Bridal showers are a joyous occasion to celebrate love, friendship, and, of course, delicious treats! And what better way to add a touch of personalized sweetness than with homemade cookies? This simple recipe for classic sugar cookies provides the perfect canvas for your bridal shower creativity, allowing you to create charming favors and decorations that are as delicious as they are adorable.

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Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Assorted cookie cutters in wedding-themed shapes (rings, dresses, hearts, etc.)
• Royal icing (recipe below)
• Sprinkles, edible pearls, and other decorating essentials (optional)

 

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Chill dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent spreading and ensures crispier cookies.
6. Roll out dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
7. Cut and bake: Use your chosen cookie cutters to cut out shapes, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges.
8. Cool completely: Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before decorating.

 

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Royal Icing Recipe:

• 3 tbsp meringue powder
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 6-8 tbsp water
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together meringue powder and powdered sugar.
2. Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a thick, but pipeable consistency. Add more water if needed.
3. Stir in vanilla extract (optional).
4. Divide icing into separate bowls and color them as desired using gel food coloring.

 

Decorating Fun:

Now comes the exciting part! Let your creativity take flight and unleash your inner artist. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Simple and Sweet: Dust cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for a classic look.
• Romantic Delights: Use royal icing to pipe delicate details like flowers, lace borders, or personalized messages.
• Playful Touches: Add sprinkles, edible pearls, or tiny fondant accents for a fun and festive touch.
• Themed Treats: Match your cookie decorations to the overall theme of the shower. Use gold and silver accents for a glamorous soiree, or pastel colors and floral motifs for a whimsical garden party.

 

Presentation Perfection:

Arrange your beautifully decorated cookies on a tiered cake stand or platter adorned with fresh flowers or ribbons. For individual servings, wrap each cookie in cellophane bags tied with decorative ribbon. You can even personalize the bags with the guest’s name or a short message.

General FAQs:

• What type of cookie is best for bridal showers?

Classic sugar cookies are a popular choice because they hold their shape well, are easy to decorate, and taste delicious. Other options include shortbread cookies, gingerbread cookies, or even meringue cookies for a lighter treat.

• What are some popular bridal shower cookie themes?

Popular themes include rings, dresses, hearts, flowers, lace, and anything that matches the overall theme of the shower. You can also get creative and personalize the cookies with the bride’s initials, wedding date, or even inside jokes.

• Do I need to use royal icing to decorate bridal shower cookies?

Royal icing is a great option for detailed decoration, but it’s not the only choice. You can also use melted chocolate, sprinkles, powdered sugar, or even edible food markers.

• How can I make my bridal shower cookies stand out?

Get creative with your decorating! Use different colors, textures, and piping techniques to create unique and eye-catching designs. You can also add edible glitter, pearls, or dried flowers for a touch of elegance.

• How far in advance can I make bridal shower cookies?

You can bake the cookies up to a week in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Decorate them within a day or two of serving for the best results.

Decorating FAQs:

• What is the best consistency for royal icing?

The consistency of your royal icing will depend on how you plan to use it. For flooding cookies, you’ll need a thinner icing that can be easily spread. For piping details, you’ll need a thicker icing that will hold its shape.

• How do I color royal icing?

You can use gel food coloring to color royal icing. Add a few drops of gel food coloring to the icing and mix until well combined. Start with a little bit of coloring and add more if needed.

• How can I prevent my royal icing from drying out?

While you’re decorating, cover any unused icing with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out. You can also transfer the icing to a piping bag fitted with a wet tip.

• What are some tips for piping royal icing?

Start with a small amount of icing in your piping bag and practice on a piece of parchment paper before piping on your cookies. Hold the piping bag at a 90-degree angle to the cookie and apply gentle pressure to pipe your design.

• How can I fix mistakes in my royal icing decoration?

If you make a mistake, simply wait for the icing to dry completely, then gently scrape it off with a toothpick or knife. You can then re-ice the area.

Additional Tips:

• If you’re not comfortable decorating cookies yourself, you can always hire a professional baker to do it for you.
• Be sure to package your bridal shower cookies in a cute and festive way. You can use cellophane bags, boxes, or even cookie tins.
• Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process of creating your own edible bridal shower masterpieces!

Tips for Success:

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best results.
• Chill the dough before cutting to prevent spreading.
• Don’t overbake the cookies; they should be slightly soft in the center when done.
• Let the royal icing dry completely before stacking or layering cookies.
• Have fun and get creative! There are no rules when it comes to decorating bridal shower cookies.

With this recipe and a sprinkle of imagination, you can bake up a batch of bridal shower cookies that are sure to steal the show and add a touch of sweetness to this special celebration. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create edible delights that are as delightful as the bride herself!