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Perfect ABC Letter Cookies with Glossy Royal Icing

ABC Letter Cookies - featured image
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A simple and approachable recipe for buttery alphabet cookies topped with smooth, glossy royal icing that sets with a satisfying snap. Perfect for gifts, parties, and personalizing treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 6 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice or clear vanilla extract
  • Gel food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough (15 minutes): In a large bowl, cream 1 cup (227g) softened unsalted butter with 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar until fluffy. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; mix until combined.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients (5 minutes): In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
  3. Mix Wet and Dry (5 minutes): Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until the dough just comes together—it should be soft but not sticky. If too sticky, add a tablespoon more flour.
  4. Chill the Dough (at least 1 hour): Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This step is key for neat cookie shapes and prevents spreading.
  5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Roll and Cut Cookies (15 minutes): On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to about ¼ inch (6mm) thickness. Use alphabet cutters to press out letters, then transfer carefully to baking sheet.
  7. Bake (10-12 minutes): Bake until edges just start to turn golden. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move to wire rack to cool completely before icing.
  8. Prepare Royal Icing: In a medium bowl, beat 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar with 3 tablespoons meringue powder and 6 tablespoons water. Add lemon juice (about 1 tsp) or vanilla extract. Beat until stiff peaks form, adjusting water to get a thick but pipeable consistency.
  9. Color and Pipe: Divide icing into small bowls and tint with gel colors if desired. Use piping bags fitted with small round tips to outline each cookie letter, then flood inside with thinner icing (thin with water to a consistency that spreads smoothly).
  10. Let Icing Set: Allow cookies to dry at room temperature for several hours or overnight. Avoid stacking until fully hardened.

Notes

Chill dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading. Use meringue powder for safer and more stable royal icing. Keep icing covered with a damp cloth to prevent crusting while working. Let icing dry completely before stacking or packaging. Practice flooding on a spare cookie before decorating the whole batch.

Nutrition

Keywords: ABC cookies, royal icing, alphabet cookies, glossy icing, easy cookies, party cookies, gift cookies, baking tutorial

Find it online: https://milacook.com/perfect-abc-letter-cookies-recipe-easy-glossy-royal-icing-tutorial/