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Perfect Firework Sugar Cookies Recipe Easy Royal Icing for Celebrations

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These firework sugar cookies feature a tender, buttery base decorated with vibrant royal icing bursts, perfect for celebrations like the Fourth of July or birthdays. The recipe is quick, easy, and yields beautifully shaped cookies with a crisp yet melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon (4g) baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons (10ml) pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons (21g) meringue powder
  • 5–6 tablespoons (75-90ml) warm water
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract or almond extract
  • Food coloring gels, assorted colors

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the large room-temperature egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides as needed.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix on low speed until just combined.
  5. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough disc to about ¼ inch (6mm) thickness. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and transfer to baking sheets.
  8. Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through, until just set with slightly golden edges.
  9. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
  10. Prepare royal icing by combining powdered sugar, meringue powder, and warm water. Beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 7 minutes. Adjust consistency as needed.
  11. Divide icing into small bowls and tint with food coloring gels.
  12. Pipe bursts, dots, and streaks to mimic fireworks using piping bags with fine tips. Use toothpicks to drag colors gently for starburst effects.
  13. Let icing dry completely for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Notes

Sift flour and powdered sugar to avoid lumps. Use softened but not melted butter. Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain sharp edges. Use meringue powder for stable royal icing. Let each color dry before adding another to avoid bleeding. If icing cracks while drying, mist lightly with water and smooth gently. Dough can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 3 months. Decorated cookies freeze best after icing dries.

Nutrition

Keywords: firework sugar cookies, royal icing, celebration cookies, Fourth of July cookies, easy sugar cookies, festive cookies, colorful icing

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/perfect-firework-sugar-cookies-recipe-easy-royal-icing-for-celebrations/