Pure Vanilla Sugar Cookies (Printable)

Classic vanilla sugar cookies topped with glossy royal icing, perfect for festive celebrations and gatherings.

# What You Need:

→ Sugar Cookie Dough

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 - 1 tablespoon milk

→ Royal Icing

09 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
10 - 2 tablespoons meringue powder
11 - 4 to 5 tablespoons warm water
12 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
13 - Gel food coloring in blue, yellow, and white for decoration (optional)

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk to the butter mixture. Mix until combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together.
05 - Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
06 - Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
08 - Transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart.
09 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are just beginning to turn golden. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, vanilla, and 4 tablespoons water. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth and glossy, adding more water 1 teaspoon at a time for desired consistency.
11 - Divide icing into bowls and tint with gel food coloring as desired.
12 - Decorate fully cooled cookies with royal icing using piping bags or squeeze bottles. Allow icing to set completely before serving or storing.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Delicious vanilla flavor that appeals to all ages
  • Glossy royal icing creates eye-catching, professional-looking decorations
  • Perfect for themed parties and gifting
  • Medium difficulty makes it a fun baking project
  • Yield of 24 cookies is great for sharing
02 -
  • Use gel food colors for vibrant, intense royal icing shades without thinning the icing excessively.
  • Allow royal icing to dry completely at room temperature for several hours or overnight for the best finish.
  • Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and icing integrity.
  • For precise designs, use fine piping tips and outline before flooding royal icing.
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