Last Updated on December 19, 2024 by Kimberly Stroh
Mermaid cookies are a fun and colorful treat, perfect for ocean or beach-themed parties. The cookies are not only adorable but also deliciously sweet, with a soft, buttery texture that complements the playful design. They’re a delightful way to bring a touch of the ocean to your dessert table! I have to say, my favorite mermaid has always been Ariel from Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid‘ and that will never change. This Mermaid Cookies recipe is perfect for a themed party favor.
Why It’s A Great Recipe For A Party
They certainly impress guests, but they aren’t hard to assemble. The recipe makes 24 – 36 cookies, so you’ll have plenty for a party. You just need a little patience, a steady hand, and this mermaid cookie cutter from Amazon. I’d let the kids help you in the kitchen, for the portions that are easier. They’d love to help mix in the food coloring and cut the cookies. If you’re looking for another mermaid-themed recipe to accompany the cookies, consider making this Mermaid Munch Snack Mix.
Baking Tools You’ll Need For This Recipe
This Mermaid Cookies recipe does take a bit of skill. Of course, you’ll need the mermaid cookie cutter, but you’ll also need piping bags and squeeze bottles. These will help you keep control of the royal icing when you’re decorating the cookies. If you want to use store-bought cookie icing instead of the recipe, that will save some hassle.
Recipe Variations
Do you need other mermaid cookie colors? You can always substitute the food gel coloring. I’ve made some that are pink and lavender too. You can be as creative as you want with these and make them your own. If you’re looking for a fun idea for a mermaid-themed party, these mermaid cookies are your answer!
Tips for Assembling Your Mermaid Cookies
- Wait until your cookie is entirely cooled before you begin icing. I like to set the cookies on a baking rack to cool for at least thirty minutes.
- To start decorating your cookies, outline the edges of the cookies.
- You can use the different shades of each color for details – see the full recipe below to do that.
- Squeeze bottles will help you fill in the remaining portion of the cookie.
- Make sure to let the cookies dry completely before displaying them on a plate.
- To make them a party favor, use clear cellophane gift bags and tie them with a bow.
Mermaid Cookies Ingredients:
- Butter: I prefer unsalted
- Powdered Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- All-Purpose Flour
- Cream of Tartar
- Baking Soda
- Royal Icing Ingredients: Egg whites, Powdered Sugar, Cream of Tartar, Vanilla Extract
- Food Coloring: Mint Green, Leaf Green & Purple
How To Keep Your Mermaid Cookies Fresh
For the best freshness, store your cookies in an airtight food storage container. Enjoy the cookies within 2-3 days of baking. The cookies can also be frozen, for up to three months. I recommend storing the cookies in the back of the freezer where temperatures are more stable. Let the cookies thaw to room temperature, on the countertop, for several hours before enjoying them again.
Sugar Mermaid Cookies
Mermaid cookies are a whimsical and delightful treat that are perfect for any ocean-themed party or celebration. They bring a touch of magic and fun to the dessert table. Their colorful appearance and playful design are sure to be a hit with guests, adding both charm and sweetness to the occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter, softened
- 1 1/2 Cup Powder Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Egg
- 3 Cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Teaspoon Cream of Tarter
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
For The Royal Icing:
- 3 Egg Whites
- 1 1/2 -2 Cup Powder Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Cream of Tarter
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Mint Green Gel Food Coloring
- Leaf Green Gel Food Coloring
- Purple Gel Food Coloring
Tool You'll Need:
- 4 Disposable Piping Bags (fitted with a number 2 tip)
- 4 Squeeze Bottles
- 1 Mermaid Tail Cookie Cutter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF. In a standing mixer, combine butter, powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla and mix on medium speed until combined and fluffy.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and cream of tarter.
Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture and mix on low speed until combined. - Once all the flour has been combined with the wet ingredients, sprinkle some flour onto a cutting board and knead with your hands till everything is combined.
- Sprinkle flour onto the cutting board and roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thick. Use the cookie cutters and cut your tails.
- Bake in the oven for 7-9 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden brown. Place onto a wire rack to cool.
- FOR THE ICING: Using the standing mixer, combine the egg whites, cream of tartar, powdered sugar, and vanilla, and mix on medium speed until stiff peaks form.
- Split the icing into 4 bowls.
- In one bowl, add a few drops of the mint green gel coloring to get a light shade of green.
- In the second bowl, add a few drops of the leaf green gel food coloring to get a semi-dark shade of green.
- In the third bowl, add a few drops of the purple to get a light shade of purple.
- In the fourth bowl, add a few drops of the purple to get a dark shade of purple.
- Scoop some icing into the piping bags and set aside.
- Add about 2-3 tbsp of cold water to the bowl and mix until combined. This will thin out the icing so that it will be easier to flat-ice the cookies. Pour thinned icing into the squeeze bottles and set aside.
- DECORATING DIRECTIONS: Using the light purple piping bag, outline the body of the tail.
- Using dark purple, outline the fins. Repeat the steps with the remaining colors. Using the matching color squeeze bottles, fill in the outlines.
Using the dark purple, pipe three dots on the body using the light purple. Repeat steps with green colors. Let dry completely for 4 hours.
Notes
- For the best freshness, enjoy the cookies within 2-3 days of baking. Stor the cookies in an airtight food storage container.
- Freeze for up to three months and let them thaw on the countertop for several hours before enjoying again.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 283Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 128mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 0gSugar: 38gProtein: 2g
**Nutrition is calculated by a third party. Actual values may vary.