Save 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 brings a touch of whimsy and fun to any gathering with its vibrant colors and delicious flavors.
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
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Make Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined.
- Add Dry to Wet:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape Cookies:
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness. Cut out mermaid tail shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Bake Cookies:
- Place cookies on prepared sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Frosting:
- For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
- Color Frosting:
- Divide frosting into 3–4 bowls. Tint each with a different gel food coloring.
- Decorate Cookies:
- Using piping bags with star or petal tips, pipe colored buttercream onto cooled cookies to create mermaid tails.
- Add Final Touches:
- Dust with edible shimmer and decorate with candy pearls or sprinkles as desired.
Save These treats always bring smiles to my family and friends, making every celebration extra special.
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
Per cookie: 210 calories, 10 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein.
Save Enjoy creating these enchanting mermaid tail sweets that delight both the eyes and the taste buds.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of flour is best for these cookies?
All-purpose flour is recommended to achieve a soft yet sturdy texture suitable for shaping the mermaid tails.
- → How do I achieve the shimmering effect on the frosting?
Use edible shimmer dust or glitter dusted lightly over the colored buttercream to create a sparkling, oceanic shine.
- → Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before rolling and cutting to maintain freshness and ease of handling.
- → What decorating tips work best for piping the tails?
Star or petal piping tips help create the textured, scale-like appearance on the mermaid tails.
- → Are there any common allergens in these sweets?
Yes, these contain wheat, eggs, dairy, and food coloring, so please check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.