Pin 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.
This recipe has become a favorite for celebrations, bringing a magical ocean theme to every gathering.
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.
Pin These treats bring joy to family celebrations, making every party feel special and memorable.
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 (butter, milk). Contains food coloring check for sensitivities. Always verify ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 210 Total Fat 10 g Carbohydrates 28 g Protein 2 g per cookie
Pin Enjoy these enchanting mermaid tail sweets as a standout treat that delights both kids and adults alike.
Recipe FAQ
- → What ingredients give the sugar cookies their soft texture?
The combination of unsalted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract creates a tender dough that bakes into soft sugar cookies with a delicate crumb.
- → How do I achieve the shimmering effect on the cookies?
Dust the decorated buttercream with edible shimmer dust or glitter after piping for a sparkling, oceanic finish.
- → Can I customize the buttercream colors?
Yes, gel food coloring in teal, purple, pink, and blue hues are used to create vibrant, multicolored frosting ideal for the mermaid tail design.
- → What tools are essential for shaping and decorating?
A mermaid tail cookie cutter shapes the dough precisely, while piping bags fitted with star or petal tips help create the detailed frosting tails.
- → Is there a shortcut for preparation?
For convenience, ready-made sugar cookie dough and store-bought buttercream can be used without losing the whimsical effect.