Tender cookies

Decorated Cookies with Royal Icing – The Perfect Gift for Loved Ones

There is no more beautiful and personalized gift than cookies decorated with love, and this recipe will help you create a small culinary masterpiece. The tender cookies, covered with colorful royal icing, are ideal for adding a touch of originality to holidays, anniversaries, or any special occasion. Plus, making these delights can transform an ordinary day into a joyful experience.

Preparation Time
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Rest: 1 hour
- Baking: 8 minutes per tray
- Total: Approximately 2 hours (including cooling and decorating time)
- Number of servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients
For Cookies
- 300 g flour
- 70 g powdered sugar
- 200 g butter (preferably 82% fat, for a rich taste)
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 pinch of salt

For Royal Icing
- 2 egg whites
- 300 g powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch
- Food coloring (optional, to add a splash of color)

Ingredient Details
- Flour: Choose a good quality flour, type 00 or cake flour, to achieve a fine texture.
- Butter: High-fat butter gives a more intense flavor and a more tender texture to the cookies.
- Powdered sugar: This is essential for achieving a fine and sweet dough, as well as for royal icing.

History of Decorated Cookies
Decorated cookies have a long history, being traditional in many cultures where sweets were offered as a symbol of goodwill. In the past, they were often made for holidays, and today they have become an artistic gift that anyone can create with a little patience and creativity.

Step by Step for Decorated Cookies

1. Preparing the Dough:
- Take the butter out of the fridge 20 minutes before starting.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, egg yolks, and salt.
- Add the butter cut into small cubes. Use your fingers to knead the mixture until it becomes a compact and homogeneous dough.

2. Resting the Dough:
- Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for 1 hour. This step is essential for achieving tender cookies.

3. Cutting the Cookies:
- Dust the work surface with flour. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough into an even sheet, about 5 mm thick.
- Cut the cookies using a round cutter.

4. Baking the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 150°C and line a tray with baking paper.
- Place the cookies on the tray and bake for 7-8 minutes, checking them constantly to avoid burning. Baking time may vary depending on the oven.

5. Cooling the Cookies:
- After baking, let the cookies sit on the tray for a few minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Royal Icing
1. Whipping the Egg Whites:
- In a bowl, add the egg whites and beat them until stiff peaks form.
- Add the lemon juice and cornstarch, continuing to beat.

2. Incorporating the Sugar:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until you achieve a smooth consistency. If it's too thick, you can add a teaspoon of water until you reach the desired texture.

3. Coloring the Icing:
- Divide the mixture into small bowls and add your preferred food coloring. Make sure to mix well to achieve even shades.

Decorating the Cookies
1. Filling the Piping Bags:
- Place the royal icing into disposable piping bags.
- Fill the base of the cookies with royal icing and leave them on a tray to dry.

2. Drying Time:
- Drying can take from 1 to 3 days, but with a little patience, depending on humidity, your cookies will be ready to decorate.

3. Final Decoration:
- Once the icing has dried, prepare more royal icing and decorate the cookies with details. Be creative and let your imagination soar!

Practical Tips
- Perfect Texture: If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour. If it is too dry, add a drop of water.
- The Fridge is Your Ally: Once you finish decorating, you can store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Add Flavor: You can experiment with vanilla or almond extracts in the dough for an extra flavor boost.
- Delicious Combinations: Serve the decorated cookies with tea or coffee. A fresh lemonade would perfectly complement their sweet taste.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use pasteurized egg whites for royal icing?
Yes, pasteurized egg whites are an excellent option, especially if you don't want to worry about food safety.

- How can I make the cookies last longer?
Store them in an airtight container away from moisture to keep them fresh.

- Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, you can freeze undecorated cookies, and when you're ready to serve them, let them thaw at room temperature.

Personal Note
Decorated cookies are not just a simple snack; they become a meaningful gift that conveys love and care. I encourage you to get involved in the decorating process, add your own ideas, and create memories with your loved ones. These cookies can become a tradition in your family, and each variation can be an opportunity to explore new flavors and techniques.

Starting this culinary adventure can be a wonderful way to spend quality time in the kitchen. Each cookie becomes a little masterpiece, and the final result will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy every step of the process!

 Ingredients: 300 g flour, 70 g powdered sugar, 200 g butter (82% fat), 2 egg yolks, a pinch of salt. Royal Icing: 2 egg whites, 300 g powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 6 tablespoons cornstarch, food coloring.

 Tags:  tender cookies cookies homemade sweets sweets ornaments