Mermaid Tail Under Sea

Whimsical, colorful treats inspired by the ocean, these mermaid tail sweets combine soft sugar cookies with shimmering buttercream and candy pearls &mdash a magical dessert perfect for parties or special occasions.

I first served these mermaid tail cookies at a summer party and they were an instant hit with both kids and adults alike.

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.

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My family gathers every summer to make these cookies together, making sweet memories with each batch.

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

Calories: 210 per cookie. Total Fat: 10 g. Carbohydrates: 28 g. Protein: 2 g.

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These mermaid tail sweets add a magical touch to any celebration and are sure to delight your guests.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of flour works best for the sugar cookies?

All-purpose flour is recommended to achieve a tender yet sturdy cookie base that holds the intricate mermaid tail shapes well.

→ How can I get buttercream frosting to shimmer like the sweets shown?

Incorporate edible shimmer dust or glitter after piping the tinted buttercream to create a sparkling, underwater effect.

→ Can I prepare the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be chilled and stored before rolling out and cutting, which helps with cleaner shapes and easier handling.

→ What tips are ideal for piping the mermaid tail designs?

Star or petal piping tips work best to create textured, dimensional scales and tail details with the colored buttercream.

→ Are there any suggested flavor variations for the frosting?

Adding a drop of coconut extract to the buttercream adds a tropical flair that complements the ocean-inspired theme.

→ How should I store these decorated sweets to maintain freshness?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer storage while allowing them to reach room temperature before serving.