Pin this Enchant your guests with these whimsical seashell-shaped sugar cookies, decorated in shimmering pastel colors& perfect for a magical mermaid-themed party.
These cookies quickly became a favorite at our family gatherings, adding a splash of color and fun to every celebration.
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 1012 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 this Baking these cookies always brings back fond family memories of decorating and sharing sweet treats 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 this These seashell cookies are the perfect sweet touch to any party& a delightful treat to share.
Recipe Questions
- → What gives the icing its pastel colors?
Gel food coloring in soft shades like pink, lavender, turquoise, and teal are used to tint the royal icing, providing vibrant yet delicate pastel hues.
- → How can I achieve crisp edges on these cookies?
Baking the cookies for about 10-12 minutes at 350°F until the edges are barely golden ensures a tender yet crisp texture on the edges.
- → Is chilling the dough necessary?
Yes, chilling the dough for 30 minutes firms it up, making it easier to roll and cut precise seashell shapes without losing detail.
- → Can I customize the decoration colors?
Absolutely, you can mix and match gel food colorings to create your own palette for the royal icing to suit any theme.
- → How should these cookies be stored to maintain freshness?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to keep them fresh and the decorations intact.