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Easy Patriotic Star Sugar Cookies Recipe with Royal Icing for Perfect 4th of July Treats

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These easy patriotic star sugar cookies with royal icing are quick to make, festive, and perfect for 4th of July celebrations. The buttery cookies hold their star shape well and are decorated with classic red, white, and blue royal icing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon (4 g) baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons egg whites or meringue powder (use pasteurized egg whites for safety)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • Red and blue gel food coloring
  • Water as needed to adjust icing consistency

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, beat softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes with an electric mixer.
  3. Beat in the large room-temperature egg and pure vanilla extract until fully combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and keep star points sharp.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about ¼-inch (6 mm) thickness. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart.
  8. Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, until edges are just turning golden and centers look set but pale.
  9. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Prepare royal icing by beating powdered sugar, egg whites (or meringue powder), and fresh lemon juice. Add water as needed to reach a smooth but thick consistency for piping.
  11. Divide and tint portions of icing with red and blue gel food coloring.
  12. Use piping bags or squeeze bottles to outline each cookie with white icing, then flood the center. Add red and blue accents like stripes, dots, or stars while the icing is wet for blending effects.
  13. Let icing dry completely for several hours or overnight before stacking or storing.

Notes

Chill dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and keep star points sharp. Use gel food coloring for vibrant royal icing colors. Work quickly when decorating as royal icing dries fast. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months with parchment paper between layers.

Nutrition

Keywords: patriotic sugar cookies, 4th of July cookies, star-shaped cookies, royal icing cookies, easy sugar cookies, festive cookies

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/easy-patriotic-star-sugar-cookies-recipe-with-royal-icing-for-perfect-4th-of-july-treats/