Save to Pinterest Enchant your guests with these whimsical seashell-shaped sugar cookies, decorated in shimmering pastel colors perfect for a magical mermaid-themed party.
I first served these cookies at a summer gathering and everyone loved the unique design and delicious buttery taste.
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 to Pinterest Making these cookies became a fun family tradition especially with my kids helping to decorate each seashell.
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 to Pinterest These seashell cookies are sure to be a hit at your next party& they are as delightful to make as they are to eat.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What is the best way to chill the dough?
Wrap the dough discs tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to firm up before rolling.
- → How can I achieve vibrant pastel icing colors?
Use gel food coloring sparingly and mix well into the royal icing until desired pastel shades are reached.
- → Can I substitute almond extract for vanilla?
Yes, replacing half the vanilla with almond extract offers a delightful nutty flavor variation.
- → How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Proper chilling of the dough before baking helps maintain defined seashell shapes and prevents excessive spreading.
- → What is the role of meringue powder in royal icing?
Meringue powder stabilizes the icing, helping it to firm up promptly and hold detailed decorations.