Save to Pinterest Whimsical, colorful treats inspired by the ocean, these mermaid tail sweets combine soft sugar cookies with shimmering buttercream and candy pearls—a magical dessert perfect for parties or special occasions.
I enjoy creating these whimsical sweets as they bring delight and color to family celebrations, making every bite a magical experience.
Ingredients
- For the Sugar Cookies: 2 1/2 cups (320 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter softened, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- For the Buttercream Frosting: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, Gel food coloring (teal, purple, pink, blue)
- For Decoration: Edible shimmer dust or glitter, Candy pearls or sprinkles
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Step 5:
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness. Cut out mermaid tail shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Step 6:
- Place cookies on prepared sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 7:
- For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
- Step 8:
- Divide frosting into 3–4 bowls. Tint each with a different gel food coloring.
- Step 9:
- Using piping bags with star or petal tips, pipe colored buttercream onto cooled cookies to create mermaid tails.
- Step 10:
- Dust with edible shimmer and decorate with candy pearls or sprinkles as desired.
Save to Pinterest These sweets have become a family favorite where kids love helping decorate, turning baking into a joyful group activity.
Notes
For a shortcut, use ready-made sugar cookie dough and store-bought frosting.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, rolling pin, mermaid tail cookie cutter, baking sheets, parchment paper, piping bags and decorative tips, cooling rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy. Always verify ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Save to Pinterest This recipe is a delightful way to add magic to any party with colorful, tasty treats everyone will love.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → What ingredients create the colorful frosting?
The frosting combines softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, colored using gel food coloring in shades like teal, purple, pink, and blue.
- → How do I shape the cookies into mermaid tails?
Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness and use a mermaid tail-shaped cookie cutter to cut out each cookie before baking.
- → Can I prepare the dough and frosting ahead of time?
Yes, dough can be refrigerated before cutting, and frosting can be made in advance and stored chilled until decorating.
- → What’s the best way to achieve shimmering decorations?
After frosting, dust the cookies with edible shimmer dust or glitter and add candy pearls or sprinkles for a sparkling finish.
- → Are there any alternatives to homemade dough and frosting?
For convenience, ready-made sugar cookie dough and store-bought frosting work well as shortcuts without sacrificing flavor.