Save Whimsical, colorful treats inspired by the ocean, these mermaid tail sweets combine soft sugar cookies with shimmering buttercream and candy pearls—a magical dessert perfect for parties or special occasions.
I remember creating these mermaid tail sweets for my daughter's birthday and watching her face light up when she saw the colorful treats.
Ingredients
- For the Sugar Cookies: 2 1/2 cups (320 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter softened, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- For the Buttercream Frosting: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, Gel food coloring (teal, purple, pink, blue)
- For Decoration: Edible shimmer dust or glitter, Candy pearls or sprinkles
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) Line two baking sheets with parchment paper
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a soft dough forms
- Step 5:
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness Cut out mermaid tail shapes using a cookie cutter
- Step 6:
- Place cookies on prepared sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden Cool completely on a wire rack
- Step 7:
- For the frosting, beat butter until creamy Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, beating until fluffy
- Step 8:
- Divide frosting into 3–4 bowls Tint each with a different gel food coloring
- Step 9:
- Using piping bags with star or petal tips, pipe colored buttercream onto cooled cookies to create mermaid tails
- Step 10:
- Dust with edible shimmer and decorate with candy pearls or sprinkles as desired
Save My family loves gathering around the kitchen to decorate these mermaid tail cookies together, making every bite full of joy and creativity
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, Electric mixer, Measuring cups and spoons, Rolling pin, Mermaid tail cookie cutter, Baking sheets, Parchment paper, Piping bags and decorative tips, Cooling rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter, milk) Contains food coloring check for sensitivities Always verify ingredient labels for potential allergens
Nutritional Information
Per cookie: Calories 210, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 28 g, Protein 2 g
Save These whimsical treats will bring magic and fun to any celebration just add your favorite colors and decorations
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What ingredients create the soft texture in these sugar cookies?
Using softened unsalted butter and precise flour measurements helps achieve a tender, soft cookie base.
- → How can I get vibrant colors in the buttercream?
Gel food coloring provides bright, concentrated colors without thinning the frosting consistency.
- → What is the best method for shaping the mermaid tails?
Roll dough evenly to about 1/4-inch thick and use a mermaid tail cookie cutter for clean, consistent shapes.
- → How should I decorate the cookies for a shimmering effect?
After piping colored buttercream, lightly dust edible shimmer dust and add candy pearls for a magical finish.
- → Can I prepare any parts in advance?
Cookie dough and buttercream frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking and decorating.