Popsicle Sugar Cookies are a fun, flavorful summer treat. Soft homemade sugar cookies cut into popsicle shapes and finished with royal icing make a cheerful dessert everyone will enjoy.
These popsicle-shaped sugar cookies are as cute as they are tasty. They’re perfect for pool parties, kids’ birthdays, summer barbecues, or any casual gathering. The soft sugar cookie base paired with bright royal icing and sprinkles creates a crowd-pleasing treat.
What are Popsicle Sugar Cookies?
Popsicle sugar cookies are classic sugar cookies cut into popsicle shapes and decorated with royal icing. They’re easy to make using everyday pantry ingredients and can be customized with colors, patterns, and sprinkles to match any summer theme. The dough benefits from a short chill in the fridge, which helps the cookies hold their shape and improves texture and flavor.
Why try these summertime cookies?
These popsicle sugar cookies are a great choice for many reasons:
- Simple ingredients. The recipe uses common pantry staples, so you can make them without a special shopping trip.
- Cute and unique. The popsicle shape and colorful royal icing make them stand out at any dessert table.
- Family-friendly activity. Decorating is a fun project for kids and adults alike—get everyone involved when it’s time to ice and sprinkle.
Popsicle Cookie Ingredients
Sugar Cookie
Butter: 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, softened for a rich texture.
Sugar: 1 1/4 cups white granulated sugar for balanced sweetness.
Eggs: 2 eggs to bind and add structure.
Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons to enhance flavor.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon to balance sweetness.
Flour: 4 cups all-purpose flour, divided, for the dough.
Icing
Powdered sugar: About 6 cups, adjusted to achieve your desired consistency for royal icing.
Water: 1/4 cup to thin the icing to the right texture.
Corn syrup: 3 tablespoons light corn syrup for shine and stability.
Food coloring: Red, blue, and tan (plus leave some white) to create colorful popsicle designs.
Sprinkles: Your favorite colorful sprinkles for finishing touches.
Equipment
Cookie cutter: A popsicle-shaped cookie cutter makes shaping quick and consistent.
How to make Popsicle Sugar Cookies
Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla, and salt and mix until combined. Gradually add 3 1/2 cups of the flour and stir until there are no white streaks; avoid overmixing. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly flour a clean countertop and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a popsicle cookie cutter to cut shapes, re-rolling scraps as needed. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Remove and allow to cool completely before icing.
Red, White and Blue Royal Icing
Whisk the powdered sugar, corn syrup, and water in a large bowl until smooth. Divide the icing into four portions and tint one portion blue, one red, one tan, and leave one white. Transfer each color to a small piping bag (or zip-top bag) and snip a tiny corner for piping.
Pipe an outline around each cookie and the interior design lines. Let the outlines set for 5–10 minutes, then flood the cookie with more icing, using a toothpick to spread if needed. Add sprinkles immediately if desired. Allow cookies to set for about one hour before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Popsicle Cookies
A few suggestions to help you get the best results:
- Use clear extracts if you want a bright white icing; colored or dark extracts can tint the icing.
- Gel food coloring gives vivid colors without thinning the icing.
- Experiment with cookie flavorings like lemon, almond, or other extracts to customize the base cookie.
Do I have to chill the cookie dough?
Chilling the dough improves flavor and texture and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. Chilled fat in the dough prevents excessive spreading, which is especially helpful on warm days or when butter is very soft.
Can I freeze frosted cookies?
Yes, you can freeze undecorated baked cookies for later. It’s best to freeze them plain and add the frosting after they thaw to avoid damaging the icing or dealing with condensation. If you freeze frosted cookies, use layers of parchment to prevent sticking and accept that icing may change texture when thawed.
How long are these frosted cookies good for?
Store iced cookies in an airtight container for 3–5 days. Refrigeration helps keep them soft and chewy, though bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
These cookies are perfect for family get-togethers and sporting events, providing a cheerful snack that kids and adults will both enjoy. Decorating together can become a favorite summer tradition.
More cookie inspiration
- Try different cookie recipes and decorations to expand your summer dessert lineup.
- Mix and match flavors and icing colors to create themed cookie trays for parties and events.
Popsicle Sugar Cookies are a delightful, festive, and easy-to-make summer treat. With simple ingredients and bright royal icing, these cookies are as fun to decorate as they are to eat.
