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Easy Colorful Earth Day Sugar Cookies Recipe Perfect for Kids and Parties

easy colorful earth day sugar cookies - featured image

These colorful Earth Day sugar cookies are quick, easy, and perfect for kids and parties. They feature a simple sugar cookie dough with vibrant blue and green icing that invites creativity and festive fun.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • Blue and green food coloring (gel or liquid)
  • 2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp light corn syrup (optional)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice or vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 1 cup (227 g) softened unsalted butter and 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 tsp pure vanilla extract until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with 2 tbsp milk. Mix on low speed just until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not sticky.
  6. Roll the dough into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls and place them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart on the baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
  7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. The centers may look slightly soft. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
  8. In a bowl, mix 2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tbsp water or milk, 1 tbsp light corn syrup (optional), and 1 tsp lemon juice or vanilla extract until smooth but thick enough to hold shape when spread.
  9. Divide the icing into two small bowls. Add blue food coloring to one, green to the other, stirring until desired shades are reached.
  10. Using a butter knife or spoon, spread the colored icing on the cooled cookies in swirls or simple patterns. Let the icing set for about 30 minutes before serving or packing.

Notes

If the dough feels too warm or sticky, chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes before shaping. Use gel food coloring for vibrant icing without thinning. Don’t overmix the dough once flour is added to avoid tough cookies. Soft butter at room temperature is key for creamy dough. The cookies are best served at room temperature once icing has set. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze with parchment paper between cookies.

Nutrition

Keywords: Earth Day cookies, sugar cookies, colorful cookies, kids baking, party cookies, easy sugar cookies, festive cookies