Save 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 been a favorite at our family gatherings bringing a magical touch that delights both kids and adults alike
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 Making these cookies has become a treasured family tradition especially when decorating time turns into a joyful celebration
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
Save These seashell sweets bring a magical touch to any occasion making baking truly special
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What gives these cookies their seashell shapes?
The dough is rolled out and cut using a seashell-shaped cookie cutter, giving each cookie a delicate, whimsical form.
- → How can I achieve the pastel coloring on the icing?
Gel food coloring is added to royal icing, allowing for soft pastel shades like pink, lavender, turquoise, and teal.
- → What makes the icing shiny and decorative?
The royal icing is enhanced with edible pearl sprinkles and optional shimmer dust to create a magical, glistening effect.
- → How long should the dough be chilled before baking?
Chill the shaped dough discs in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to ensure clean edges during baking.
- → Can I customize the flavor of the cookies?
Yes, replacing half the vanilla extract with almond extract adds a delightful nutty nuance to the buttery cookies.