Back to School Royal Icing Cookies How to Create First Day Decor

As the summer days start to fade and the school bells ring once again, it’s time to celebrate the return to school with something sweet! I absolutely adore making Back to School Royal Icing Cookies that not only look delightful but also taste heavenly. These cookies are perfect for welcoming back teachers and students alike, and they make for a fun and vibrant addition to any first-day-of-school celebration. Plus, if you’re looking for easy pasta recipes for those busy weeknights, I’ve got you covered with some quick family dinners too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for decorating and personalizing for each student or teacher.
• Fun activity to do with kids, making it a great family bonding experience.
• Customizable colors and designs to match school themes or favorite colors.
• Nut-free option available, making it safe for school environments.
• Deliciously sweet and buttery, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

To create these delightful Back to School Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups Flour
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1 cup Butter, softened
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla
• 3 cups Powdered Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Meringue Powder
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla (for icing)
• 2 tablespoons Corn Syrup
• Americolor (Reliable, Vibrant Shades for coloring)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these gorgeous cookies!

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs and pure vanilla, mixing until well combined.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out fun school-themed shapes.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
7. While the cookies cool, prepare the royal icing by mixing the powdered sugar, meringue powder, vanilla, and corn syrup until smooth and glossy.
8. Divide the icing into bowls and add Americolor to achieve your desired colors.
9. Decorate the cooled cookies with the royal icing, using piping bags for detailed designs.
10. Let the icing dry completely before serving or packaging.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly:

• Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining the shape of your cookies while baking.
• Use a toothpick to create intricate designs with the royal icing.
• Experiment with different colors and patterns to make your cookies unique!
• For a fun twist, try adding sprinkles or edible glitter once the icing is set.

How to Serve

These Royal Icing Cookies are perfect for serving at school events, parties, or even as a sweet surprise in lunchboxes. Arrange them on a colorful platter, or package them in clear bags tied with ribbons for a lovely gift. They also make great school decorations for classrooms or home study areas!

Make Ahead and Storage

If you want to get a head start, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling it out. Once decorated, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider freezing the decorated cookies. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

So, as you prepare for the new school year, don’t forget to whip up a batch of these delightful Back to School Sugar Cookies. They’re not just treats; they’re a way to celebrate the joy of learning and the excitement of new beginnings. Happy baking!