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Perfect Apple-Shaped Decorated Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

apple-shaped sugar cookies - featured image
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Tender, buttery sugar cookies shaped like apples and topped with smooth, glossy royal icing that sets beautifully without cracking. Perfect for fall celebrations, gifts, or fun baking projects.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 6 tablespoons warm water
  • Food coloring gels: red, green, and brown
  • Optional decorations: edible gold dust or shimmer, mini chocolate chips or edible pearls

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  2. Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with milk, mixing on low speed until dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Flatten dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 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 about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. Cut apple shapes using cookie cutter and place on baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are just turning golden. Let rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Prepare royal icing by combining powdered sugar, meringue powder, and warm water. Beat on high for 5-7 minutes until stiff peaks form. Adjust consistency as needed.
  10. Divide icing into bowls and tint with gel food colors: red for apples, green for leaves, brown for stems.
  11. Outline each apple cookie with red icing using a piping bag fitted with #2 round tip. Let dry 10 minutes.
  12. Flood inside the outline with thinner red icing for a smooth surface.
  13. Pipe green leaves and brown stems once base is dry. Use a toothpick to smooth edges or add details.
  14. Allow decorated cookies to dry at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Notes

Chill dough to prevent spreading and help with rolling. Sift powdered sugar for smooth icing. Adjust icing consistency by adding water or powdered sugar. Let outlines dry before flooding to prevent color bleeding. Store decorated cookies in airtight container with parchment layers. For shiny icing, add a drop of clear vanilla or lemon extract. Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple shaped sugar cookies, royal icing cookies, fall cookies, decorated sugar cookies, easy sugar cookies, holiday cookies

Find it online: https://evabake.com/perfect-apple-shaped-sugar-cookies-recipe-easy-royal-icing-tutorial/