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Perfect Apple Shaped Sugar Cookies Recipe Easy Homemade Red Royal Icing Glaze

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These apple shaped sugar cookies feature a soft, buttery base topped with a smooth, glossy red royal icing glaze, perfect for fall gatherings, school snacks, or festive treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) milk
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 large egg whites (or 4 tablespoons meringue powder mixed with water)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
  • A few drops red gel food coloring
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients (5 minutes): In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar (8 minutes): Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients (3 minutes): Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Add the tablespoon of milk and mix until smooth.
  4. Combine Dry and Wet (2 minutes): Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Chill the Dough (at least 1 hour): Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. Roll and Cut Cookies (10 minutes): Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. Use apple-shaped cookie cutter to cut shapes and place on baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
  8. Bake Cookies (8-10 minutes): Bake until edges start to turn golden but centers remain pale, about 8-10 minutes.
  9. Cool Completely: Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool fully before icing.
  10. Prepare Royal Icing Glaze (10 minutes): Whisk egg whites or meringue powder until frothy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar until smooth and pipeable. Add lemon juice and vanilla if using. Stir in red gel food coloring until vibrant red.
  11. Decorate Cookies: Outline each cookie with piping bag fitted with small round tip. Flood inside with glaze using spoon or piping bag. Use toothpick to remove bubbles. Let icing set at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Notes

Chill dough at least 1 hour to prevent spreading. Use room temperature butter for better creaming. Adjust royal icing consistency by adding water or powdered sugar as needed. Pop air bubbles in icing with a toothpick before it sets. Store cookies in airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Cookies freeze well up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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

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