Print

Perfect Alphabet Sugar Cookies Recipe Easy Royal Icing for Teacher Gifts

alphabet sugar cookies - featured image
Print Recipe

This recipe creates crisp, tender alphabet sugar cookies decorated with smooth, glossy royal icing, perfect for personalized teacher gifts or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 6–8 tablespoons water (adjust for consistency)
  • Gel food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups sifted all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar with a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Beat in 1 large room-temperature egg, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon almond extract until fully combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. Use alphabet cookie cutters to cut out letters. Gather scraps, reroll, and repeat.
  8. Place cutouts on prepared baking sheets about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges just start to turn golden.
  9. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  10. In a clean bowl, combine 3 tablespoons meringue powder and 4 cups sifted powdered sugar. Gradually add 6-8 tablespoons water, beating on low speed until stiff peak consistency is reached. Add gel coloring if desired.
  11. Fill piping bags fitted with small round tips with icing. Outline each letter first, then flood the center with thinned icing if desired.
  12. Let icing dry completely (several hours or overnight) before stacking or packaging.

Notes

Chill dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading. Use fresh meringue powder for best royal icing results. Practice piping on parchment paper before decorating cookies. Keep royal icing covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out during use.

Nutrition

Keywords: alphabet sugar cookies, royal icing, teacher gifts, sugar cookies, easy cookie recipe, holiday cookies, personalized cookies

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/perfect-alphabet-sugar-cookies-recipe-easy-royal-icing-for-teacher-gifts/