Save Enchant your guests with these whimsical seashell-shaped sugar cookies, decorated in shimmering pastel colors&perfect for a magical mermaid-themed party.
I love making these cookies for themed parties because they always impress and taste delightful with just the right balance of sweetness and texture.
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.
Save Baking these cookies has become a cherished family tradition that brings everyone together in the kitchen.
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
Save With these pro tips, your seashell cookies will not only look stunning but also taste perfect every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives the cookies their seashell shape?
The dough is rolled out and cut using a specialized seashell cookie cutter to create the distinctive shape.
- → How is the pastel coloring achieved on the cookies?
Gel food coloring is mixed into royal icing, which is then used to decorate each cookie in soft pastel shades.
- → Can the vanilla flavor be substituted?
Yes, replacing half the vanilla extract with almond extract adds a lovely nutty flavor twist.
- → How should the cookies be stored to maintain freshness?
Store in an airtight container for up to one week to keep the cookies fresh and maintain icing quality.
- → Are there any allergens to be aware of?
These cookies contain wheat, eggs, and dairy. Cross-contamination with nuts is possible if ingredients are processed in shared facilities.