Pin Adorable sugar cookies in heart and star shapes, decorated with colorful icing and charming bow designs—perfect for celebrations, gifts, or afternoon tea.
These cookies are one of my favorite treats to bake for family gatherings they always impress guests with their adorable shapes and delicate decorations.
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
Pin My family loves these cookies especially during holidays when we gather to decorate them together making sweet memories.
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
Pin These pretty bows cookies add a charming touch to any occasion and taste as delightful as they look.
Recipe Questions
- → What makes the dough tender for these cookies?
The combination of softened butter, sugar, and careful mixing creates a tender, light dough that holds its shape well while baking.
- → How is the royal icing prepared for decorating?
Powdered sugar is combined with meringue powder and warm water, then beaten to a smooth, glossy consistency ideal for piping and flooding.
- → Can I use other shapes besides hearts and stars?
Yes, the dough can be rolled and cut with any preferred cookie cutters, though the bows are best highlighted on simple shapes.
- → How long should the cookies dry after decorating?
Allow the decorated cookies to dry overnight to ensure the icing sets completely and the designs hold their shape.
- → What is the ideal baking temperature for these cookies?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes until the edges lightly golden but centers remain tender.
- → Are there alternatives to the classic vanilla flavor?
Yes, vanilla extract provides the base flavor, but adding almond or lemon extract can add delightful variations.