Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- 12 wooden skewers
- 12 small flower-shaped cookie cutters
- Royal icing (recipe below)
- Assorted sprinkles and decorations
Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Cooling rack
- Piping bags
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. If using food coloring, divide dough into separate bowls and add desired colors.
6. Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out flower shapes with cookie cutters.
7. Insert wooden skewers into the bottom of each cookie, leaving about 2 inches of skewer exposed.
8. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
10. Once cookies are completely cooled, decorate with royal icing and assorted sprinkles and decorations.
11. To make royal icing, mix 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 egg whites, and 1 tsp vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Transfer to piping bags for decorating.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
12 cookies
Nutritional information:
Calories: 300
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to 1/4 tsp.
- Almond extract can be used instead of vanilla extract for a different flavor.
Variations:
- Use different cookie cutters to create different shapes for the bouquet.
- Add different flavors to the dough, such as lemon or almond.
- Use different colors of food coloring to create a rainbow effect.
Tips and tricks:
- Chill dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling out for easier handling.
- Use a toothpick to help spread royal icing evenly on cookies.
- Use a variety of sprinkles and decorations for a more colorful and festive bouquet.
Storage instructions:
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
Cookies can be reheated in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange cookies in a vase or jar filled with decorative stones or beads.
Garnishes:
Add a ribbon or bow to the vase or jar for a finishing touch.
Pairings:
Serve with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
Suggested side dishes:
None
Troubleshooting advice:
- If dough is too sticky, add more flour.
- If cookies spread too much during baking, chill dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
Food safety advice:
- Use pasteurized eggs for the royal icing to avoid the risk of salmonella.
- Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling raw dough.
Food history:
Sugar cookies have been a popular treat since the 1700s, with variations of the recipe appearing in cookbooks throughout the years.
Flavor profiles:
Sweet, buttery, and vanilla.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a gift or party favor for a special occasion.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A
Taste: Sweet, Buttery, Sugary, Vanilla, Fragrant, Vanilla-Flavored