Elegant Dove Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing Decoration are a delightful treat that embodies both creativity and sweetness. These cookies aren’t just delicious; they also offer a burst of nostalgia as they remind us of joyful gatherings, special occasions, and the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the home. With their charming dove shape and eye-catching royal icing decor, these cookies are perfect for festive events or simply as a special treat to brighten your day. This recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress both family and friends, making it a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the most appealing aspects of this Elegant Dove Sugar Cookies recipe is its simplicity. With easy prep and minimal ingredients, it’s a fantastic way to introduce baking to budding chefs of all ages. The step-by-step directions guide you through every stage, so even novice bakers can produce beautiful cookies. These cookies are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, holiday celebrations, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift. The combination of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie and the vibrant, visually stunning royal icing will surely make them a hit!
Ingredients
To create these exquisite cookies, you’ll need the following high-quality ingredients:
- 2 1⁄2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour – Fine and versatile, providing the perfect base for our cookies.
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened – Creamy and rich, contributing to the cookies’ melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar – Sweet and crunchy, giving the cookies a lovely golden hue.
- 1 large egg – Binding everything together and adding moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Aromatic and warm, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional) – Adding a hint of nutty sweetness for complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balancing the flavors and enhancing the sweetness.
- 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar, sifted – Ensuring a smooth and sweet royal icing.
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder – Providing stability and structure to our icing.
- 6–8 tablespoons water – Adjusting the consistency of the royal icing.
- Gel food coloring in white, pink, and light blue – Transforming simple icing into beautiful decorations.
Step-by-Step Directions
To create your Elegant Dove Sugar Cookies, follow these detailed directions that will lead you to cookie perfection:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
Gradually sift in the flour and salt, mixing just until the dough is combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough; it should be soft and slightly sticky.
Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrapping each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour; this step is crucial for easier rolling.
Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to reach about 1/8 inch thickness.
Use a dove-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced evenly.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of your cookies are just beginning to turn golden. Avoid overbaking for the best texture!
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a several minutes before transferring them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely.
To prepare the royal icing, combine the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder in a large mixing bowl. Add water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the icing achieves a thick yet pipeable consistency.
Divide the icing into separate bowls. Use gel food coloring to create your desired shades of white, pink, and light blue.
Once your cookies are completely cooled, use the royal icing to decorate them. Pipe delicate dove shapes or design each cookie however you wish, showcasing your creativity!
Allow the royal icing to dry completely before serving or storing.
Tips & Tricks
For an elevated flavor, try adding an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract. You can also experiment with different cookie cutters to create a variety of shapes, making these cookies versatile for different occasions. If you find your dough too soft after chilling, simply refrigerate it slightly longer. Have fun with the royal icing; practice makes perfect in piping techniques, and don’t hesitate to let your creativity shine! A small tip: If you want to create beautiful marbled icing effects, start with a base of white icing and add drops of colored icing before swirling them together with a knife.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Elegant Dove Sugar Cookies are perfect on their own but can be enhanced with creative serving ideas. Present them on a festive platter as a centerpiece at parties or holiday gatherings. Pair them with a comforting cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. They also make lovely gifts for loved ones when wrapped in decorative boxes or cellophane tied with a ribbon.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie provides a delightful combination of flavors and textures, but as with indulgences, moderation is key. On average, a single cookie may contain approximately 120-140 calories. Nutritional values such as fat and sugar content will vary based on your decorative choices. Eating a well-balanced diet while savoring these treats ensures a rewarding experience without compromise.
Storing Tips & Variations
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, maintaining the delightful flavor and texture. If you’re considering making them in advance, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months; just ensure they are stored in a single layer to prevent sticking. For variations, consider adding sprinkles or using different gel colors to match seasonal themes and celebrations!
Conclusion
Elegant Dove Sugar Cookies are truly a delightful baking venture that’s bound to bring smiles and sweet memories. With their charming shape and beautiful royal icing, you’ll find they’re not just a treat but a canvas for your creativity. I encourage you to try this recipe and bask in the joy of baking these delectable cookies. Share your experiences, tips, and delightful photos with friends and family, or even create a baking day where these cookies become a treasured tradition in your home!
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used, but it may affect the flavor and texture. Unsalted butter typically provides the best results in cookies.Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before rolling and baking.Is royal icing hard to make?
Not at all! As long as you follow the proportions correctly and mix until you reach the right consistency, it should be simple and effective for decorating.Can I omit the almond extract?
Yes, the almond extract is optional. However, it adds a lovely nuance to the cookie flavor. Feel free to replace it with another extract you enjoy!What should I do if my icing is too runny?
If your royal icing is too runny, gradually add more sifted powdered sugar until you achieve the desired pipeable consistency.
Elegant Dove Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing Decoration
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful dove-shaped sugar cookies decorated with beautiful royal icing, perfect for festive occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 1⁄2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 6–8 tablespoons water
- Gel food coloring in white, pink, and light blue
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
- Gradually sift in the flour and salt, mixing just until combined; dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Use a dove-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges just begin to turn golden, avoiding overbaking.
- Cool cookies on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare royal icing by mixing sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder in a bowl, adding water gradually to achieve a thick consistency.
- Divide icing into bowls, adding gel food coloring to achieve desired shades.
- Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing, showcasing your creativity, and allow icing to dry completely before serving or storing.
Notes
For better flavor, add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract. Experiment with different cookie cutter shapes for versatility.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
