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Easy Foolproof Graduation Cap Cookies Recipe for Perfect Celebration Treats

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These easy foolproof graduation cap cookies are simple to make, festive, and perfect for any graduation party. They feature a classic buttery sugar cookie base decorated with playful graduation cap designs using smooth, spreadable icing.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour – 2 ¾ cups (345 grams), sifted
  • Unsalted butter – 1 cup (226 grams), softened
  • Granulated sugar – 1 cup (200 grams)
  • Large egg – 1, room temperature
  • Pure vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
  • Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Salt – ½ teaspoon
  • Powdered sugar – 2 cups (240 grams), sifted
  • Milk – 3 to 4 tablespoons (45-60 ml)
  • Light corn syrup – 1 tablespoon (optional)
  • Vanilla extract – ½ teaspoon
  • Black gel food coloring
  • Yellow or gold gel food coloring

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough (15 minutes): In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 3 to 4 minutes.
  2. Add egg and vanilla (2 minutes): Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  3. Mix dry ingredients (2 minutes): In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Combine wet and dry (3 minutes): Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed or folding with a spatula until just combined.
  5. Chill the dough (at least 30 minutes): Shape the dough into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
  6. Preheat oven & prep pans (5 minutes): Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. Roll and cut (15 minutes): Roll dough to about ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use a 2-inch square cutter to cut out cap shapes. Place cookies about 1 inch apart on baking sheets.
  8. Bake (10-12 minutes): Bake until edges just start to turn golden.
  9. Cool completely (20 minutes): Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool before icing.
  10. Make the icing (5 minutes): Combine powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup (if using), and vanilla until smooth and spreadable. Divide into two bowls and tint one black and the other yellow or gold.
  11. Decorate the cookies (20-30 minutes): Spread black icing evenly over each cookie. Let set for 10 minutes. Use a toothpick or small piping bag to add tassel shapes with yellow icing.
  12. Let icing dry (at least 1 hour): Allow decorated cookies to dry fully at room temperature before stacking or packaging.

Notes

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and make rolling easier. Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors. Adjust icing consistency with powdered sugar or milk as needed. Decorate on a flat, cool surface to avoid sliding cookies.

Nutrition

Keywords: graduation cookies, sugar cookies, decorated cookies, easy cookie recipe, celebration treats, graduation party dessert

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