From-Scratch Vanilla Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
Tender vanilla sugar cookies made from scratch and decorated with smooth royal icing for a classic homemade treat. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 30 minutes layers (2 sticks), softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, large egg into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks), softened unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups, for icing powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 5 tablespoons, divided water
- optional, as desired food coloring
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until combined.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, sift together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until dough forms.
- Step 3: Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
- Step 4: Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are just beginning to turn golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Step 5: To make royal icing, beat together 3 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons meringue powder, and 4 tablespoons water on medium speed until stiff peaks form (about 5-7 minutes). Add additional water (up to 1 tablespoon) to thin icing for piping or flooding. Add food coloring if desired.
- Step 6: Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing using piping bags or brushes. Allow icing to dry fully before storing or serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does From-Scratch Vanilla Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover From-Scratch Vanilla Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in From-Scratch Vanilla Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale From-Scratch Vanilla Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with From-Scratch Vanilla Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
