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Perfect Pencil-Shaped Sugar Cookies Easy Homemade Recipe with Bright Yellow Icing

pencil-shaped sugar cookies - featured image
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These pencil-shaped sugar cookies feature a soft, buttery texture with bright yellow vanilla icing, perfect for school events or cheerful snacks. The dough holds its shape well, making crisp, charming cookies that are fun to decorate.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (350g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk (or any milk of choice)
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3–4 tablespoons milk or water (for icing, adjust for consistency)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for icing)
  • Yellow gel food coloring
  • Optional: Edible black food coloring pen or melted chocolate for pencil tip details

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add egg and vanilla: beat in egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: gradually add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour; mix on low speed just until combined.
  5. Chill dough: form dough into a disk, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch (6mm) thickness; chill dough again if too soft.
  8. Cut shapes using pencil-shaped cookie cutter and place cookies 1 inch apart on baking sheets.
  9. Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges just start to turn golden; watch closely to avoid overbaking.
  10. Cool cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Prepare icing: whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and yellow gel food coloring until smooth; adjust consistency as needed.
  12. Decorate cooled cookies with yellow icing; add pencil tip details with black food coloring pen or melted chocolate once icing sets.
  13. Let icing set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving or stacking.

Notes

Chilling the dough for at least 1 hour is crucial to prevent spreading and maintain shape. Use gel food coloring for vibrant icing without thinning. Let icing set fully before adding details. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze undecorated dough for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookies, pencil-shaped cookies, back-to-school treats, yellow icing, homemade cookies, easy sugar cookies, school party snacks

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/perfect-pencil-shaped-sugar-cookies-easy-homemade-recipe-with-bright-yellow-icing/