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Perfect Decorated Beach Theme Sugar Cookies Easy Homemade Seashell Recipe

decorated beach theme sugar cookies - featured image
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These charming beach-themed sugar cookies shaped like seashells are quick and easy to make, featuring a buttery, tender texture and decorated with pastel royal icing and edible shimmer for a delightful coastal vibe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
  • Royal icing ingredients:
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp meringue powder
  • 5–6 tbsp water
  • Food coloring gels (pastel shades like seafoam green, sandy beige, light coral)
  • Edible shimmer dust or pearl dust

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt. Set aside.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat 1 cup (226 g) softened unsalted butter with 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs and extracts: Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, then stir in 2 tsp pure vanilla extract and optional ½ tsp almond extract.
  4. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Chill the dough: Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. Roll and cut shapes: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. Use seashell cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer to baking sheets.
  8. Bake cookies: Bake for 9-11 minutes or until edges are just lightly golden. Watch closely to avoid overbaking.
  9. Cool completely: Move cookies to wire racks to cool fully before decorating.
  10. Prepare royal icing: Mix 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, 3 tbsp meringue powder, and 5-6 tbsp water until stiff peaks form. Divide and tint with food coloring gels.
  11. Decorate: Use piping bags to outline and flood cookies with icing. Add texture and shimmer dust with a small brush while icing is still wet.
  12. Dry and serve: Let decorated cookies dry for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Notes

Always soften butter, not melt it. Chill dough for at least 1 hour for best shape retention. Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking. Adjust royal icing consistency by adding powdered sugar or water as needed. Let decorated cookies dry fully before stacking or packaging.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookies, beach theme cookies, seashell cookies, decorated cookies, royal icing, easy sugar cookies, homemade cookies, party cookies

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/perfect-decorated-beach-theme-sugar-cookies-easy-homemade-seashell-recipe/