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Perfect Class of 2026 Decorated Sugar Cookies Easy Graduation Treats

Class of 2026 decorated sugar cookies - featured image
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These decorated sugar cookies combine the nostalgia of graduation day with fun decorating and a tender, buttery flavor. Perfect for celebrating the Class of 2026 with festive flair and delicious taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 5–6 tablespoons warm water (adjust for consistency)
  • Gel food coloring in graduation colors (navy, gold, white, or your school’s colors)
  • Edible gold dust or shimmer (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside. (5 minutes)
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup (227g) softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. (7 minutes)
  3. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and optional ½ teaspoon almond extract until combined. (2 minutes)
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Don’t overmix. (3 minutes)
  5. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two disks, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight. (1 hour minimum)
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. (10 minutes)
  7. Roll and Cut: Lightly flour work surface and rolling pin. Roll out one dough disk to about ¼-inch (6 mm) thickness. Cut shapes using graduation-themed cookie cutters. Transfer cookies to baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart. (15 minutes)
  8. Bake: Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes until edges begin to turn golden. (8-10 minutes)
  9. Cool Completely: Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool fully before decorating. (30 minutes)
  10. Prepare Royal Icing: Combine 3 cups (360g) sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons meringue powder, and 5-6 tablespoons warm water. Beat until stiff peaks form, adjusting water for piping consistency. Divide and tint as desired. (10 minutes)
  11. Decorate: Pipe borders and details using small round tips or squeeze bottles. Use brushes to add edible gold dust. Let icing dry completely (at least 4 hours or overnight) before stacking or packaging.

Notes

Chill dough for at least 1 hour to make rolling easier and maintain cookie shape. Avoid overmixing dough to keep cookies tender. Test oven temperature with a test cookie. Let royal icing dry completely before stacking or packaging. For sticky dough, chill longer. Use parchment paper if silicone mats are unavailable. Add a few drops of water to royal icing if it thickens during decorating.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookies, decorated cookies, graduation treats, Class of 2026, royal icing, easy cookies, festive cookies, party treats

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/perfect-class-of-2026-decorated-sugar-cookies-easy-graduation-treats/