Pin Recipe Enchant your guests with these whimsical seashell-shaped sugar cookies, decorated in shimmering pastel colors& perfect for a magical mermaid-themed party.
This recipe quickly became my go-to for party treats thanks to its festive look and delicious flavor.
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.
Pin Recipe This recipe creates sweet memories as my family enjoys decorating each seashell cookie 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 Recipe These seashell cookies add a magical touch to any party and provide hours of decorating fun.
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives the treats their pastel colors?
Gel food coloring is used to tint the royal icing into pastel shades like pink, lavender, turquoise, and teal, enhancing their whimsical appearance.
- → How is the dough prepared for shaping?
The dough is mixed until just incorporated, chilled to firm up, then rolled out and cut into seashell shapes to ensure clean, precise edges.
- → Can the flavor be varied?
Yes, substituting half the vanilla with almond extract adds a complementary nutty flavor, enriching the overall taste profile.
- → How should these sweets be stored?
Store them in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness and preserve the delicate icing decorations.
- → What tools are essential for decoration?
Basic tools include piping bags and tips for detailed icing work, as well as a seashell cutter for uniform shapes and a cooling rack for complete drying.
- → What makes the icing set properly?
Beating powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water to stiff peaks ensures the royal icing holds its shape and dries with a smooth finish.