Save to Pinterest Enchant your guests with these whimsical seashell-shaped sugar cookies, decorated in shimmering pastel colors–perfect for a magical mermaid-themed party.
My family loves making these cookies together for every special occasion, creating memories as colorful as the treats themselves.
Ingredients
- Cookie Dough: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar 1 large egg 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Royal Icing & Decorations: 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted 1 1/2 tbsp meringue powder 3 tbsp water (plus more as needed) Gel food coloring (pastel pink, lavender, turquoise, teal) Edible pearl sprinkles Edible shimmer dust (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 2:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3:
- Add egg and vanilla extract beat until combined.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Step 5:
- Divide dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 7:
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out seashell shapes using a seashell cookie cutter.
- Step 8:
- Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Step 9:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are just barely golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Step 10:
- For icing, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water in a bowl. Beat until stiff peaks form. Divide icing into bowls and tint with desired gel food colors.
- Step 11:
- Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing, adding pearl sprinkles and shimmer dust for a magical effect. Allow icing to set before serving.
Save to Pinterest These cookies always bring a smile and fond memories when shared at family gatherings.
Required Tools
Electric mixer Mixing bowls Rolling pin Seashell cookie cutter Baking sheets Parchment paper Piping bags and tips Cooling rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter). May contain traces of nuts if ingredients are processed in shared facilities&check labels if concerned.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 140 Total Fat: 6 g Carbohydrates: 21 g Protein: 1 g per cookie
Save to Pinterest Perfect your seashell cookies with patient decorating and enjoy the dazzling results at your next party.
Ask About This Recipe
- → What ingredients create the seashell shapes?
A tender sugar dough made from flour, butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla is rolled and cut with a seashell cutter for delicate shapes.
- → How is the pastel color achieved on these sweets?
Gel food coloring in soft pink, lavender, turquoise, and teal is blended into royal icing to produce gentle pastel hues.
- → What gives the cookies their glossy finish?
Royal icing made from powdered sugar and meringue powder dries hard and glossy for a smooth, shiny surface.
- → Can almond flavor be added to these sweets?
Yes, substituting half the vanilla with almond extract adds a delicate nutty aroma without overpowering the overall taste.
- → How should these seashell sweets be stored?
Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture from softening the icing, ideally consumed within one week.