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Fall Leaf Sugar Cookies

Fall Leaf Sugar Cookies

These Fall Leaf Sugar Cookies are buttery, soft, and perfectly shaped for decorating. With a simple sugar cookie base and beautiful marbled royal icing, they make a show-stopping treat for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving platters, or seasonal gift boxes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 24
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 170
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup 225 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup 200 g granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 3 ½ cups 420 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Gel food coloring in orange red, and yellow
  • Royal icing prepared for decorating

Method
 

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
  4. Chill the Dough: Divide dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use leaf-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies.
  7. Bake: Transfer cookies to baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just starting to turn golden.
  8. Cool Completely: Let cookies rest for 5 minutes on the pan, then move to a wire rack to cool fully before decorating.