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Perfect Apple-Shaped Vanilla Sugar Cookie Pops Easy Homemade Recipe with Red Royal Icing

apple-shaped vanilla sugar cookie pops - featured image
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These apple-shaped vanilla sugar cookie pops feature a tender vanilla sugar cookie base topped with glossy red royal icing, perfect for celebrations or a fun treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 large egg whites or 4 tablespoons meringue powder + 5 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Red gel food coloring
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Wooden lollipop sticks or sturdy paper straws
  • Optional: Edible green leaf decorations or green icing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough (15 minutes + chilling): In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes). Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. If using sour cream or yogurt, mix it in now. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  2. Chill the Dough (at least 1 hour): Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour.
  3. Roll and Cut (15 minutes): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. Use an apple-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Insert a wooden stick into each cookie gently. Place cookie pops on lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each.
  4. Bake the Cookies (10-12 minutes): Bake until edges just begin to turn golden, about 10-12 minutes. Remove and let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  5. Prepare the Royal Icing (10 minutes): Whisk together powdered sugar and egg whites (or meringue powder and water). Add lemon juice and vanilla extract if using. Beat until stiff peaks form (5-7 minutes). Add red gel food coloring until desired color is reached.
  6. Decorate the Cookie Pops (30-40 minutes): Transfer icing to piping bags. Outline each apple cookie with thicker icing line, then flood center with thinner icing using a toothpick to spread evenly. Add green leaf details if desired. Let icing dry completely, ideally overnight.
  7. Store or Serve: Once dry, enjoy or package as gifts. Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Notes

Chill dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading. Use meringue powder instead of raw egg whites for safer royal icing. Let icing dry overnight for best glossy finish. If royal icing is too thick, add water a few drops at a time. Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking for even cooking. Press sticks gently into warm cookies after baking to secure.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple shaped cookies, vanilla sugar cookies, royal icing, cookie pops, homemade cookies, easy dessert, fall treats

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/perfect-apple-shaped-vanilla-sugar-cookie-pops-easy-homemade-recipe-with-red-royal-icing/