Mermaid Tail Sugar Cookies (Printable Version)

Whimsical sugar cookies shaped as mermaid tails, decorated with colorful buttercream and candy pearls.

# Ingredient List:

→ Sugar Cookies

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

→ Buttercream Frosting

08 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 3 cups powdered sugar
10 - 2 tablespoons milk
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - Gel food coloring (teal, purple, pink, blue)

→ Decoration

13 - Edible shimmer dust or glitter
14 - Candy pearls or sprinkles

# How to Make:

01 - Heat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
03 - Beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
04 - Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
05 - Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out mermaid tail shapes using a cookie cutter.
06 - Arrange cookies on prepared sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges turn lightly golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
07 - Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.
08 - Separate frosting into 3 to 4 bowls and tint each with a different gel food coloring.
09 - Using piping bags fitted with star or petal tips, pipe the colored buttercream onto cooled cookies to form mermaid tails.
10 - Sprinkle edible shimmer dust or glitter and decorate with candy pearls or sprinkles as desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Soft sugar cookies shaped like mermaid tails
  • Shimmering buttercream with candy pearl decoration
02 -
  • Use ready-made sugar cookie dough and store-bought frosting for a shortcut
  • Add a drop of coconut extract to the frosting for a tropical twist
03 -
  • Chill the dough before rolling to prevent sticking
  • Use gel food coloring for vibrant frosting without altering consistency
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