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Judy John

Birthday Decorated Sugar Cookies Recipe

Birthday Decorated Sugar Cookies Recipe features classic vanilla sugar cookies cut into fun shapes and decorated with vibrant icing and festive sprinkles.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 30 decorated cookies
Calories: 165
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sugar Cookies:
  • 1 cup 226 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup 200 g granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract optional
  • 2 ¾ cups 345 g all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
For the Royal Icing:
  • 2 cups 240 g powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon meringue powder
  • 2 –3 tablespoons warm water
  • Gel food coloring
  • Birthday sprinkles

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Beat 1 cup butter and 1 cup sugar until fluffy.
  3. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix thoroughly.
  4. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in separate bowl.
  5. Gradually combine dry ingredients into butter mixture.
  6. Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on floured surface.
  7. Cut shapes using birthday-themed cutters.
  8. Bake 8–10 minutes until edges turn lightly golden.
  9. Cool completely before decorating.
  10. Beat powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until glossy peaks form.
  11. Divide icing and tint with gel coloring.
  12. Pipe outlines, flood centers, and decorate with sprinkles.
  13. Allow icing to dry completely before serving.

Notes

Nutritional Values (Per Serving – per decorated cookie)

Calories: 165
Total Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 23 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 2 g

Vitamins & Minerals (Approximate % per serving):

Vitamin A: 6%
Calcium: 1%
Iron: 4%
Vitamin B12: 1%
Phosphorus: 2%

Additional Notes & Flavor Tips

  • Chill dough 30 minutes for sharper shapes.
  • Use gel coloring for bold birthday shades.
  • Seal icing edges fully for smooth flooding.
  • Add lemon zest for subtle brightness.
  • Store in airtight container up to five days.
Birthday Decorated Sugar Cookies Recipe brings color, sweetness, and celebration to every special moment.