-cookie-cutouts-easy-royal-icing-recipe-tutorial/