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Stunning Galaxy Frosted Back-to-School Sugar Cookies

galaxy frosted sugar cookies - featured image

These sugar cookies feature a soft, tender base topped with a vibrant, swirling galaxy frosting that brings a magical touch to back-to-school celebrations. Perfect for baking with kids, they combine simple ingredients with a visually stunning frosting technique.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 23 tbsp (3045 ml) whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Gel food coloring: navy blue, purple, black, and white
  • Edible glitter or shimmer dust (optional)
  • White sugar pearls or tiny sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 ½ cups granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in 2 tsp pure vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
  7. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place about 1 inch apart on baking sheets.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges just start to turn golden. Let cool completely on wire racks.
  9. Prepare the frosting by beating ½ cup softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add 4 cups sifted powdered sugar, alternating with 2-3 tbsp whole milk, until smooth and spreadable. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  10. Divide the frosting into 4 small bowls. Tint each with gel food coloring: navy blue, purple, black, and leave one white.
  11. On a large plate or parchment, dollop small spoonfuls of each color close together. Use an offset spatula to gently swirl the colors together without overmixing.
  12. Spread the swirled frosting over each cooled cookie in thin layers using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
  13. Add edible glitter or shimmer dust on top and scatter white sugar pearls or tiny sprinkles to mimic stars.
  14. Let the frosting set for at least 30 minutes at room temperature before serving.

Notes

Chill dough before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain shape. Use gel food coloring for vibrant frosting colors. Gently swirl frosting colors to keep the galaxy effect distinct. Frost cookies while fresh and soft for best results. Practice swirling on parchment before frosting cookies. Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Freeze unfrosted cookies for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookies, galaxy frosting, back-to-school cookies, kid-friendly baking, swirl frosting, edible glitter, sugar pearls, easy sugar cookies