Save to Pinterest Pretty Bows Heart & Star Cookies Adorable sugar cookies in heart and star shapes, decorated with colorful icing and charming bow designs—perfect for celebrations, gifts, or afternoon tea.
I first baked these for a family gathering and they were a big hit, combining sweetness with festive fun.
Ingredients
- For the Cookies: 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- For the Cookies: 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- For the Cookies: 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Cookies: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- For the Cookies: 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- For the Cookies: 1 large egg
- For the Cookies: 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- For the Royal Icing: 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- For the Royal Icing: 1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder
- For the Royal Icing: 3–4 tablespoons warm water
- For the Royal Icing: Gel food coloring (pink, red, yellow, blue, etc)
- For Decorating: Assorted sprinkles
- For Decorating: Edible pearls
- For Decorating: Piping bags and small round tips
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 3 minutes).
- Step 3:
- Add egg and vanilla extract; beat until combined.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until dough forms.
- Step 5:
- Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 7:
- On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness. Cut into heart and star shapes using cookie cutters.
- Step 8:
- Transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart.
- Step 9:
- Bake for 10 12 minutes, or until edges are just turning golden. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Step 10:
- For royal icing: In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and 3 tablespoons water. Beat until smooth and glossy, adding more water as needed for piping consistency.
- Step 11:
- Divide icing into bowls; tint each with gel food coloring as desired.
- Step 12:
- Fill piping bags with colored icing. Outline and flood the cooled cookies, then pipe bow designs and sprinkle with decorations. Allow icing to set completely before serving or packaging.
Save to Pinterest My family loves decorating these cookies together, making it a sweet tradition every holiday season.
Required Tools
Electric mixer, mixing bowls, rolling pin, heart & star cookie cutters, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire racks, piping bags and small round tips
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (butter). May contain traces of nuts if using certain sprinkles or decorations always check labels.
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
Calories: 150 Total Fat: 7 g Carbohydrates: 20 g Protein: 2 g
Save to Pinterest Enjoy baking and decorating these charming cookies for your loved ones any time of the year.