Perfect Decorated Cap and Diploma Sugar Cookies Easy Graduation Treats
These decorated cap and diploma sugar cookies are a festive and easy treat perfect for graduation parties. They feature a soft, buttery cookie paired with smooth royal icing that hardens just right for detailed decoration.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (dairy or almond milk)
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 5–6 tablespoons water
- Food coloring gels (black, white, optional accent colors like gold or school colors)
- Edible gold dust or glitter (optional)
- Fine-tipped piping bags or squeeze bottles
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: beat softened butter with granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add egg, vanilla, and milk: beat in egg, vanilla extract, and milk until fully combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: gradually add flour mixture, mixing on low speed just until incorporated; avoid overmixing.
- Chill dough: wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch (6mm) thickness; keep dough cool.
- Cut shapes using graduation cap and diploma cookie cutters; transfer to baking sheets spaced 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges just start to turn golden; watch closely to avoid overbaking.
- Cool cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare royal icing: combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water; beat on high until stiff peaks form (about 5 minutes); adjust water for consistency.
- Color and decorate: divide icing into bowls, tint with gel food coloring; pipe details using fine tips; let dry 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Notes
Chill dough before rolling to prevent spreading and keep shapes crisp. Let royal icing dry fully (preferably overnight) to avoid smudging. Use a toothpick to fix icing lines if needed. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend; for dairy-free, use plant-based margarine and non-dairy milk. Meringue powder can be replaced with pasteurized egg whites but is easier and safer for beginners.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (about 3 in
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4.5
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 2
Keywords: graduation cookies, sugar cookies, decorated cookies, royal icing, graduation treats, easy cookies, party cookies