Baby in Bloom Flower Cookies

There's something magical about cookies that look like they've been plucked from a spring garden. Baby in Bloom Flower Cookies are delicate, buttery treats adorned with soft pastel royal icing that brings joy to any celebration. Whether you're hosting a baby shower, welcoming a new season, or simply want to create something beautiful, these flower-shaped cookies are the perfect canvas for your creativity. Each bite offers a tender crumb and a hint of vanilla, while the smooth royal icing adds a professional touch that's easier to achieve than you might think.

Save

These cookies are a wonderful project for bakers who want to practice their decorating skills. The royal icing technique may seem intimidating at first, but with a little patience, you'll create smooth, professional-looking cookies that rival any bakery. The buttery cookie base provides the perfect foundation—sturdy enough to handle decorating, yet tender enough to melt in your mouth. The pastel shades of pink, yellow, green, blue, and lavender evoke the gentle beauty of spring blooms and new beginnings.

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: Prepare the dry ingredients

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

Step 2: Cream butter and sugar

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

Step 3: Add wet ingredients

Beat in egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry

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

Step 5: Chill the dough

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

Step 6: Preheat and prepare

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

Step 7: Roll and cut

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: Arrange on baking sheets

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

Step 9: Bake

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: Make royal icing

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: Color the icing

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

Step 12: Decorate

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 cookies that hold their shape during baking. Don't skip this step, as it also makes rolling and cutting much easier. When rolling out the dough, work with one disc at a time and keep the other refrigerated. If the dough becomes too soft while working, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes. For the royal icing, consistency is key—it should be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to spread smoothly. If it's too thick, add water a few drops at a time; if too thin, add more powdered sugar. Gel food coloring works best because it won't thin out your icing like liquid colors can.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Add a drop of almond extract to the dough for a subtle flavor twist that complements the vanilla beautifully. For dairy-free cookies, substitute plant-based butter and ensure your meringue powder is vegan-friendly. You can also experiment with different cookie cutter shapes—butterflies, hearts, or simple circles work wonderfully. For a more elaborate design, use piping bags with small round tips to add details like dots, swirls, or outlines. If you prefer a softer icing that doesn't harden completely, reduce the meringue powder slightly. For gluten-free cookies, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may be slightly different.

Serviervorschläge

These beautiful cookies deserve an equally lovely presentation. Arrange them on a floral platter or tiered stand for a stunning centerpiece at baby showers or spring celebrations. Pair them with herbal teas like chamomile or lavender, or serve alongside sparkling lemonade for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness. They also make wonderful party favors—package 2-3 cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbon. For a dessert table, display them alongside fresh flowers or arrange them in a shallow basket lined with delicate tissue paper. These cookies are best enjoyed within 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container, though the icing will remain beautifully set for up to a week.

Save

Baby in Bloom Flower Cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they're an edible celebration of life's most precious moments. Whether you're welcoming a new baby, celebrating spring's arrival, or simply gathering with loved ones, these delicate cookies add a touch of handmade elegance to any occasion. The process of decorating them can be wonderfully therapeutic, and the results are always impressive. So gather your ingredients, choose your favorite pastel shades, and let your creativity bloom. These cookies are sure to bring smiles and create memories that last long after the last crumb is enjoyed.

Cooking Guide

→ How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for at least an hour before rolling helps maintain the flower shapes during baking.

→ What consistency should the royal icing have?

The icing should be smooth, thick enough to hold shape but spreadable. Adjust water 1 tablespoon at a time for the right texture.

→ Can I use different colors for the icing?

Yes, divide the icing and tint with various pastel gels like pink, yellow, green, blue, and lavender for a vibrant finish.

→ How long should the icing set before handling?

Allow the icing to set completely at room temperature, usually about 2 hours, ensuring it hardens without smudging.

→ Are there any flavor variations recommended?

Adding a drop of almond extract to the dough provides a subtle, complementary flavor twist.