Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Easter Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 71 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes (plus chilling and drying time)
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Easter Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing are buttery, soft-in-the-center cookies decorated with crisp, glossy icing in pastel colors and festive shapes. Perfect for spring baking or holiday gifting, these cookies hold their shape well and are fun to decorate with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Royal Icing:

  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 6 tablespoons water (plus more as needed)
  • food coloring (gel recommended)

Instructions

  1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
  2. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, ensuring the mixture is well combined.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
  4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  5. Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into disks, wrap completely in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into Easter-themed cookie shapes using cookie cutters.
  8. Bake Cookies: Place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  9. Cool Cookies: Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks before decorating.
  10. Prepare Royal Icing: Beat powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water on low speed for 7–10 minutes until the icing is thick and glossy.
  11. Adjust Icing Consistency: Add a few drops of water at a time to thin the icing for flooding if needed.
  12. Color Icing: Divide and color the icing using gel food coloring as desired.
  13. Decorate Cookies: Using piping bags or squeeze bottles, decorate the cooled cookies with the royal icing.
  14. Dry Icing: Let the decorated cookies dry completely, ideally for several hours or overnight, before stacking or storing.

Notes

  • Cookies can be made ahead and frozen without icing for convenience.
  • Allow decorated cookies to dry uncovered for several hours or overnight for best results.
  • Store decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/easter-sugar-cookies-with-royal-icing-recipe/