Save Enchant your guests with these whimsical seashell-shaped sugar cookies, decorated in shimmering pastel colors& perfect for a magical mermaid-themed party.
I enjoy making these cookies for family gatherings because they always impress guests and bring out the creativity in decorating.
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 These cookies have become a favorite at our family parties where everyone enjoys 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
Save These seashell sugar cookies offer both a delicious treat and a creative activity for any occasion.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I keep seashell shapes sharp during baking?
Chill the dough discs before rolling and cutting. This helps maintain defined edges and prevents spreading during baking.
- → Can I customize the icing colors?
Yes, gel food coloring allows you to create pastel shades like pink, lavender, turquoise, and teal to match your theme.
- → What’s the best way to achieve stiff peaks for royal icing?
Beat powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water together until peaks hold firmly without drooping for easy decorating.
- → How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, the cookies remain fresh and flavorful for up to one week.
- → What alternatives enhance flavor in the dough?
Replacing half the vanilla extract with almond extract adds a subtle nutty depth to the cookie dough.