If you’re looking for a delightful and festive treat to celebrate, the Eid Small Batch Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing Recipe is an absolute must-try. These tender, buttery cookies get a lovely citrusy brightness from lemon zest, and they’re dressed up with smooth, vibrant royal icing that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just want to make a sweet gesture for Eid, this recipe combines simple ingredients with beautiful decoration opportunities, resulting in cookies that taste as wonderful as they look.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black wire cooling rack on a white marbled surface filled with cookies shaped like camels, arches, stars, candles, and a crescent moon. Each cookie has one layer, covered with smooth white icing that fully coats the top, leaving the golden-brown edges visible. The shapes stand out clearly with sharp outlines and a slight shine from the icing. To the right, there is a white paint palette with dabs of black, brown, and blue paint and a paintbrush resting on it. The scene has a clean and simple feel with a crisp contrast between the white icing and the warm color of the baked cookies photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of these cookies. From the rich butter lending softness to the lemon zest’s fresh pop, every element is thoughtfully selected to ensure a delicious and fun baking experience.

1/2 cup sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
1 tsp lemon zest: Provides a fresh, zesty flavor that brightens the cookie.
1/2 cup butter: Brings rich flavor and the perfect buttery texture.
1 egg yolk: Binds the dough together for easy shaping (optional if you prefer egg-free).
1 1/4 cup flour: The base that holds the cookie’s structure — plus extra for rolling.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
200 g store-bought royal icing mix or homemade mix: The magical glaze that turns these cookies into stunning little works of edible art.
1 1/2 cup icing sugar: For the homemade royal icing’s silky sweetness.
2.5 tbsp milk: Adds moisture to the icing for perfect consistency.
1/4 tsp vanilla: Infuses a subtle vanilla aroma and taste in the icing.
1/8 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness of the icing.
Assorted gel icing colours: Just a few drops bring gorgeous shades for decorating.
Brushes: To gently paint your icing colors and get creative.

How to Make Eid Small Batch Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining your cookie sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly with little fuss.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest

Mix the butter, sugar, and lemon zest together until just smooth. This step wakes up the lemon oils and blends them beautifully with the creamy butter for that signature fresh flavor.

Step 3: Add the Egg Yolk

Next, beat in the egg yolk for about 30 seconds. This helps bind the dough. If you prefer, you can skip the yolk, but know it’ll slightly change the dough’s elasticity.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Salt

Add the flour and a pinch of salt to the mixture. When mixed, the dough may look crumbly but will come together once pressed. This crumbly texture is a sign of a tender cookie to come.

Step 5: Chill the Dough (If Needed)

If it’s warm in your kitchen, pop the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes. This makes rolling easier and prevents the dough from sticking too much.

Step 6: Roll and Cut

Generously flour your surface, press the dough together lightly kneading until smooth, then roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut your cookies into your favorite shapes—make them traditional crescents, stars, or anything festive that sparks joy!

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for about 10 minutes, or until you see the edges take on a lovely golden hue. Baking time can vary depending on cookie size, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Step 8: Cool and Prepare for Icing

Once baked, let the cookies cool completely before decorating. This step is crucial to prevent your royal icing from melting and losing its pristine finish.

Step 9: Make Royal Icing

If you’re using a royal icing mix, follow the package instructions for a stiff icing, then slowly add water drop by drop until it reaches a toothpaste-like consistency. If you prefer homemade, mix icing sugar, milk, salt, and vanilla on low speed until just combined, adjusting thickness by adding more sugar or water as needed. Tap the bowl gently to pop air bubbles for a smooth finish.

Step 10: Decorate with Joy

Use a piping bag or squeeze bottle to outline or cover the cookies with a smooth white base. You can also dip your cookies for a quick glaze. Use skewer sticks to remove air bubbles and then let your creativity run wild with colors and brushes. Watching the icing set and painting those details is one of the most joyful moments of this recipe!

How to Serve Eid Small Batch Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing Recipe

A small, round ball of light yellow dough sprinkled with white flour rests on a wooden cutting board dusted with flour. Behind the dough, two metal cookie cutters are placed, one shaped like a half-moon and the other shaped like a number one. The surface under the cutting board is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of edible gold dust or tiny sugar pearls can add an extra festive sparkle to your royal icing. Edible glitter or finely chopped pistachios also make lovely, colorful toppings, elevating your cookies for special gatherings.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced tea or classic cardamom coffee for a perfect Eid snack setup. Fresh fruit platters or dates also complement the buttery sweetness, creating a balanced and inviting spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your finished cookies on a decorated plate, perhaps with some Eid-themed doilies or greenery, for a stunning centerpiece. Alternatively, place cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons as delightful gifts—practical and heartfelt!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your beautifully decorated sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, ensuring they maintain their tenderness and icing finish without becoming stale or sticky.

Freezing

If you want to save cookies for longer, freeze them before icing in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw completely before decorating; this guarantees a fresh-baked taste whenever you want to celebrate.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer a warm touch, pop them briefly in a low oven (about 250°F) for 3-5 minutes, but keep an eye on the icing to avoid melting.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without egg yolk?

Absolutely! The egg yolk helps bind the dough, but you can omit it if you prefer an egg-free version. Just note the dough may be a bit more crumbly and require gentle handling.

What if I don’t have lemon zest?

You can skip the lemon zest or substitute with a small amount of orange zest for a different citrus flavor. It adds a lovely brightness, but the cookies will still be delicious without it.

How long does royal icing take to dry?

Store-bought royal icing typically sets within a few hours, while homemade royal icing needs to dry overnight to reach that perfect firm finish ready for handling.

Can I use food coloring other than gel?

Gel colors are best for vibrant hues without thinning the icing. Liquid food coloring may make the icing too runny, so if you use it, add sparingly and adjust the icing consistency accordingly.

Is it okay to dip cookies in the icing instead of piping?

Yes! Dipping is a quick and fun way to get a smooth icing coat. Just be sure to pop any air bubbles with a toothpick and allow the cookies to dry completely before decorating further.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend making the Eid Small Batch Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing Recipe enough for your next celebration. It’s a beautiful combination of simple flavors and creative expression that brings smiles to little ones and grown-ups alike. Baking and decorating these cookies together feels like a warm, joyful tradition you’ll return to every year. So gather your ingredients, grab your brushes, and dive into this sweet, festive delight!