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Perfect Mario Star Power-Up Sugar Cookies Recipe with Glossy Royal Icing Made Easy

mario star power-up sugar cookies - featured image
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These star-shaped sugar cookies inspired by Mario’s iconic power-up feature a tender, buttery base with smooth, glossy royal icing that shines like edible trophies. Perfect for themed parties, game nights, or just a fun baking project.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 6–8 tablespoons warm water
  • Yellow gel food coloring
  • Optional: a few drops of clear vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  3. Add egg and vanilla extract; beat until fully combined.
  4. Gradually add flour mixture alternating with milk; mix until just combined without overmixing.
  5. Shape dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Cut out star shapes and place 1 inch apart on baking sheets.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges begin to turn golden; centers may look slightly soft.
  9. Cool cookies completely on wire racks before decorating.
  10. Prepare royal icing: combine meringue powder and powdered sugar, add 6 tablespoons warm water, and beat until stiff peaks form (about 5 minutes). Adjust water for flood consistency.
  11. Mix in yellow gel food coloring until vibrant.
  12. Decorate cookies by outlining stars with icing, then flood centers. Smooth bubbles with a toothpick or spatula.
  13. Let icing dry at room temperature for 4-6 hours or overnight for best glossy finish.

Notes

Use softened, not melted butter for best texture. Chill dough to help cookies hold shape and bake evenly. Use meringue powder in royal icing for a glossy, crack-free finish. Let icing dry undisturbed for several hours or overnight. On humid days, icing may take longer to dry. Practice piping for best results. Dough can be refrigerated up to 48 hours before rolling. Store cookies in airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days. Freezing decorated cookies is possible but tricky; freeze individually and thaw gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mario cookies, sugar cookies, royal icing, star-shaped cookies, video game themed cookies, glossy icing, easy sugar cookies, party cookies

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/perfect-mario-star-power-up-sugar-cookies-recipe-with-glossy-royal-icing-made-easy/