Save Celebrate your graduate with these delightful sugar cookies, topped with a simple fondant mortarboard hat for a festive touch. Perfect for parties or gifting!
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These sugar cookies combine buttery sweetness with charming fondant mortarboards that add an elegant and fun flair to any graduation celebration. The fondant tassels bring a special pop of color, reminiscent of proud academic traditions.
Ingredients
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- For the Sugar Cookies
- 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract - For the Fondant Mortarboard
- 8 oz (225 g) black fondant
- 1 oz (30 g) yellow fondant (for tassels)
- Cornstarch (for dusting and rolling) - For Decorating
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- 3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- 4. Beat in the egg and vanilla until combined.
- 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until incorporated.
- 6. Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2 1/2-inch round or square shapes.
- 7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are just golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- 8. While cookies cool, roll black fondant to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out 24 small squares (about 1 1/4-inch each) for mortarboard tops. Roll 24 small cylinders (about 1/2-inch long) for mortarboard bases.
- 9. Roll yellow fondant into thin ropes and cut into 1-inch pieces for tassels. Shape as desired.
- 10. For icing, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- 11. Decorate each cooled cookie: Use icing to attach a fondant square in the center. Place a fondant cylinder under the square as the base. Use a dab of icing to attach a yellow tassel to one corner.
- 12. Let decorations set for 20–30 minutes before serving or packaging.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Color fondant as desired to match school colors for an extra personalized touch. Roll the fondant gently and dust with cornstarch to prevent sticking. For best results, let the cookies cool completely before decorating to avoid melting or sliding decorations.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
For a quicker version, use store-bought sugar cookie dough and pre-colored fondant. Substitute colors of fondant to represent different schools or party themes. To accommodate dietary needs, consider gluten-free flour, dairy-free butter, or egg replacers, while ensuring fondant is allergen-free.
Serviervorschläge
Arrange these graduation cookies on a bright platter or individual treat bags for party favors. They pair wonderfully with cold milk, coffee, or celebratory sparkling beverages, making them the perfect sweet honor for your graduate.
Save With this recipe, you’re all set to create charming and festive treats that celebrate achievement with style and sweetness. Whether for a party or a gift, these graduation cookies are sure to delight graduates and guests alike.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What flour type is best for these cookies?
All-purpose flour works well, providing a tender yet sturdy texture perfect for shaping.
- → How do I prevent fondant from sticking while rolling?
Dust your surface lightly with cornstarch and roll the fondant evenly to avoid sticking and tearing.
- → Can I prepare these cookies in advance?
Yes, cookies can be baked and decorated a day before and stored in an airtight container up to 5 days.
- → What is the best way to cut uniform cookie shapes?
Use round or square cookie cutters on a floured surface for consistent sizes and neat edges.
- → How do I make the fondant mortarboard decorations stay on cookies?
Attach fondant pieces using a thin icing made of powdered sugar and milk to hold decorations securely.
