Pin 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 always brings joy when sharing with friends and family especially during holiday seasons.
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 These cookies always brighten family gatherings and make wonderful gifts for loved ones.
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 These pretty bows cookies are sure to impress and bring smiles thanks to their charming design and delicious taste.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I achieve smooth royal icing for decorating?
Whisk powdered sugar, meringue powder, and warm water until glossy and smooth. Adjust water to reach a piping consistency for clean outlines and flooding.
- → What thickness should the dough be rolled to?
Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness to ensure even baking and sturdy cookies that hold their shape when decorated.
- → Can I prepare the icing ahead of time?
Yes, royal icing can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container. Stir well before using to restore smoothness.
- → What baking temperature and time ensure perfect cookies?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until cookie edges just begin to turn golden for a tender bite.
- → How can I add variety to these cookies?
Try substituting some flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate version or use different gel food coloring to create vibrant designs.