Save Whimsical, colorful treats inspired by the ocean, these mermaid tail sweets combine soft sugar cookies with shimmering buttercream and candy pearls—a magical dessert perfect for parties or special occasions.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Step 5:
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness. Cut out mermaid tail shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Step 6:
- Place cookies on prepared sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 7:
- For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
- Step 8:
- Divide frosting into 3-4 bowls. Tint each with a different gel food coloring.
- Step 9:
- Using piping bags with star or petal tips, pipe colored buttercream onto cooled cookies to create mermaid tails.
- Step 10:
- Dust with edible shimmer and decorate with candy pearls or sprinkles as desired.
Save Notes
For a shortcut, use ready-made sugar cookie dough and store-bought frosting. Add a drop of coconut extract to the frosting for a tropical twist. Serve with blue raspberry punch for a festive party treat.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls Electric mixer Measuring cups and spoons Rolling pin Mermaid tail cookie cutter Baking sheets Parchment paper Piping bags and decorative tips Cooling rack
Nutritional Information
Calories: 210 Total Fat: 10 g Carbohydrates: 28 g Protein: 2 g
Save Recipe Guide
- → What ingredients make the sugar cookies soft?
A combination of unsalted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract creates a tender and soft sugar cookie base.
- → How can I achieve the vibrant frosting colors?
Gel food colorings in teal, purple, pink, and blue are mixed into the buttercream to create vivid, ocean-inspired hues.
- → What is the best way to shape the cookies?
Rolling the dough to a quarter-inch thickness and using a mermaid tail cookie cutter ensures uniform, charming shapes.
- → Can I prepare frosting ahead of time?
Yes, buttercream can be made in advance and stored refrigerated; bring to room temperature and re-whip before decorating.
- → How do I add shimmer to the finished cookies?
Lightly dust the decorated cookies with edible shimmer dust or glitter to achieve a magical, sparkling effect.