Save to Pinterest 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.
I enjoy making these vibrant sweets for family gatherings as they always bring smiles and compliments.
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 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.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla mixing until combined.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll and Cut:
- 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:
- Place cookies on prepared sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare 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 Touch:
- Dust with edible shimmer and decorate with candy pearls or sprinkles as desired.
Save to Pinterest These sweets have become a staple at our family parties bringing joy and color to every occasion.
Notes
For a shortcut use ready-made sugar cookie dough and store-bought frosting. Add a drop of coconut extract to the frosting for a tropical twist. Serve with blue raspberry punch for a festive party treat.
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
Nutritional Information
Calories 210 Total Fat 10 g Carbohydrates 28 g Protein 2 g per cookie
Save to Pinterest These mermaid tail sweets add a magical touch to any party and are sure to impress your guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients create the soft cookie base?
A blend of all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract forms the soft sugar cookie dough.
- → How is the colorful buttercream frosting made?
Unsalted butter is beaten creamy, then powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla are added. Gel food coloring creates vibrant shades like teal, purple, pink, and blue.
- → What tools help shape the mermaid tails?
A mermaid tail cookie cutter is used to cut the dough into detailed shapes before baking on parchment-lined sheets.
- → How are the decorative effects achieved?
Piping bags with star or petal tips apply multicolored buttercream, and candy pearls along with edible shimmer dust provide a sparkling finish.
- → Can these sweets be prepared faster?
Using ready-made sugar cookie dough and store-bought frosting offers a convenient shortcut without sacrificing the colorful presentation.