Save Enchant your guests with these whimsical seashell-shaped sugar cookies, decorated in shimmering pastel colors perfect for a magical mermaid-themed party.
These cookies always bring smiles when I make them for family gatherings, especially the kids love the shimmering pastel colors and edible pearl sprinkles.
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
Save Making these cookies has become a special activity in our home where everyone decorates their own shells and shares stories about the sea.
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 Enjoy these charming cookies fresh or give them as delightful gifts that brighten any celebration.
Recipe FAQ
- → What ingredients give these cookies their vanilla flavor?
The dough is enriched with pure vanilla extract, which you can partly substitute with almond extract for a nutty twist.
- → How is the pastel color achieved on the decorations?
Gel food coloring is mixed into royal icing to create soft pastel shades like pink, lavender, turquoise, and teal.
- → What is the best way to ensure clean seashell shapes?
Chilling the dough before rolling and using a precise seashell-shaped cutter helps maintain crisp, detailed edges.
- → Can the decorations be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, royal icing can be made ahead, tinted, and stored briefly before decorating cooled cookies.
- → How should these cookies be stored for freshness?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to keep them fresh.