Baby in Bloom Flower Cookies

These Baby in Bloom Flower Cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they're edible art that transforms any baby shower or spring gathering into a moment of pure delight. Each delicate, buttery cookie is shaped like a flower and adorned with soft pastel royal icing in hues of pink, yellow, green, blue, and lavender. The result is a stunning display that tastes as wonderful as it looks, combining a tender, vanilla-kissed base with a smooth, glossy finish that melts on your tongue.

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What makes these flower cookies truly special is their versatility and charm. The dough itself is wonderfully forgiving, easy to roll, and holds its shape beautifully during baking. The royal icing dries to a perfect finish, making these cookies ideal for stacking, packaging, or displaying on a dessert table. Whether you're celebrating a new arrival, hosting a garden party, or simply welcoming the warmer months, these cookies bring joy and elegance to any occasion.

Ingredients

• Cookie Dough: 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter (softened), 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• Royal Icing: 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar (sifted), 2 tablespoons meringue powder, 4–5 tablespoons water, food coloring gels in pastel shades (pink, yellow, green, blue, lavender)

Instructions

Step 1

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 3

Beat in egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.

Step 5

Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.

Step 6

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut flower shapes using a cookie cutter.

Step 8

Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared sheets. Re-roll scraps as needed.

Step 9

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just golden. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Step 10

For the royal icing, combine powdered sugar and meringue powder in a bowl. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until smooth and thick but spreadable.

Step 11

Divide icing into small bowls and tint each with a different pastel gel color.

Step 12

Spread or pipe icing onto cooled cookies. Decorate as desired. Allow icing to set completely before serving or packaging.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Chilling the dough is essential for easy rolling and clean cookie shapes. If the dough becomes too soft while working, pop it back in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes. When rolling out the dough, use just enough flour to prevent sticking, but not so much that it dries out the cookies. For perfectly uniform cookies, roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. This eliminates the need for extra flour and ensures even thickness throughout.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Add a drop of almond extract to the dough for a subtle flavor twist that pairs beautifully with the vanilla. For dairy-free cookies, substitute plant-based butter in equal amounts. You can also experiment with different cookie cutter shapes—butterflies, hearts, or baby-themed designs work wonderfully. If you prefer a simpler decoration, use a single color of icing or simply dust the baked cookies with powdered sugar. For a chocolate variation, replace 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder.

Serviervorschläge

These cookies pair beautifully with herbal teas like chamomile or lavender, or sparkling lemonade for a festive touch. Display them on a tiered stand for a stunning centerpiece at baby showers, or package them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons as party favors. They also make thoughtful gifts for new parents or spring hostess presents. For an elegant dessert spread, serve alongside fresh berries, light pastries, and petit fours.

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With their delicate appearance and delightful flavor, these Baby in Bloom Flower Cookies will be the star of your celebration. The combination of buttery cookie texture and smooth royal icing creates a perfect bite that guests will remember long after the party ends. Whether you're an experienced baker or trying decorated cookies for the first time, this recipe offers both simplicity and room for creative expression. Enjoy the process of bringing these beautiful blooms to life!

Recipe Guide

→ What makes these flower cookies tender?

The combination of softened butter, sugar, and egg creates a rich and tender texture that holds the delicate shape well after baking.

→ How do I achieve smooth pastel icing?

Mix powdered sugar with meringue powder and water gradually until thick and spreadable. Divide and tint with pastel food gels for soft colors.

→ Can the dough be flavored differently?

Yes, adding a drop of almond extract to the dough introduces a subtle, complementary flavor twist.

→ What is the best method to decorate detailed flower shapes?

Use piping bags fitted with small round tips to create careful outlines and accents on each flower for a refined look.

→ Are these cookies suitable for special diets?

They are vegetarian-friendly and can be adapted for dairy-free diets by substituting plant-based butter.

→ How can I store the cookies after icing?

Allow the icing to fully set, then store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.