Googly Eyeball Sugar Cookies (Print View)

Soft sugar cookies adorned with fun edible googly eyes, perfect for celebrations or a cheerful snack.

# Components:

→ 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 - Edible googly eyes (about 48 pieces)
12 - Food coloring (optional, gel or liquid)

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly blended. Set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes using a mixer.
03 - Add the large egg and pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a smooth dough forms without overworking.
05 - Split the dough into two portions, flatten into discs, wrap each in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for easier handling.
06 - Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough disc to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out 2-inch circles using a round cookie cutter.
08 - Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until pale golden at the edges.
09 - Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Whisk powdered sugar with 2 teaspoons milk and vanilla extract until a thick, spreadable consistency is achieved, adding more milk if needed. Color with food coloring if preferred.
11 - Spread or pipe icing onto cooled cookies. Immediately place edible googly eyes atop the icing before it begins to set.
12 - Allow icing to dry completely before serving or transferring cookies to an airtight container for storage.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses basic pantry ingredients just flour butter sugar and egg for the dough
  • Fun to decorate with kids and customizable for different occasions
  • Can be made in advance thanks to the sturdy dough and icing
  • The finished cookies are soft and tender with crisp edges
02 -
  • Vegetarian friendly and easy to adapt for kids
  • Cookies retain softness for several days
  • Can be made ahead and decorated later for stress free party prep
03 -
  • Let butter come to room temperature for the fluffiest cookie texture
  • Do not skip chilling the dough even if you are in a rush It preserves shape and bite
  • Work quickly when placing eyes so the icing grabs hold
  • If using homemade googly eyes make extra The drying process takes overnight and the extras always get used
  • Rolling dough evenly with a guide ensures every cookie bakes at the same rate

Return