As summer winds down and the school bells start ringing, it’s time to think about those delightful classroom treats that bring smiles to both kids and teachers alike! I’m excited to share my recipe for Back to School Cookies, a fun and delicious way to celebrate the new school year. These 4-inch vanilla bean cookies, adorned with sweet vanilla royal icing, are perfect for gifting to New Teachers or as School Teacher Gifts. Let’s dive into this easy and enjoyable baking adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple and quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
Delicious vanilla bean flavor that everyone will adore.
Beautifully decorated with royal icing, making them a feast for the eyes!
Great for classroom treats, birthday parties, or just because!
Packaged in a Clear Box or cello bag, they make wonderful gifts.

Ingredients

To create these delightful Back to School Cookies, you’ll need just a couple of key ingredients:

Vanilla Bean – for that rich, aromatic flavor.
Vanilla Royal Icing – to beautifully decorate your cookies.

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s get started on these scrumptious cookies! Follow these simple steps:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine your vanilla bean with the cookie dough ingredients until well blended.
Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut out 4-inch circles.
Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Once cooled, decorate with your Royal Icing to create fun designs!
Each cookie will come heat sealed and packaged in a Clear Box or cello bag with a tag and/or bow for that extra special touch.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly:

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Don’t skip the cooling step; it helps the icing set properly.
Experiment with different designs using the Sugar Cookies Decorated technique!
Use a piping bag for more intricate icing designs.
Consider adding sprinkles or edible glitter for a fun touch!

How to Serve

These Back to School Cookies are not just tasty; they’re also visually appealing! Here are some serving suggestions:

Serve them on a colorful platter at a back-to-school party.
Gift them in a Clear Box to your child’s teacher as a thoughtful Teacher Gift.
Include them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a delightful afternoon snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

If you’re planning ahead, these cookies can be made in advance! Here’s how to store them:

Once decorated, allow the royal icing to dry completely before packaging.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
If you want to keep them longer, freeze the undecorated cookies for up to three months. Just thaw and decorate when you’re ready!

These Back to School Cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a wonderful way to show appreciation for New Teachers and make the start of the school year a little sweeter. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bake some love into these cookies! Happy baking!