Print

Perfect Pastel Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Royal Icing Tutorial

pastel vanilla bean sugar cookies - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple yet elegant sugar cookie recipe infused with real vanilla bean and topped with smooth pastel royal icing. Perfect for celebrations, gifts, or everyday treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or seeds from 1 vanilla bean
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 large egg whites or 4 tablespoons meringue powder mixed with 6 tablespoons water
  • ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
  • Food coloring gels in pastel shades
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add egg and vanilla bean paste or seeds; mix on low speed until combined, about 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in heavy cream, then gradually add flour mixture; mix on low speed until just combined, about 3-4 minutes. Dough should be soft but not sticky.
  5. Shape dough into a disc, wrap 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. Lightly flour work surface and rolling pin. Roll chilled dough to ¼ inch thickness. Cut shapes with cookie cutters and place on baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges just begin to turn golden. Remove and transfer to cooling rack to cool completely, about 20-30 minutes.
  9. To make royal icing, beat powdered sugar, egg whites (or meringue powder mixture), and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form, about 5-7 minutes. Add vanilla extract if desired.
  10. Divide icing into bowls and mix in pastel food coloring gels.
  11. Transfer icing to piping bags. Outline cookies with thicker icing, let set 10 minutes, then flood inside with thinner icing. Let dry several hours or overnight.

Notes

Chill dough for at least 1 hour to prevent cracking and ease rolling. Watch cookies closely during baking to avoid overbaking. Let royal icing outlines set before flooding to prevent bleeding. Adjust icing consistency with water or powdered sugar as needed. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with almond or oat milk and use plant-based butter. For gluten-free, substitute flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: vanilla bean sugar cookies, pastel cookies, royal icing, sugar cookies recipe, easy cookie decorating, vanilla cookies, holiday cookies

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/perfect-pastel-vanilla-bean-sugar-cookies-recipe-with-easy-royal-icing-tutorial/