Back to School Royal Icing Sugar Cookies – Fun and Easy to Decorate | Foodal

Nothing says “school’s in session” quite like a tray full of colorful, personalized Back to School Royal Icing Sugar Cookies. These sweet treats aren’t just adorable—they’re the perfect way to celebrate a new academic year, whether you’re welcoming a new teacher, packing a lunchbox surprise, or just looking for a fun weekend baking project with the kids.

I started making these cookies when my youngest began kindergarten. I wanted something festive but not overly complicated, and these cookies checked every box. They were fun to make together, and even more fun to decorate.

These cookies combine a buttery, soft sugar cookie base with beautifully decorated royal icing in the shape of apples, pencils, and notebook paper. It’s a delicious, creative way to kick off the school season with smiles and sugar.

Why You’ll Love These Royal Icing Sugar Cookies

• A fun baking activity to do with kids before school starts
• Customizable colors and designs for any grade or theme
• Ideal for gifting teachers or classmates
• Sweet and soft sugar cookie base with crisp royal icing
• Great make-ahead treat that stores beautifully

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make These Cookies

• 1 batch sugar cookie dough (yields 20–24 cookies)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dusting
• 1 batch royal icing, about 3 cups total
• Assorted food colorings (red, green, pink, gray, yellow, black, white)

🎨 Optional: Add edible markers and sprinkles for final decorating flair!

How to Make Back to School Royal Icing Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Make the Sugar Cookie Dough

1. Prepare one batch of your favorite sugar cookie dough.
2. Form it into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step 2: Roll, Cut, and Chill

1. Lightly flour a clean work surface.
2. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Use cookie cutters to create:

• Apple shapes
• Pencils
• Rectangles for notebook paper

1. Dip cookie cutters in flour if needed.
2. Transfer shapes to parchment-lined baking sheets.
3. Chill the sheets for 20 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape.

And Step 3: Bake and Cool

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Bake cookies for 8–10 minutes — they should be soft and pale.
3. Cool on the tray for 1 minute, then transfer to a wire rack.

🍪 These cookies freeze well if you want to decorate later!

How to Decorate with Royal Icing (Without Stress!)

Step 4: Outline the Shapes

1. Make a batch of royal icing with a medium-stiff consistency.
2. Tint 1/2 cup of icing black.
3. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a #2 tip.

Outline each cookie as follows:

• Pencil: 5 sections (eraser, metal band, body, wood, tip)
• Apple: Fruit, stem, leaf
• Notebook: One large rectangle

✏️ Keep black icing in the piping bag for lettering and fine lines later.

Step 5: Mix and Color the Flood Icing

Divide the remaining icing into bowls and tint as needed:

• Pencil Colors:
• Yellow (main body)
• Pink (eraser)
• Gray (metal)
• Light brown (wood section)
• Apple Colors:
• Red (fruit)
• Green (leaf)
• Brown (stem)
• Notebook:
• White icing (paper)

Thin each color with a few drops of water to reach flood consistency (10-second rule).

👩‍🍳 Drag a knife through the icing. If it disappears in 10 seconds, it’s ready!

Step 6: Fill In the Outlines

1. Use individual piping bags fitted with #2 or #4 tips.
2. Fill each section of the cookie within the black outlines.
3. Let dry at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours.

Step 7: Add the Final Touches

Once the base icing is fully dry:

• Use edible markers to draw blue lines on the notebook paper.
• Pipe “A+” with reserved black icing.
• Add yellow stripes to pencils using leftover yellow icing.

Let decorations dry another 30 minutes.

Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Advice

• Room Temp: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container for 5–7 days.
• Freezing: Freeze un-iced cookies for up to 1 month. Decorate after thawing.
• Layering Tip: Place parchment between layers to keep the frosting pristine.

FAQs: Your Royal Icing Sugar Cookie Questions Answered

How to keep frosted cookies from sticking together?

Let them dry completely and use parchment paper between layers.

Is royal icing the same as icing sugar for cookies?

Nope! Royal icing uses meringue powder or egg whites and hardens completely.

What is the 10-second rule for royal icing?

It’s a flood consistency test. The icing should smooth out in 10 seconds when a line is drawn through it.

Is royal icing better for sugar cookies?

Yes! It dries firm, making the cookies stackable and easy to decorate.

Will royal icing melt in heat?

It can soften if exposed to high heat or humidity. Store in a cool area.

What causes cookies to be sticky?

Not enough chilling, overbaking, or stacking before icing is dry.

What happens if you overmix royal icing?

Overmixing can lead to air bubbles or overly stiff icing.

How to make royal icing shiny?

Dry in front of a fan for a glossy finish.

How to freeze cookies so they don’t stick?

Use parchment layers and freeze in single layers first before stacking.

More Family-Fun Cookie Recipes to Try

• Soft and chewy sugar cookies for any occasion
• Easy 3-ingredient mini butter cookies for kids’ lunchboxes
• Patriotic cookie ideas like sugar cookie fruit pizzas

Share the Sweetness on Pinterest!

Planning a bake sale or classroom party? These Back to School Royal Icing Sugar Cookies are as Instagram-worthy as they are tasty.

Don’t forget to pin this recipe and follow us on Pinterest for more kid-friendly cookie inspiration.

Final Thoughts: Back to School Just Got Sweeter

Whether you’re baking for your child’s first day, a teacher appreciation gift, or a fun classroom surprise, these Back to School Royal Icing Sugar Cookies | Foodal bring creativity and sweetness to the table.

So gather your frosting bags, prep the cookie cutters, and let your inner artist shine. And don’t forget to tag me @ritzyrecipes when you post your beautiful creations!

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