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Pink Velvet Sugar Cookies

pink velvet sugar cookies - featured image
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These pink velvet sugar cookies are soft, tender, and beautifully colored, topped with elegant royal icing. They’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for celebrations or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon pink gel food coloring (or to desired shade)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons meringue powder (or pasteurized egg white)
  • 3–4 tablespoons warm water
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
  • Few drops pink gel food coloring (optional, for icing)

Instructions

  1. Measure out all ingredients before starting. Let butter, cream cheese, and egg sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. If using, add almond extract. Mix until just combined.
  5. Add pink gel food coloring and beat until the color is evenly distributed.
  6. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two batches, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Wrap dough in plastic and chill for 20-30 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters.
  9. Place cookies on prepared sheets, spaced about 1 inch apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until edges are just set and centers look slightly soft.
  10. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
  11. For royal icing: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth. Add vanilla extract and pink coloring as desired. Beat for 2-3 minutes until glossy and thick.
  12. Pipe or spread icing onto cooled cookies. Let icing set for at least 1 hour before serving or stacking.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Chill dough for best shape and texture. Use gel food coloring for vibrant pink. Royal icing sets firm for stacking. Store cookies airtight for up to 5 days or freeze undecorated for up to 2 months. For vegan icing, use aquafaba instead of meringue powder.

Nutrition

Keywords: pink velvet, sugar cookies, royal icing, easy cookies, party dessert, homemade cookies, cream cheese cookies, holiday cookies, baking, kid-friendly

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/pink-velvet-sugar-cookies-recipe-easy-tender-homemade-treats-with-royal-icing/