Save It 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 family favorite as we gather around to decorate each cookie like little treasures from the sea.
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 It We cherish the moments decorating these cookies together making every party extra special.
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 (per cookie)
Calories 140 Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrates 21 g Protein 1 g
Save It These seashell sweets make any celebration sparkle with whimsy and delight.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → How can I achieve the pastel colors on these cookies?
Use gel food coloring to tint royal icing in pastel shades like pink, lavender, turquoise, and teal for delicate, vibrant decoration.
- → What is the best way to keep the cookies' shape during baking?
Chilling the dough discs for 30 minutes before rolling and cutting helps maintain the seashell shapes while baking.
- → Can the vanilla extract be substituted for another flavor?
Yes, replacing half the vanilla extract with almond extract adds a nuanced flavor variant to the cookies.
- → How should these cookies be stored to keep them fresh?
Store in an airtight container for up to one week to preserve texture and flavor.
- → What decorating tools are essential for the finishing touches?
Piping bags, tips, and a seashell cookie cutter are key tools to create detailed shapes and precise royal icing designs.
- → Is it necessary to use meringue powder in the icing?
Meringue powder stabilizes the royal icing, helping it dry firm and smooth for crisp decoration details.