Save Enchant your guests with these whimsical seashell-shaped sugar cookies, decorated in shimmering pastel colors& perfect for a magical mermaid-themed party.
I first baked these for a summer beach party and everyone loved how charming and tasty they were, making the event truly special.
Ingredients
- Cookie Dough: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter softened 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar 1 large egg 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Royal Icing & Decorations: 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar sifted 1 1/2 tbsp meringue powder 3 tbsp water (plus more as needed) Gel food coloring (pastel pink lavender turquoise teal) Edible pearl sprinkles Edible shimmer dust (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour baking powder and salt. Set aside.
- Step 2:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy about 2 minutes.
- Step 3:
- Add egg and vanilla extract beat until combined.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add dry ingredients mixing just until incorporated.
- Step 5:
- Divide dough in half shape into discs wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 7:
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out seashell shapes using a seashell cookie cutter.
- Step 8:
- Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Step 9:
- Bake for 10 12 minutes until edges are just barely golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Step 10:
- For icing, combine powdered sugar meringue powder and water in a bowl. Beat until stiff peaks form. Divide icing into bowls and tint with desired gel food colors.
- Step 11:
- Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing adding pearl sprinkles and shimmer dust for a magical effect. Allow icing to set before serving.
Save These cookies always bring smiles when shared with family during special occasions or casual gatherings.
Required Tools
Electric mixer Mixing bowls Rolling pin Seashell cookie cutter Baking sheets Parchment paper Piping bags and tips Cooling rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) eggs and dairy (butter) May contain traces of nuts if ingredients are processed in shared facilities& check labels if concerned.
Nutritional Information
Calories 140 Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrates 21 g Protein 1 g per cookie
Save These seashell sugar cookies are a delightful treat that combines charm and flavor effortlessly.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of flour is best for these cookies?
All-purpose flour is recommended to provide the right balance of structure and tenderness for the cookie dough.
- → How can I achieve smooth pastel icing colors?
Use gel food coloring in small amounts, mixing thoroughly into royal icing to create soft pastel shades without altering consistency.
- → What’s the reason for chilling the dough before baking?
Chilling helps firm up the dough, preventing spreading during baking and enhancing the cookie’s texture and shape retention.
- → How should I store the decorated cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and prevent the icing from becoming sticky.
- → Can I incorporate other flavors into the dough?
Yes, replacing half the vanilla extract with almond extract gives a delightful nutty aroma without overpowering the sweetness.
- → What are tips for decorating with royal icing?
Ensure the icing forms stiff peaks for precise piping, and allow each layer to dry before adding details for a clean finish.