Pin It Adorable sugar cookies in heart and star shapes, decorated with colorful icing and charming bow designs—perfect for celebrations, gifts, or afternoon tea.
I love making these cookies because they bring joy to every gathering and are fun to decorate with family.
Ingredients
- For the Cookies: 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- For the Royal Icing: 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar sifted, 1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder, 3–4 tablespoons warm water, Gel food coloring (pink, red, yellow, blue, etc)
- For Decorating: Assorted sprinkles, Edible pearls, 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 during family tea times and special celebrations.
Notes
For best results let decorated cookies dry overnight and pair with tea lemonade or sparkling rosé.
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.
Pin It These charming cookies are perfect for sharing and gifting with a personal touch.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What flour type is best for these cookies?
All-purpose flour provides the ideal structure and tenderness for heart and star shaped sugar cookies.
- → How do I achieve smooth, vibrant icing colors?
Use gel food coloring mixed into royal icing for intense hues without altering consistency.
- → Can the dough be prepared in advance?
Yes, refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps the shapes hold their form during baking.
- → What is the best way to decorate intricate bow designs?
Use piping bags with small round tips to outline and fill bow shapes carefully on cooled cookies.
- → How long should decorated cookies dry before serving?
Allow royal icing to set completely overnight for the best texture and appearance.
- → Are there any recommended beverage pairings?
These sweet treats pair wonderfully with tea, lemonade, or sparkling rosé.