Googly Eyeball Sugar Cookies (Print Version)

Create playful, cute sugar cookies decorated with edible googly eyes—ideal for festive gatherings and party treats.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

→ Decoration

08 - 1 cup powdered sugar
09 - 2 to 3 teaspoons milk
10 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 48 edible googly eyes
12 - Food coloring, gel or liquid (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until fully blended. Set aside.
02 - Beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar in a large bowl using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, until pale and fluffy.
03 - Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, beating until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until a dough forms.
05 - Divide the dough evenly into two portions. Flatten each into a disc, wrap securely in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
06 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a lightly floured work surface, roll out one disc of dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut circles.
08 - Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are just turning golden.
09 - Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with 2 teaspoons of milk and vanilla until smooth and thick but spreadable. If needed, add extra milk a drop at a time to reach desired consistency. Tint with food coloring as preferred.
11 - Spread or pipe icing onto the cooled cookies. Immediately place edible googly eyes onto icing before it sets.
12 - Allow decorated cookies to sit until icing is fully set before storing or serving.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
  • Fun activity for kids to help decorate
  • Customizable colors for any holiday or birthday party
  • Soft, perfectly balanced cookie base with just the right amount of sweetness
02 -
  • Great for make-ahead treats
  • Adaptable for allergies with ingredient swaps
  • Ideal for bringing laughter to any gathering
03 -
  • Always let the butter reach room temperature for easy creaming: it makes cookies extra fluffy
  • Sift powdered sugar for perfectly smooth icing without grains
  • Place eyes gently but firmly into wet icing so they do not slide off as they set and dry completely before packing or gifting

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