Save Enchant your guests with these whimsical seashell-shaped sugar cookies, decorated in shimmering pastel colors& perfect for a magical mermaid-themed party.
This recipe has become a favorite for themed parties in my family& bringing smiles to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- Cookie Dough: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter softened, 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Royal Icing & Decorations: 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar sifted, 1 1/2 tbsp meringue powder, 3 tbsp water plus more as needed, Gel food coloring (pastel pink, lavender, turquoise, teal), Edible pearl sprinkles, Edible shimmer dust (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 2:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3:
- Add egg and vanilla extract beat until combined.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Step 5:
- Divide dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 7:
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out seashell shapes using a seashell cookie cutter.
- Step 8:
- Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Step 9:
- Bake for 10 12 minutes, until edges are just barely golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Step 10:
- For icing, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water in a bowl. Beat until stiff peaks form. Divide icing into bowls and tint with desired gel food colors.
- Step 11:
- Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing, adding pearl sprinkles and shimmer dust for a magical effect. Allow icing to set before serving.
Pin it This is a beloved recipe that has created wonderful family moments baking and decorating together.
Required Tools
Electric mixer Mixing bowls Rolling pin Seashell cookie cutter Baking sheets Parchment paper Piping bags and tips Cooling rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter) May contain traces of nuts if ingredients are processed in shared facilities& check labels if concerned
Nutritional Information
Calories 140 Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrates 21 g Protein 1 g per cookie
Pin it These seashell sugar cookies add a magical touch to your celebration and are sure to impress your guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What gives these cookies their seashell shape?
The dough is rolled out and cut using a specialized seashell cookie cutter to achieve detailed shapes.
- → How is the shimmering pastel decoration achieved?
The royal icing is tinted with gel food coloring in pastel tones and enhanced with edible pearl sprinkles and optional shimmer dust.
- → Can I substitute the vanilla extract in the dough?
Yes, almond extract can replace half the vanilla for a slightly nutty flavor variation.
- → What is the purpose of chilling the dough before baking?
Chilling firms the dough, helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking and improving texture.
- → How should these cookies be stored after decorating?
Store them in an airtight container to keep freshness and maintain the icing’s appearance for up to one week.
- → Are these cookies suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, the ingredient list contains no meat or gelatin, fitting a vegetarian lifestyle.