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Perfect Alphabet Letter Cookies Recipe Easy Glossy Royal Icing Tutorial

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These alphabet letter cookies feature a tender, buttery base topped with a smooth, glossy royal icing that dries perfectly shiny. Ideal for personal messages, gifts, or celebrations, this recipe is quick, easy, and adaptable.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 large egg whites (or 4 tablespoons pasteurized egg whites)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • Food coloring (optional, gel-based recommended)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (227 g) softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes with an electric mixer.
  2. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. If dough is too soft, chill for 10 minutes.
  7. Use alphabet cookie cutters to cut shapes. Gather scraps, reroll, and cut more cookies.
  8. Place cutouts on parchment-lined baking sheets about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are just golden. Watch closely after 7 minutes.
  9. Transfer cookies to wire racks and let cool completely before icing.
  10. In a clean bowl, whisk 3 cups (360 g) sifted powdered sugar with 2 large egg whites, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon light corn syrup until smooth and glossy, about 5 minutes. Adjust consistency as needed.
  11. Divide icing into portions if using colors. Fill piping bags fitted with small round tips. Outline each cookie letter first, then flood the inside with thinned icing. Use a toothpick to spread icing evenly and pop air bubbles.
  12. Let iced cookies rest at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully harden the royal icing’s glossy finish.

Notes

Chill dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading and maintain neat edges. Beat royal icing until smooth and glossy for the perfect sheen. Practice piping on parchment paper if new to decorating. Use pasteurized egg whites for safety. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: alphabet cookies, royal icing, letter cookies, glossy icing, cookie decorating, easy cookies, baking, personalized cookies

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/perfect-alphabet-letter-cookies-recipe-easy-glossy-royal-icing-tutorial/