Save Pretty Bows Heart & Star Cookies Adorable sugar cookies in heart and star shapes, decorated with colorful icing and charming bow designs—perfect for celebrations, gifts, or afternoon tea.
This recipe is perfect for celebrations and gift-giving, and I love how the colorful bows add a special whimsical touch.
Ingredients
- For the Cookies: 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened, 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- For the Royal Icing: 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted, 1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder, 3–4 tablespoons warm water, Gel food coloring (pink, red, yellow, blue, etc.)
- For Decorating: Assorted sprinkles, Edible pearls, Piping bags and small round tips
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 3 minutes).
- Step 3:
- Add egg and vanilla extract beat until combined.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients mixing just until dough forms.
- Step 5:
- Divide dough in half flatten into discs wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 7:
- On a floured surface roll out dough to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness Cut into heart and star shapes using cookie cutters.
- Step 8:
- Transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets spacing them 1 inch apart.
- Step 9:
- Bake for 10 12 minutes or until edges are just turning golden Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Step 10:
- For royal icing In a bowl combine powdered sugar meringue powder and 3 tablespoons water Beat until smooth and glossy adding more water as needed for piping consistency.
- Step 11:
- Divide icing into bowls tint each with gel food coloring as desired.
- Step 12:
- Fill piping bags with colored icing Outline and flood the cooled cookies then pipe bow designs and sprinkle with decorations Allow icing to set completely before serving or packaging.
Save Let decorated cookies dry overnight for best results Pair with tea lemonade or a sparkling rosé for a delightful treat
Required Tools
Electric mixer Mixing bowls Rolling pin Heart & star cookie cutters Baking sheets Parchment paper Wire racks Piping bags and small round tips
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten) eggs milk (butter) May contain traces of nuts if using certain sprinkles or decorations always check labels
Nutritional Information
Calories 150 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 20 g Protein 2 g per cookie
Save These cookies bring festive joy and are a perfect canvas for your creativity in decorating
Kitchen Help
- → How do I keep cookies soft after baking?
Store cookies in an airtight container once completely cooled to maintain softness and prevent drying out.
- → What is the best way to achieve smooth icing consistency?
Gradually add warm water to the powdered sugar and meringue powder mixture until a glossy, smooth texture suitable for piping is reached.
- → Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, chilling the dough wrapped in plastic wrap for at least 30 minutes helps relax the gluten and ease rolling and cutting.
- → How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much when baking?
Ensure dough is well chilled before cutting and baking; also, avoid overmixing once dry ingredients are added.
- → What alternatives can I use for decorating besides royal icing?
Edible pearls, sprinkles, and hand-drawn designs with food-safe markers can add creative accents alongside or instead of icing.