As summer winds down and the school bells start ringing, it’s time to embrace the excitement of a new school year! What better way to celebrate the first day back than with some delightful Back to School Royal Icing Cookies? These vibrant treats are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious way to welcome teachers and students alike. Plus, they’re perfect for those busy mornings when you need a quick pick-me-up before heading out the door. If you’re looking for easy pasta recipes for quick family dinners, these cookies can be a sweet addition to your weeknight dinner ideas!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for decorating your home or classroom for the first day of school.
- Customizable designs to match your school colors or themes.
- Fun activity to do with kids, making it a great bonding experience.
- Nut-free option, making them safe for school lunches.
- Deliciously sweet and visually appealing, sure to impress everyone!
Ingredients
To create these stunning Royal Icing Cookies, you’ll need the following cookies ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla for icing
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- Americolor food coloring (for vibrant shades)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these beautiful cookies!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs and pure vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes like apples, books, and pencils. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool completely.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the royal icing. In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, vanilla, and corn syrup. Beat until the icing is smooth and glossy.
- Divide the icing into separate bowls and add Americolor food coloring to create your desired shades.
- Once the cookies are cool, decorate them with the royal icing using piping bags or squeeze bottles. Let the icing dry completely before serving.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your Back to School Cookies turn out perfectly:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Chill the dough to prevent spreading during baking.
- Use a toothpick to create intricate designs with the royal icing.
- Experiment with different colors and patterns to make your cookies unique!
- For a fun twist, try adding sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the icing.
How to Serve
These cookies are perfect for serving at school events, parties, or even as a sweet surprise in lunchboxes. Arrange them on a decorative platter or in a cute cookie jar for a delightful presentation. You can also pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to get a head start on your baking, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out. Once decorated, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also make great custom cookies for gifting!
So, what are you waiting for? Get your baking supplies ready and let’s make some magical Back to School Royal Icing Cookies that will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces! And if you’re in the mood for something chocolatey afterward, don’t forget to check out my Decadent Chocolate Cake or the Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence Cake for a sweet treat!
Back to School Royal Icing Cookies – First Day of School Decor – Welcome Back Treats for Teachers & Students
Ingredients
Method
- Mix flour, sugar, and softened butter until combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla, then knead into a smooth dough. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out dough and cut into desired shapes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Prepare royal icing by mixing powdered sugar, meringue powder, vanilla, and corn syrup until smooth.
- Decorate cooled cookies with icing and vibrant colors. Let set before serving.