As the summer days start to fade and the school bells ring once again, it’s time to think about those delightful treats that can brighten up any classroom! I’m so excited to share my recipe for Back to School Cookies that are not only adorable but also incredibly delicious. These cookies, infused with the rich flavor of vanilla bean and decorated with royal icing, are perfect for School Teacher Gifts or just to make your little ones smile as they head back to school. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to kick off the new school year with a sweet touch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for New Teachers and Teacher Gifts
- Easy to make and decorate with royal icing
- Great for classroom parties and school events
- Can be packaged in a Clear Box for a lovely presentation
- Delicious flavor from vanilla bean that everyone will adore
Ingredients
To create these delightful sugar cookies decorated with royal icing, you’ll need just a couple of key ingredients:
- Vanilla bean – for that rich, aromatic flavor
- Vanilla royal icing – to add a sweet and beautiful finish
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the fun part—making these scrumptious cookies!
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out your cookie dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut out 4″ cookies using your favorite cookie cutter.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Once baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare your vanilla royal icing according to your favorite recipe.
- Once the cookies are cool, decorate them with the royal icing in fun back-to-school designs!
- Finally, package your cookies in a Clear Box or cello bag, complete with a tag and/or bow for that extra special touch.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly:
- Make sure your cookies are completely cool before decorating to prevent the icing from melting.
- Use a piping bag for more control when applying the royal icing.
- Experiment with different colors and designs to make each cookie unique!
- Consider adding a sprinkle of edible glitter for a fun touch!
How to Serve
These sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve them at school events or bake sales.
- Include them in School Teacher Gifts to show appreciation.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
- Use them as a fun treat for after-school snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to get a head start on your baking, these cookies can be made ahead of time! Here’s how to store them:
- Once decorated, let the cookies dry completely before packaging.
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the undecorated cookies. Just thaw and decorate when you’re ready to serve!
These Back to School Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a way to celebrate the joy of learning and the excitement of a new school year. Whether you’re making them for your kids, their teachers, or even for a fun gathering with friends, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. And if you’re looking for more delicious recipes, don’t forget to check out my Decadent Chocolate Cake or the Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence Cake for those sweet tooth cravings! Happy baking!

Back to School Cookie
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare cookie dough and shape into 4-inch cookies.
- Bake cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Allow cookies to cool completely.
- Heat seal and package in a clear box or cello bag with a tag or bow.