Print

Soft Halloween Sugar Cookies with Glossy Royal Icing

Soft Halloween Sugar Cookies - featured image
Print Recipe

These soft, tender sugar cookies are perfect for Halloween, topped with a glossy royal icing that dries with a shiny, glass-like finish. Easy to make and decorate, they capture the magic of autumn in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
  • 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tbsp pasteurized egg whites or meringue powder
  • 4–6 tbsp fresh lemon juice or water
  • Food coloring gels (orange, black, purple, green)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough (15 minutes): In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer on medium speed. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients (2 minutes): In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  3. Chill the Dough (30 minutes): Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  4. Preheat Oven & Prep Pans (5 minutes): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  5. Roll & Cut Cookies (15 minutes): Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness. Cut shapes with Halloween cookie cutters and transfer to baking sheets. Chill cut cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking.
  6. Bake (10-12 minutes): Bake cookies until edges just begin to turn golden and centers remain pale and soft. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.
  7. Prepare Royal Icing (10 minutes): Mix powdered sugar with meringue powder in a bowl. Slowly add lemon juice or water until icing forms stiff peaks but is still pliable. Divide into small bowls and tint with food coloring gels.
  8. Decorate (30+ minutes): Outline each cookie with icing using squeeze bottles or piping bags, then flood the center with thinner consistency. Let icing set uncovered at room temperature for at least 1 hour until glossy and firm.

Notes

Use meringue powder for safer and more convenient royal icing. Chill dough and cut cookies before baking to prevent spreading. Add a pinch of pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist. Use gel food coloring to keep icing glossy. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween sugar cookies, royal icing, soft cookies, Halloween treats, glossy icing, sugar cookie recipe, festive cookies

Find it online: https://forkmila.com/soft-halloween-sugar-cookies-with-glossy-royal-icing-easy-step-by-step-recipe/