Save Whimsical, colorful treats inspired by the ocean, these mermaid tail sweets combine soft sugar cookies with shimmering buttercream and candy pearls—a magical dessert perfect for parties or special occasions.
I first made these for a summer party and they were a magical hit with the kids and adults alike
Ingredients
- For the Sugar Cookies: 2 1/2 cups (320 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 Buttercream Frosting: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, Gel food coloring (teal, purple, pink, blue)
- For Decoration: Edible shimmer dust or glitter, Candy pearls or sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined.
- Combine:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape Cookies:
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness. Cut out mermaid tail shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Bake:
- Place cookies on prepared sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make Frosting:
- For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
- Color Frosting:
- Divide frosting into 3–4 bowls. Tint each with a different gel food coloring.
- Decorate:
- Using piping bags with star or petal tips, pipe colored buttercream onto cooled cookies to create mermaid tails.
- Finish:
- Dust with edible shimmer and decorate with candy pearls or sprinkles as desired.
Save These sweets always bring smiles at family gatherings especially when we decorate them together
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, rolling pin, mermaid tail cookie cutter, baking sheets, parchment paper, piping bags and decorative tips, cooling rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter, milk). Contains food coloring check for sensitivities. Always verify ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per cookie: Calories 210, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 28 g, Protein 2 g
Save Enjoy creating these fun ocean-inspired treats that are as delightful to make as they are to eat
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of flour is best for these cookies?
All-purpose flour works well to achieve a tender yet sturdy cookie texture suitable for detailed shapes.
- → How can I make the buttercream colors vibrant?
Use gel food coloring to achieve bright, vivid hues without altering the frosting texture.
- → Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the dough in the refrigerator for at least an hour makes it easier to roll and cut shapes.
- → What is the ideal baking temperature and time?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden for a soft center.
- → How do I achieve the shimmering effect on the cookies?
Lightly dust edible shimmer powder or glitter on the buttercream after piping for a magical finish.