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Perfect Star-Spangled Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

star-spangled sugar cookies with royal icing - featured image
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These star-shaped sugar cookies with royal icing are a quick and easy patriotic treat perfect for 4th of July celebrations, featuring a delightful balance of crisp edges and soft centers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon whole milk
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 large egg whites (or 4 tablespoons pasteurized egg whites)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Red and blue gel food coloring

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups sifted all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 ½ cups granulated sugar using an electric mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Beat in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon whole milk until combined. Scrape down the sides as needed.
  4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Divide dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll one dough disk to about ¼-inch thickness. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes, placing them 1 inch apart on the baking sheets.
  8. Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until edges begin to turn a very light golden color. Watch carefully to avoid browning.
  9. Transfer cookies to cooling racks immediately after baking to cool completely before icing.
  10. In a clean bowl, beat 3 cups sifted powdered sugar with 2 large egg whites and 1 teaspoon lemon juice on medium speed until stiff peaks form, about 7-10 minutes.
  11. Divide icing into separate bowls, tint with red and blue gel colors as desired.
  12. Fill piping bags with colored icing and pipe stars, stripes, or dots on the cookies. Let dry at room temperature for several hours or overnight until icing hardens.

Notes

Chill dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading and ensure clean shapes. Avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft inside. Adjust royal icing consistency by adding water or powdered sugar as needed. Use pasteurized egg whites for safety in royal icing. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookies, royal icing, 4th of July, patriotic cookies, star-shaped cookies, easy sugar cookies, holiday baking

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/perfect-star-spangled-sugar-cookies-with-royal-icing-easy-patriotic-recipe-for-4th-of-july/