I have been baking Martha Stewart’s Sugar Cookies for many years. They’re a good solid sugar cookie recipe that is perfect for using to decorate. You can add some sprinkles or chunky sugar before baking them, ice them with royal icing, or simple spread some frosting on top and adorn them with festive goodies.
Supplies you might like to have for baking these Sugar Cookies:
My favorite baking sheets: These are rimmed baking sheets, and I use them for cookies, sheet pan meals, baking chicken- everything! Cut Parchment Paper: These are perfect for the rimmed baking sheets. You don’t have to bother trying to cut the right size yourself! Silpat Mats: Use these again and again and again for baking cookies. You just need to wash between uses, but they last forever. Cookie Spatula: A handy, small spatula that is perfect for cookie baking. Cooling Racks: You’ve gotta have these! Silicone Pastry Mat for Rolling: This one is the one I have. It’s nice and big, so it contains cookie/flour mess and is easy to use and easy to clean. My favorite Rolling Pin: I’ve had this silicone rolling pin for years and it has never failed me. Love it. Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter: I like the shapes in this set. But remember… this recipe isn’t just for Valentine’s Day! Meringue Powder: You will need this for the Royal Icing. There are no substitutions! Color Gel Paste: So you can color your Royal Icing and make some fun decorations on your cookies! Piping Bags: This set will last you a long time. Small Round Icing Tip: This will be good for outlining your cookies as well as adding decorations on top.
How to make Sugar Cookies:
You will follow the instructions in the recipe below for making the dough for the sugar cookies. Then you’ll divide the dough in half, pat each half into rectangles, and then wrap each in plastic wrap and chill for at least two hours. When you’re ready to bake the cookies, preheat the oven while you are preparing to cut the cookies into shapes. You’ll roll out a cookie dough rectangle on a floured surface and use cutters to cut the dough into shapes. The shaped cookies are then transferred to parchment-lined baking sheets. The baking sheets with the cut-out cookies on them are placed into the refrigerator or freezer for 15 minutes before baking. Don’t skip this part- it helps the cookies to maintain their shape while baking. You’ll repeat the process with the remaining dough. Allow the cookies to cool completely before adding icing.
How to make Royal Icing:
The meringue powder has a little bit of a marshmallow flavor to it, and it imparts a good flavor to the royal icing. These cookies are pretty, but they’re delicious too!
How to store Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing:
The first thing you need to know is that it’s super important for the royal icing on the cookies to dry completely. And by “completely,” I mean that you should be able to tap the cookie with your fingernail and not have it leaving an indentation. Store them in a covered container with layers separated by parchment or wax paper. They will be fine at room temperature for a day or two, and they can be stored in the freezer too.
Here are a few more Valentine’s Day treats you might like to try:
Red Velvet Cupcakes Chocolate Valentine Surprise Loaf Cake Nutella Heart Ravioli Slice and Bake Valentine Heart Cookies Chocolate- Pistachio Cut-Outs Red Velvet Cake Trifle How to Make a Heart Shaped Cake Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Thanks to Tara Liptak from the blog, Smells Like Home for the beautiful photography on this post.
