Save Whimsical, colorful treats inspired by the ocean, these mermaid tail sweets combine soft sugar cookies with shimmering buttercream and candy pearlsá a magical dessert perfect for parties or special occasions.
These sweets have become a family favorite at birthday celebrations, bringing smiles with their vibrant colors and delightful taste.
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 oven:
- 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 dough:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll and cut:
- 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 cookies:
- Place cookies on prepared sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare frosting:
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar milk and vanilla beating until fluffy.
- Tint 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.
- Finishing touches:
- Dust with edible shimmer and decorate with candy pearls or sprinkles as desired.
Save Baking these cookies together has become a treasured family activity, sparking creativity and joy in every batch.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
Chill the dough before cutting to prevent spreading and maintain shape during baking.
Storage Instructions
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze undecorated cookies for up to 1 month.
Variations
Try adding coconut extract to the frosting for a tropical twist or swap candy pearls for edible stars.
Save Enjoy creating these magical mermaid tail sweets that delight both the eyes and the palate.