Floral butter cookies beautifully decorated with royal icing

Floral Butter Cookies with Royal Icing

Floral Butter Cookies with Royal Icing are a delightful treat that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings a touch of artistry to your baking. With their tender, buttery texture and vibrant icing, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual afternoon tea. This step-by-step recipe will guide you through creating beautiful, delicious cookies that will impress your family and friends, making them an ideal choice for novice and experienced bakers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the biggest perks of this Floral Butter Cookies with Royal Icing recipe is its simplicity. With minimal ingredients—most of which you likely already have in your pantry—you can whip up a batch quickly. The cookies bake beautifully, turning out soft and buttery, while the royal icing adds an elegant finish. These cookies are not just charming; they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, making them the perfect treat to share. Plus, the creative aspect of decorating these cookies means you can tailor them to any color scheme or theme, adding a personal touch to every batch.

Ingredients

2 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation of the cookies, giving them a light and airy structure.
1⁄2 cup powdered sugar: Adds a delicate sweetness that complements the buttery flavor.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This will create a rich, creamy base for your cookies.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the cookie dough.
1⁄4 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Adds a lovely nutty note that pairs well with the other flavors.
1⁄4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the cookie’s overall flavor.
1 egg white or 3 tablespoons meringue powder: The key ingredient for the royal icing, providing structure and shine.
1 3⁄4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the royal icing and gives it a smooth texture.
1⁄2 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds a slight tang that helps to balance the sweetness of the icing.
Gel food colors (pink, purple, green, yellow): These vibrant colors will bring your floral designs to life!

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring an easy release for the cookies once baked.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt until well combined. This will eliminate any lumps and ensure even distribution throughout the dough.
Cream the Butter Mixture: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie texture.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter mixture, mixing until you form a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should just come together.
Chill the Dough: Roll the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This chilling step helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut.
Roll Out Dough: Once chilled, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. The dough should be pliable but not sticky.
Cut Out Shapes: Use a floral cookie cutter to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly during baking.
Bake Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking, as you want the centers to remain soft.
Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. They should be completely cooled before icing.
Prepare Royal Icing: If using egg whites, beat them until stiff peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and lemon juice, continuing to beat until you achieve a smooth consistency. If using meringue powder, combine it with water according to the package instructions, then add powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Color the Icing: Divide the royal icing into small bowls and tint each with gel food colors of your choice. This is where your creativity can shine!
Decorate Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, use a piping bag or fine-tipped tool to decorate them with floral patterns and designs using the colored royal icing. Allow the icing to set before serving or storing.

Tips & Tricks

Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best creaming results. Cold butter can result in a dense cookie.
Chill the Icing: If your royal icing becomes too runny, chill it in the refrigerator briefly before using it for piping to achieve better control.
Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding lemon zest or orange zest to the cookie dough for a refreshing twist.
Practice Piping: If you’re new to piping, practice on parchment paper before decorating your cookies to build your confidence.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Floral Butter Cookies with Royal Icing are perfect for any occasion. Serve them at birthday parties, bridal showers, or even simple family gatherings. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea, coffee, or a refreshing glass of lemonade. For an extra touch, consider serving them alongside fresh fruit or light, fruity desserts to create a charming dessert table.

Nutritional Information

Calories per cookie: Approximately 90-100
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 10mg
Carbohydrates: 12g
Sugars: 6g

These cookies provide a sweet treat, perfect for occasional indulgence. Remember to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet!

Storing Tips & Variations

To store your Floral Butter Cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to make the dough in advance, it can be frozen for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out.

For variations, try adding different flavors of extracts like mint or coconut to the cookie dough. You could also change the shapes with seasonal cookie cutters—for example, hearts for Valentine’s Day or pumpkins for Halloween.

Conclusion

Floral Butter Cookies with Royal Icing are a delightful treat that combines sweet flavors with beautiful presentation. The process of baking and decorating these cookies is not just a culinary endeavor; it is an opportunity to express creativity and share joy with loved ones. I encourage you to try this recipe today and see how it fills your home with warmth and delightful aromas. Don’t forget to share your experiences and the stunning designs you create!

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- Yes, margarine can be used, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly. Butter provides a more authentic taste and aroma.
What if I don’t have meringue powder?
- You can use egg whites instead for the royal icing. Just make sure they are pasteurized if you’re concerned about safety.
How do I store leftover royal icing?
- Royal icing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Stir well before using.
Can I freeze the decorated cookies?
- Yes, you can freeze decorated cookies. Make sure they are completely dry and wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
How can I make the icing more vivid in color?
- Use gel food colors, which provide more intense colors without altering the consistency of the icing. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve your desired shade.