Pastel Tea Cookies

These glazed sugar cookies are perfect for nibbling between sips at a shower, tea party or graduation celebration.

—LORI HENRY ELKHART, IN



PREP: 1 HOUR + CHILLING • BAKE: 10 MIN./BATCH + STANDING • MAKES: 4 DOZEN


1 cup butter, softened

2/3 cup sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar

2 teaspoons meringue powder

5 teaspoons water

Pastel food coloring

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate 1-2 hours until dough is easy to handle.

2. Preheat oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with floured 2 1/2-in. butterfly or flower cookie cutters. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.

3. Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove cookies to wire racks to cool.

4. For glaze, in a small bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar and meringue powder; stir in water until smooth. Divide among small bowls; tint pastel colors. Spread over cookies; let stand until set.