Elegant Dove Sugar Cookies
These Elegant Dove Sugar Cookies are visually stunning and delicious, perfect for any celebration, and easy to customize with royal icing decorations.
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour providing a soft texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened creating a rich, creamy foundation.
- 1 cup granulated sugar adding sweetness to every bite.
- 1 large egg binding the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract infusing a warm aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional) offering a subtle nutty flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt enhancing the overall taste.
Royal Icing Ingredients
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted for a smooth finish.
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder providing stability for the icing.
- 6-8 tablespoons water (adjust for consistency) to perfect the icing texture.
- Gel food coloring in white, pink, and light blue bringing your cookies to life.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until combined to form a soft dough.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Baking
- Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out dove shapes and transfer to baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden.
- Let the cookies cool on sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Icing Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder.
- Gradually add water, mixing one tablespoon at a time until the icing reaches a thick yet pipeable consistency.
- Divide the icing into separate bowls and tint with gel food coloring.
Decoration
- Once the cookies are cool, pipe the royal icing onto the cookies to create dove shapes or desired designs.
- Allow the icing to dry completely before serving or storing.
Notes
Chill dough if too soft while rolling. Use piping bags for intricate designs and enjoy experimenting with flavors.