Graduation Cookies for College are the perfect way to celebrate this amazing milestone. The years of hard work, late nights studying, and everything in between deserve a sweet reward. Making Graduation Cookies for College is not only a fun way to personalize the celebration, but they also become lasting memories to reminisce about for years to come.
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Hello everyone! Ava Morgan here, and today I’m so excited to share a recipe that’s close to my heart: Graduation Cookies for College! These aren’t just any Decorated Cookies; they are edible tokens of achievement, perfect for honoring the graduate in your life. These cookies are a blank canvas for creativity, allowing you to incorporate school colors, logos, and inside jokes. Let’s get baking!
Why You Will Love This Graduation Cookies for College Recipe
These Graduation Cookies for College are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a delicious way to show your pride and love. They are surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. The best part? You can customize them to reflect the graduate’s personality and achievements.
I remember when my cousin graduated; I wanted to make something truly special. With this recipe, I not only made unique Decorated Cookies, but I also created a memorable experience. These cookies are perfect for parties, gifts, or simply as a sweet reward after all that hard work. They are truly a crowd pleaser and are always a popular treat. Plus, you will find the recipe to be incredibly simple to follow.
They also make wonderful gifts! Consider pairing these Graduation Cookies for College with Graduation Cake And Cupcakes for a truly memorable celebration.
Ingredients Needed for This Graduation Cookies for College Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Graduation Cookies for College:
For the Sugar Cookies:- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 6 tablespoons warm water
- Gel food coloring (in school colors or any desired shades)
How to Make This Graduation Cookies for College Recipe
Ready to get baking? Here’s how to create your own Graduation Cookies for College, step by step:
- 1. Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- 2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- 3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- 4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- 5. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This makes the dough easier to handle.
- 6. Roll Out the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- 7. Cut Out Cookies: Use graduation themed cookie cutters (caps, diplomas, stars) to cut out the cookies.
- 8. Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- 9. Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- 10. Make the Royal Icing: In a large bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add the warm water and mix on low speed until combined.
- 11. Adjust Consistency: Increase the speed to medium and beat for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the icing is stiff and glossy. Add more water, one teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach desired consistency.
- 12. Color the Icing: Divide the icing into separate bowls and add gel food coloring to achieve your desired shades.
- 13. Decorate the Cookies: Transfer the colored icing to piping bags fitted with small round tips. Outline and flood the cookies with icing, using a toothpick or scribe tool to smooth out the surface.
- 14. Add Details: Once the base icing is dry, add additional details like names, graduation years, or school logos using a finer tip or edible markers.
- 15. Let Icing Set: Allow the decorated cookies to dry completely, preferably overnight, before packaging or serving.
How to Serve This Graduation Cookies for College Recipe
These cookies are perfect for serving at graduation parties, giving as gifts, or simply enjoying as a celebratory treat. Arrange them on a platter for a visually appealing display, or package them individually in cellophane bags tied with ribbons. You could even incorporate them into a dessert table alongside a Graduation Cake One Degree Hotter!.
Consider setting up a cookie decorating station at your party. Provide different colors of icing, sprinkles, and edible decorations, and let your guests get creative!
How to Store This Graduation Cookies for College Recipe
Proper storage is key to keeping your Graduation Cookies for College fresh and delicious.
- Refrigeration: Decorated cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you live in a humid climate, you may want to refrigerate them to prevent the icing from becoming sticky.
- Freezing: Plain sugar cookies can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. Decorated cookies can also be frozen, but the icing may become slightly soft upon thawing.
- Reheating: Not needed! But make sure to let your frozen sugar cookies fully thaw before you eat them. Enjoy cold or room temperature.
Tips to Make This Graduation Cookies for College Recipe
- Ingredient Swaps: For gluten free cookies, substitute a gluten free flour blend. Dairy free butter alternatives work perfectly as well.
- Success Tips: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading in the oven.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overmixing the dough will result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Pro Tips for Best Results: Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without adding excess liquid to the icing.
Helpful Notes for This Graduation Cookies for College Recipe
- Ingredient Details: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for best results.
- Equipment Recommendations: A stand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar much easier, but a hand mixer works too.
Variation of This Graduation Cookies for College Recipe
- Seasonal Twists: For fall graduations, add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. For spring graduations, use pastel colored icing.
- Optional Versions: Consider adding a few drops of lemon or almond extract to the dough for a different flavor.
- Creative Modifications: Get creative with your decorating! Use edible glitter, fondant decorations, or even personalized messages. Consider making these alongside a Graduation Mini Cake Idea for an extra special touch.
What are some easy Graduation Cookies for College decorating ideas?
Consider using school colors, graduation year numbers, or even miniature diplomas as inspiration. Royal icing is your best friend for detailed work, and edible markers can add a personal touch.
How far in advance can I bake Graduation Cookies for College?
The cookies can be baked 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container. Decorated cookies are best if eaten within 2-3 days of decoration, once they are dry.
What kind of icing is best for decorating Graduation Cookies for College?
Royal icing is a popular choice because it dries smooth and hard, making it perfect for detailed designs. You can also use buttercream frosting, but it requires more care when handling to prevent smudging.
Can I freeze baked Graduation Cookies for College?
Yes, you can freeze baked cookies! Let them cool completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be thawed at room temperature before decorating.
Conclusion
Making Graduation Cookies for College is a fun and rewarding experience. These Customized Decorated Cookies are the perfect way to add a personal touch to any graduation celebration. I hope this recipe inspires you to create something special for your graduate. Happy baking, and congratulations to the class of 2024!
Graduation Cookies for College: Easy Decorated Cookie Guide
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Celebrate your graduate with these delicious and customizable Graduation Cookies for College! Perfect for parties and gifts, these treats let you personalize the celebration.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all purpose flourn1 teaspoon baking powdern1/2 teaspoon saltn1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softenedn1 1/2 cups granulated sugarn2 large eggsn1 teaspoon vanilla extractn4 cups powdered sugar, siftedn3 tablespoons meringue powdern6 tablespoons warm waternGel food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.nCream Butter and Sugar: Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.nAdd Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs, then stir in vanilla extract.nCombine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until combined.nChill the Dough: Divide dough, flatten, wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.nRoll Out the Dough: Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness.nCut Out Cookies: Use graduation themed cookie cutters to cut out cookies.nBake the Cookies: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until edges are golden.nCool Completely: Let cookies cool on baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.nMake the Royal Icing: Combine powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add warm water and mix on low speed.nAdjust Consistency: Beat on medium speed for 5 to 7 minutes, until stiff and glossy.nColor the Icing: Divide icing and add gel food coloring.nDecorate the Cookies: Transfer icing to piping bags and decorate cookies.nAdd Details: Add graduation years or school logos.nLet Icing Set: Allow decorated cookies to dry completely, preferably overnight.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
