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Tender Soft Batch Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing Stars

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A quick and easy recipe for tender, soft sugar cookies topped with colorful royal icing stars, perfect for holidays, parties, or any sweet craving.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk, any kind
  • For royal icing stars:
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 5 tablespoons (75 ml) water, adjust for consistency
  • Assorted gel food coloring
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract until combined.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix on low speed until just combined.
  6. Cover dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  7. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Flatten gently with palm if desired.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges start to turn golden but centers remain soft.
  9. Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.
  10. To prepare royal icing, combine powdered sugar and meringue powder in a clean bowl. Slowly add water while mixing on low until stiff peaks form.
  11. Divide icing into smaller bowls and tint with gel food coloring.
  12. Transfer colored icing to piping bags fitted with small round tips and pipe star shapes onto each cookie.
  13. Allow icing to dry at room temperature for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Notes

Chill dough before baking to prevent spreading and maintain soft texture. Use room temperature eggs and butter for best mixing. Measure flour correctly by spooning and leveling. Watch baking time closely to avoid overbaking. Practice piping on parchment paper before decorating cookies. Keep workspace cool to handle dough easily. For royal icing, adjust consistency by adding powdered sugar or water as needed. Let icing dry fully to avoid smudging.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookies, royal icing, soft cookies, holiday cookies, easy cookie recipe, homemade cookies, festive cookies

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/tender-soft-batch-sugar-cookies-with-royal-icing-stars-easy-homemade-recipe/