A Fun Summertime Cookie
When it comes to decorating sugar cookies, I’d usually rather not. I did it a few weekends ago for my sister’s bridal shower (maybe you caught a peek in my Instagram stories?)and, while I have a super simple royal icing recipe that makes things easier, I’m just not a great decorator and usually don’t want the trouble. Give me something easy and fuss-free, no cookie cutter required! With all that being said, sometimes you just really, really want a cookie that’s not only delicious, but also cute. When I set out to make these summertime watermelon sugar cookies, I did so with every intention of making them as easy and uncomplicated as possible. I won’t lie to you, they’re a bit more work than my drop sugar cookies, but I think the balance is definitely there and the work is worth it! You only need to make one dough, the chilling time is minimal, and there are no cookie cutters needed.
What You Need for Watermelon Sugar Cookies
Butter. Unsalted butter is preferred here, then we’ll add salt to best control the flavor. While your butter should be softened, it shouldn’t be so soft that it’s greasy or melty. Butter that’s too soft will make for a dough that’s unmanageable and cookies that flatten and spread too much in the oven.Sugar. We’re using granulated sugar only today.Egg. A single large egg is needed for today’s recipe.Vanilla extract. I’ve been wanting to experiment with watermelon flavoring, but these cookies still taste great with a classic vanilla flavor! If you haven’t already, make sure to check out my tutorial on how to make vanilla extract!All-purpose flour. I have only tested this recipe with all-purpose flour and do not recommend using any other type (particularly not self-rising flour).Baking powder. A little bit of baking powder helps the cookies to spread just enough and helps to make them slightly crisp. Food coloring. I highly, highly recommend using gel food coloring if you can get your hands on it. A little goes a long way and it colors the dough beautifully. Pink or red food coloring will work for the pink part of the watermelon (and I use red food coloring), but if you use red make sure to not go overboard and accidentally turn the dough red (though you’d need to use quite a bit!).Chocolate chips. These act as the watermelon “seeds”. I think they add the perfect finishing touch/detail, but you can leave these out for a “seedless watermelon” look. Alternatively you can use chocolate sprinkles!
This is just an overview of the ingredients that I use and why I use them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!
How to Make Watermelon Sugar Cookies
SAM’S TIP: If the dough becomes too soft or sticky to manage at any point in the process, simply return it to the refrigerator to chill completely.
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Enjoy! If you make this recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think!
