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Unicorn Cookies Recipe

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These magical Unicorn Cookies feature vibrant pastel swirls of pink, purple, blue, and yellow in a soft, buttery sugar cookie base. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or any time you want to add a touch of whimsy to your day, these colorful treats are as delicious as they are beautiful!

Ingredients

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  • 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Gel food coloring (pink, purple, blue, yellow)
  • Sanding sugar or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
  • Edible glitter or pearl dust (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating the right cookie texture.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix just until combined – don’t overmix or your cookies will be tough.
  5. Divide and color the dough: Divide the dough into 4-5 equal portions. Place each portion in a separate bowl. Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each bowl (one color per bowl), leaving one portion white if desired. Use a toothpick to add color gradually until you reach your desired pastel shade. Knead each portion with your hands until the color is evenly distributed.
  6. Create the swirl effect: Tear small pieces from each colored dough and press them together randomly. Gently roll and fold the combined pieces a few times to create a marbled effect – don’t over-knead or the colors will blend into a muddy brown. You want distinct swirls of color.
  7. Shape the cookies: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form balls of dough about 1.5 tablespoons in size. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If desired, gently flatten each ball slightly with your palm.
  8. Add decorations: If using sanding sugar, sprinkles, or edible glitter, gently press them onto the top of each cookie before baking.
  9. Chill the dough: Refrigerate the shaped cookies on the baking sheets for 20-30 minutes. This prevents excessive spreading during baking.
  10. Preheat the oven: While cookies chill, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  11. Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are just set but the centers still look slightly underdone. The cookies will continue cooking on the hot pan after you remove them from the oven.
  12. Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Don’t overbake: These cookies are best when they’re soft and chewy, so remove them when the centers still look slightly underdone.
  • Gel food coloring is essential: Liquid food coloring will make your dough too wet and affect the texture.
  • Color intensity: Start with less color than you think you need – you can always add more, but you can’t remove it.
  • Marbling technique: The key to beautiful swirls is not over-mixing. Stop when you still see distinct streaks of color.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://focialy.com/unicorn-cookies-recipe/