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Sugar Skull Cookies

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Colorful and festive sugar skull cookies inspired by Día de los Muertos, decorated with intricate royal icing designs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
  • Royal icing (for decorating)
  • Gel food coloring (various colors)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
  5. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
  8. Cut out skull shapes using a cookie cutter and place on prepared baking sheets.
  9. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
  10. Prepare royal icing and tint with gel food colors.
  11. Decorate cookies with colorful designs inspired by sugar skulls. Let icing set before serving.

Notes

  • For more defined details, use piping bags with fine tips.
  • Allow each icing layer to dry before adding the next to prevent smudging.
  • Cookies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar skull cookies, dia de los muertos cookies, decorated cookies, Mexican dessert

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