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Adorable Pencil Sugar Cookies for Teacher Appreciation

Three beautifully decorated Pencil Sugar Cookies shaped like yellow pencils with red erasers, resting on a white plate.
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Make these easy decorated sugar cookies shaped like pencils as a thoughtful, portable gift for Teacher Appreciation Week or back to school.

Ingredients

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  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • Royal Icing Ingredients:
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 6 tablespoons warm water
  • Food coloring (yellow, red, black, brown)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This is key for soft cookies.
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  8. Use a pencil-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Prepare the royal icing: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and meringue powder. Gradually add the warm water, mixing until smooth. The icing should be thick enough to hold a line when drizzled.
  11. Divide the icing into small bowls. Color one portion yellow for the pencil body, a small amount red for the eraser, and a small amount brown or black for the tip. Keep the remaining icing white for the ferrule (metal band).
  12. Fit piping bags with small round tips. Fill the bags with the colored icing.
  13. Outline the entire cookie shape with yellow icing. Let the outline dry for about 15 minutes.
  14. Flood the center of the cookie with the yellow icing, gently shaking the cookie to spread the icing evenly. Let this layer dry completely (several hours or overnight).
  15. Once the yellow is dry, pipe a thin band of white icing near the bottom for the ferrule. Let it set slightly.
  16. Pipe a small section of red icing above the white band for the eraser. Let it set.
  17. Pipe a small brown or black triangle at the bottom point for the pencil tip.
  18. For added detail, use a thin black food coloring marker to draw a small line or detail on the yellow body if desired.

Notes

  • For easy cleanup, use a silicone baking mat instead of parchment paper.
  • If your royal icing becomes too stiff while decorating, add water a few drops at a time until you reach the right consistency.
  • These decorated sugar cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyjade.com/pencil-sugar-cookies-teacher-appreciation-gifts/