Seashell Sweets Sugar Cookies

Enchant your guests with these whimsical seashell-shaped sugar cookies, decorated in shimmering pastel colors& perfect for a magical mermaid-themed party.

I first served these at a summer beach party and everyone loved the magical touch they added to the dessert table.

Ingredients

• Cookie Dough: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter softened, 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Royal Icing & Decorations: 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar sifted, 1 1/2 tbsp meringue powder, 3 tbsp water plus more as needed, gel food coloring pastel pink lavender turquoise teal, edible pearl sprinkles, edible shimmer dust optional

Instructions

Step 1:

In a bowl, whisk together flour baking powder and salt. Set aside.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Step 3:

Add egg and vanilla extract beat until combined.

Step 4:

Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.

Step 5:

Divide dough in half shape into discs wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 6:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7:

Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out seashell shapes using a seashell cookie cutter.

Step 8:

Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 9:

Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are just barely golden. Cool completely on wire racks.

Step 10:

For icing, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water in a bowl. Beat until stiff peaks form. Divide icing into bowls and tint with desired gel food colors.

Step 11:

Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing adding pearl sprinkles and shimmer dust for a magical effect. Allow icing to set before serving.

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These cookies have brought joy to my family gatherings many times especially when decorating together.

Required Tools

Electric mixer mixing bowls rolling pin seashell cookie cutter baking sheets parchment paper piping bags and tips cooling rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) eggs and dairy (butter). May contain traces of nuts if ingredients are processed in shared facilities check labels if concerned.

Nutritional Information

Calories 140 Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrates 21 g Protein 1 g per cookie

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These seashell cookies add a charming touch to any occasion and always impress guests.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What shapes are best used for these cookies?

Seashell-shaped cutters bring out the magical theme, emphasizing detailed edges and curves for a whimsical look.

→ How can I achieve pastel colors for the icing?

Use gel food coloring sparingly to tint royal icing softly, ensuring delicate, shimmering pastel hues.

→ What is the purpose of chilling the dough?

Chilling firms the dough, helping maintain shape during baking and easing rolling and cutting.

→ Can I add extra flavors without altering texture?

Replacing half the vanilla with almond extract adds aroma, enriching flavor without affecting consistency.

→ How should the decorated cookies be stored?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to preserve freshness and decoration.