Back to School Cookies – Easy Iced Sugar Cookies for Kids, Teachers & Lunchboxes

Meta Description: Celebrate the school year with these fun Back to School Cookies! Simple sugar cookie dough with royal icing and creative designs.

Start the School Year Sweetly with These Back to School Cookies

Hey friend, can we just talk about how fast summer goes? One minute it’s pool days and popsicles, the next it’s supply shopping and first-day outfits. That’s why I always like to soften the transition with something sweet, something fun—something like these Back to School Cookies.

They’re festive. They’re colorful. And they’re a total blast to make with kids. Shaped like apples, pencils, and notebook paper, they’re the perfect mix of baking and art project. Whether it’s a surprise for your little one’s lunchbox or a treat for teachers, these cookies will be a hit.

Ingredients for the Best Back to School Cookies

This recipe is super flexible and beginner-friendly. You don’t need to be a cookie pro to make these turn out great.

You’ll Need:

• 1 batch sugar cookie dough (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for rolling)
• 1 batch royal icing (about 3 cups total)
• Assorted food colorings (red, green, yellow, pink, gray, black, brown)

Tools to Have On Hand:

• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters (apple, pencil, rectangle)
• Baking sheets lined with parchment
• Piping bags and tips (#2 or #4)
• Edible markers (totally optional but fun)

How to Make Back to School Cookies Step-by-Step

This recipe breaks into three easy parts: cookies, icing outlines, and flood filling. Let’s go!

Step 1: Make and Roll the Dough

1. Roll your dough into a disc and chill for 1 hour.
2. On a floured surface, roll to 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Cut shapes using cookie cutters (apple, pencil, rectangle).
4. Re-roll dough once to cut more shapes. You’ll get 20–24 cookies total.
5. Transfer to baking sheets and chill again for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. Bake cookies for 8–10 minutes. They should still be pale and soft.
3. Let cool for 1 minute on the tray, then transfer to wire racks.

Tip: Underbaking slightly keeps them soft—just don’t let the bottoms brown!

How to Decorate Your Back to School Cookies Like a Pro

Here comes the fun part. You’ll need a bit of patience and a steady hand—but even if your lines aren’t perfect, these cookies will still charm everyone.

First, Outline with Medium-Stiff Royal Icing

1. Tint 1/2 cup of royal icing with black food coloring.
2. Use a #2 round tip for outlining.

Outline Each Cookie:

• Pencil Cookie:
  • Section 1: Pink eraser
  • Section 2: Gray metal band
  • Section 3: Yellow pencil body
  • Section 4: Tan wood section
  • Section 5: Black pencil tip (filled in completely)
• Apple Cookie:
  • Outline the red fruit, green leaf, and brown stem.
• Notebook Paper Cookie:
  • Outline the whole rectangle with white icing.

Reserve extra black icing for details later.

Next, Fill with Flood Consistency Icing

This is where your cookies come to life.

Flood Each Color:

• Pencils:
  • Yellow (1/2 cup), Pink, Gray, Tan (~1/8 cup each)
• Apples:
  • Red (1/2 cup), Green and Brown (1/8 cup each)
• Notebook Paper:
  • White (1/2 cup)

1. Thin each colored icing with water until it flows smoothly.
2. Pipe each section using separate bags.
3. Let cookies sit undisturbed for 2–3 hours to harden.

Pro Tip: Use a toothpick to pop any air bubbles or smooth out corners.

Add the Finishing Touches (Optional but SO Fun)

• Use edible markers to draw blue notebook lines and red margins.
• Add an A+ with the leftover black icing.
• Pipe yellow stripes on pencils for that classic No.2 vibe.

Let them sit another 30 minutes to dry fully.

Why These Are the Best Back to School Cookies

Let me tell you why this recipe has a permanent spot in our back-to-school routine:

• Totally customizable. You can color outside the lines if you want!
• Hands-on and artsy. My daughter LOVES getting to “paint” with icing.
• Giftable. Perfect for teachers, staff, or your neighbor’s kids.
• A sweet memory maker. I have pictures of my kids decorating these since preschool—it’s such a fun tradition.

Tips for Busy Parents

I get it. Life is full. Here’s how to keep this fun, not frustrating:

• Break it into two days. Bake one night, decorate the next.
• Use zip bags for piping. Don’t let a lack of tools stop you.
• Use store-bought dough. You won’t be judged. I promise.
• Let the kids freestyle. Give them a few blank cookies to decorate any way they want.

Storing and Serving Your Cookies

• Let icing dry completely before storing.
• Use airtight containers. Keep cookies in a single layer or place parchment between layers.
• Best within 5–7 days.
• These also freeze well if you want to prep ahead.

Great for Gifts or Lunchbox Surprises

Here’s a cute idea: wrap a few cookies in cellophane bags with a little note that says “You’re one smart cookie!” I promise—it will melt hearts.

Related Recipes You Might Love Too

If these school-themed cookies got you in the baking mood, you’ll love:

• Soft and chewy cinnamon roll sugar cookies – Cozy and nostalgic.
• Cookie monster cookies kids will love – Colorful and packed with personality.
• Easy 3-ingredient mini butter cookies – Perfect when time is short.

Pin These for the Next School Season

Follow us on Pinterest for more creative cookie ideas. And if you make these, tag me @RitzyRecipes—I’d love to see your school-themed creations!

Final Thoughts with Gratitude

Every year, these Back to School Cookies help me slow down and savor the season. They’re sweet, simple, and full of love.

Thanks so much for stopping by. If you try this recipe, drop a comment or share it with a friend. Let’s keep celebrating little moments with big heart—and maybe a little sugar. 🍪

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