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Quick Turkey Sugar Cookies with Easy Royal Icing

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These quick turkey-shaped sugar cookies with easy royal icing come together fast, look impressive enough to bring to any gathering, and taste exactly like the ones from a beloved little bakery. Perfect for Thanksgiving, they feature crisp edges with a soft, buttery center and a glossy royal icing finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 4–5 tablespoons warm water
  • Gel-based food coloring (orange, red, fall colors)
  • Candy eyes

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter and sugar: Beat softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides halfway through.
  2. Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the room-temperature egg and vanilla extract on low until just combined.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. If too dry, add a teaspoon of water; if too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour.
  5. Chill the dough: Flatten into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment.
  6. Roll and cut: Lightly flour work surface and rolling pin. Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut out turkey shapes, re-rolling scraps as needed. Place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
  7. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, rotating pans halfway through. Edges should be just barely golden. Let rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Make the royal icing: In a clean bowl, combine sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add 4 tablespoons warm water and beat on medium-high for 5-7 minutes until stiff peaks form. Add remaining water if needed, one teaspoon at a time.
  9. Color and pipe: Divide icing into small bowls and tint with gel food coloring. Transfer to piping bags fitted with small round tips. Outline each cookie, then flood the center. Use a toothpick to spread icing and pop air bubbles. Add candy eyes while icing is wet.
  10. Let the icing set: Allow decorated cookies to dry at room temperature for 1-2 hours until icing is completely hard.

Notes

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading. Royal icing should be thick enough to hold a peak but fluid enough to pipe smoothly. Keep a damp paper towel over piping bags to prevent icing from drying out. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey cookies, sugar cookies, royal icing, Thanksgiving cookies, holiday baking, easy cookie recipe

Find it online: https://morselora.com/quick-turkey-sugar-cookies-with-easy-royal-icing/