Save 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 yields 24 delightful cookies that are fun to decorate and share with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour: base for the cookies
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: leavening agent
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: enhances flavor
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened: adds richness
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar: sweetness
- 1 large egg: binding agent
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: flavor
- 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted: for royal icing
- 1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder: for royal icing stability
- 3 4 tablespoons warm water: adjusts icing consistency
- Gel food coloring (pink, red, yellow, blue, etc): colors for icing
- Assorted sprinkles: decorations
- Edible pearls: decorations
- Piping bags and small round tips: for decorating
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.
Save Let decorated cookies dry overnight for best results. Pair with tea, lemonade, or a sparkling rosé for a delightful treat enjoyed by the whole family.
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
Save These Pretty Bows Heart & Star Cookies add a fun and festive touch to any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients create the cookie dough?
The dough uses all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract for a tender, flavorful base.
- → How is the royal icing prepared and colored?
Royal icing is made by mixing powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth, then divided and tinted with gel food coloring for vibrant decoration.
- → What shapes are the cookies made into?
The dough is rolled out and cut into heart and star shapes using cookie cutters for a festive appearance.
- → How long should the cookies bake?
Cookies bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until edges turn golden, then cool before decorating.
- → Any tips for decorating to achieve the bow designs?
Use piping bags with small round tips to outline and flood the cookies with colored icing, then pipe bows and add sprinkles or edible pearls for finishing touches.
- → Can these treats be made ahead of time?
Royal icing can be prepared in advance and stored airtight. Decorated cookies dry best when left overnight for icing to set fully.