Spiced Snowflake Sugar Cookies with Blue Icing

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-13 · Updated 2026-05-13

Delicate snowflake-shaped sugar cookies infused with warm spices and decorated with vibrant blue royal icing for a festive winter treat. This general-inspired desserts ready in about 32 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, (2 sticks), softened unsalted butter 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 110 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

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks), softened unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp meringue powder
• 4 tbsp water
• 1/2 tsp blue gel food coloring

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
2. Step 2: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a smooth dough forms. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
4. Step 4: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using a snowflake-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookies and place them 1 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.
5. Step 5: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but not browned. Remove from oven and cool completely on wire racks.
6. Step 6: For icing, combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons meringue powder, and 4 tablespoons water in a bowl. Beat on medium speed until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon blue gel food coloring until evenly tinted.
7. Step 7: Decorate cooled cookies with blue royal icing using a piping bag or spoon, letting the icing set completely before serving or storing.