Merken Celebrate graduation with these delightful sugar cookies, decorated to look like classic graduation caps. Crisp, buttery cookies are topped with smooth royal icing for a festive touch.
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This recipe combines the joy of baking with the celebration of achievement. The crisp texture of the cookies balances perfectly with the sweet, firm royal icing, making these treats both visually appealing and delicious to enjoy or gift.
Ingredients
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- For the Cookies
- 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- For the Royal Icing
- 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 large egg whites or 4 tablespoons meringue powder + 6 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Black gel food coloring
- Yellow gel food coloring
- For Decoration
- Mini yellow M&Ms or candy pearls (for tassels)
- Small piping bags
- Toothpicks
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Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Cookies
- a. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
b. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
c. Add egg and vanilla, mix until combined.
d. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing until dough forms.
e. Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
f. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
g. Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness.
h. Cut out cookies using a graduation cap or square cookie cutter.
i. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are just golden. Cool completely. - 2. Make the Royal Icing
- a. In a bowl, beat egg whites (or meringue powder with water) until foamy.
b. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form (about 5 minutes).
c. Mix in vanilla extract.
d. Divide icing: Tint most black, and a small portion yellow with gel food coloring.
e. Adjust consistency: Add water by the teaspoon for flooding, more sugar for piping. - 3. Decorate the Cookies
- a. Outline and flood each cookie with black royal icing. Use a toothpick to spread to edges. Let set 30–60 minutes.
b. Pipe a yellow tassel and button on each cap using yellow royal icing.
c. Place a mini M&M or candy pearl at the tassels end.
d. Let cookies dry fully before serving or packaging (several hours or overnight).
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For easier decorating, using store-bought royal icing can save time and effort without compromising taste. Keep the dough chilled for cleaner cookie shapes, and make sure the cookies are completely cool before decorating to avoid melting the icing.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Swap gel food coloring for natural alternatives if preferred. Consider using colorful candy pearls for a unique twist on tassel decoration. Cookies can be baked up to 2 days ahead, then decorated fresh the following day for optimal icing texture.
Serviervorschläge
These graduation cap cookies are perfect for graduation parties, gift bags, or celebratory dessert tables. Pair them with tea, coffee, or sparkling beverages to toast the occasion.
Merken With simple steps and festive decorations, these easy graduation cap cookies are sure to be a highlight of any celebration. Enjoy the process and the smiles they bring!
Fragen rund um das Rezept
- → Wie lange brauchen die Kekse zum Trocknen nach dem Dekorieren?
Kekse sollten mehrere Stunden oder am besten über Nacht trocknen, damit das Royal Icing fest wird.
- → Kann ich Royal Icing auch vorbereiten und lagern?
Ja, Royal Icing kann in luftdichten Behältern im Kühlschrank bis zu 2 Tage gelagert werden. Vor Gebrauch gut umrühren.
- → Welche Alternativen gibt es für die Dekorfarben?
Natürliche Lebensmittel-Farben können statt Gelcolor verwendet werden, zum Beispiel Kurkuma für Gelb.
- → Darf ich die Kekse zwei Tage im Voraus backen?
Die Zuckerkekse können bis zu 2 Tage vorher gebacken werden. Sie bleiben frisch, wenn sie luftdicht gelagert werden.
- → Worauf sollte ich bei Allergien achten?
Die Kekse enthalten Weizen, Ei und Butter. Prüfen Sie die Süßigkeitendeko und Farben auf weitere Allergene.
- → Wie bekomme ich gleichmäßige Abschluss-Hutformen?
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