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Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies | Easy Royal Icing Recipe

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These soft, buttery sugar cookies are perfect for Thanksgiving decorating with kids. The royal icing sets fast and the dough is forgiving, making this a stress-free holiday project that creates lasting memories.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 2½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 5–6 tablespoons warm water
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Gel food coloring
  • Sprinkles in fall colors
  • Candy corn
  • Edible glitter or sanding sugar
  • Piping bags or squeeze bottles

Instructions

  1. Make the cookie dough. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides halfway through. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat until combined.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the wet mixture in two additions, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough should come together in a soft, cohesive ball.
  3. Chill the dough. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 3 days).
  4. Preheat and prep. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Take one disc of dough out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes.
  5. Roll and cut. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut out shapes and place about 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
  6. Bake. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are just barely golden. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  7. Make the royal icing. In a large bowl, combine meringue powder and sifted powdered sugar. Add 5 tablespoons warm water and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for 4-5 minutes until stiff and glossy. Adjust consistency as needed.
  8. Color and thin the icing. Divide icing into small bowls and add gel food coloring. For flooding, thin with a few drops of water until it flows like honey. For outlining, keep it thicker.
  9. Decorate! Pipe outlines, flood cookies, and add sprinkles. Let kids decorate one or two cookies at a time.
  10. Let the icing set. Place decorated cookies on a baking sheet and let sit at room temperature for 2-4 hours, or overnight, until hardened.

Notes

Don’t skip the chill time—it prevents spreading. Use a light hand with flour when rolling. Test icing consistency before decorating. Let kids make mistakes; imperfect cookies are the most memorable. Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving cookies, sugar cookies, royal icing, kid-friendly, holiday baking, easy cookie recipe

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/kid-friendly-thanksgiving-sugar-cookies-easy-royal-icing-recipe/