Painted Cookies

Prep: 240 min Cook: 8 min Cuisine: American

Colorful painted cookies with rich buttery flavor, perfect for decorating and sharing. Suitable for gatherings, holidays, or creative baking with family and friends.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. butter
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 c. milk
  • 2 tsp. vanilla
  • 4 c. all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp. baking soda

Instructions

  1. Mix the butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla until well combined.
  2. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and baking soda, mixing until a dough forms.
  3. Wrap the dough in wax paper and chill for 4 hours.
  4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  5. Roll out the chilled dough to desired thickness and cut into shapes.
  6. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your butter is softened at room temperature before mixing, as this will help create a smooth dough. You can substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk if preferred. For added flavor, consider mixing in a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest. If you want to color the cookies, use gel food coloring for vibrant hues.

Serving Suggestions

These painted cookies are perfect for decorating with royal icing or colored sprinkles. Serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie platters or as a fun dessert for kids' parties. For a unique combination, try pairing them with Weight Watcher'S Chocolate-Mint Parfaits.

Storage & Reheating

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Painted Cookies contains roughly 1180 calories, with 27g protein, 219g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (69% of the Daily Value), protein (54% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1223mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).

1180 kcal 59% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 27.2g 54% DV
Total Fat 4.6g 6% DV
Carbs 219.5g 80% DV
Fiber 9.1g 33% DV
Sugar 8.8g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1222.7mg 53% DV
Potassium 578.9mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 41.6mg 14% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 11.8mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 22mg 24% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 360.8mg 28% DV
Iron 12.4mg 69% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to decorate the cookies?

For decorating, royal icing works wonderfully and can be colored with food dyes. Alternatively, you can use melted chocolate or simple glaze. Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating to prevent the icing from melting.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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