Watermelon cookies

Delight your family and friends with these easy-to-make watermelon cookies! Enjoy delicious, homemade watermelon sugar cookies in fun shapes that are perfect for parties, picnics, or just a sweet treat at home. These vibrant cookies not only look great but also taste fantastic, making them a standout dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and Festive: These watermelon cookies bring a splash of color and joy to any gathering. Their unique shape makes them especially appealing to kids and adults alike.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these delightful cookies without fuss.
• Customizable Icing: The icing allows for creativity. You can adjust colors and designs, personalizing each cookie to fit your theme or preference.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 24 servings, these cookies are ideal for sharing at gatherings, bringing smiles all around.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of vanilla, butter, and watermelon jello creates a sweet treat that is both nostalgic and refreshing.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on your delightful watermelon cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand Mixer
• Rolling Pin
• Cookie Cutters
• Parchment Paper
• Baking Sheet
• Pastry Bags

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer: This tool ensures your dough is mixed evenly and thoroughly, creating the perfect texture for your cookies.
• Rolling Pin: A floured rolling pin helps roll out the dough to the right thickness without sticking.
• Cookie Cutters: Using specialized cookie cutters allows you to create fun shapes that enhance the appeal of your watermelon cookies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of Butter – softened
• 1 cup of Sugar
• 1 Egg
• 2 teaspoons of Vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups of Flour
• 1 teaspoon of Salt
• 3/4 cup of Warm Water
• 1/3 cup of Meringue Powder (I used Wilton)
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons of Karo Syrup
• 2 – 16 oz bags Powdered Sugar
• 1 box Watermelon Jello (small)
• Hot Pink Food Coloring Gel
• Lime Green Food Coloring Gel
• Dark Green Food Coloring Gel
• Black Food Coloring Gel

How to Make Watermelon cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer, add the butter, sugar, and egg. Blend with the whisk attachment until smooth and creamy.
2. Add vanilla and mix until blended.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt; mix well.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the mixing bowl until blended and smooth.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

1. Place a large piece of parchment paper on the kitchen counter; sprinkle with flour.
2. Divide cookie dough in half; roll one half to about 1/2 inch thickness using a floured rolling pin.

Step 3: Cut Out Cookies

1. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles from rolled dough.
2. Cut each circle in half to form two watermelon slices/cookies.
3. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Bake cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes or until edges turn golden brown.
3. Remove cookies from oven; cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Make the Icing

1. In a clean mixing bowl, combine warm water, meringue powder, and Karo syrup; blend until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar in increments while mixing on low speed until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Color the Icing

1. Divide icing into four bowls; color each accordingly:
2. One bowl with Watermelon Jello flavoring and Hot Pink food coloring gel.
3. Second bowl with Lime Green food coloring gel.
4. Third bowl with Dark Green food coloring gel.
5. Fourth bowl with Black food coloring gel.

Step 7: Pipe Icing onto Cookies

1. Fill four plastic pastry bags with colored icing; snip off bag ends for piping.
2. Pipe Lime Green icing along the rounded side of each cookie—one line outside and another next to pink filling.
3. Fill in spaces with watermelon-colored icing as desired.

Step 8: Final Touches

1. Dot small black icing dots around the rounded edge representing seeds.
2. Use a cookie scribe or toothpick to pull black icing down into seed shapes on each cookie.

Step 9: Let Set

Allow decorated cookies about one hour for icing to set completely before serving or storing.

Enjoy your homemade watermelon cookies!

How to Serve Watermelon cookies

Watermelon cookies are not just a treat; they can be a delightful centerpiece for various occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer picnic, or simply enjoying a family gathering, these fun cookies can add flair to your table.

Fun Summer Parties

• Poolside Treats: Serve watermelon cookies at your next pool party for a refreshing touch.
• Picnic Snacks: Pack these cookies in your picnic basket for an easy and enjoyable outdoor dessert.

Birthday Celebrations

• Themed Birthdays: Use watermelon cookies as part of a summertime themed birthday party. They can double as both decorations and treats!
• Party Favors: Wrap individual cookies in cellophane with a cute tag for guests to take home.

Family Gatherings

• Dessert Table Addition: Include watermelon cookies on your dessert table along with other sweet treats for variety.
• Cookie Decorating Station: Set up a station where guests can decorate their own watermelon cookies with icing and toppings for added fun.

How to Perfect Watermelon cookies

Perfecting your watermelon cookies can take them from good to extraordinary. Here are some tips to ensure you create the best version possible.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft to work with, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling.
• Don’t Over-Bake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. Remove them from the oven when they start to turn golden brown around the edges.
• Experiment with Icing Colors: Feel free to adjust the food coloring amounts to achieve the perfect shades that resemble real watermelon.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
• Let Icing Set Completely: Allow enough time for icing to harden before stacking or serving your cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Watermelon cookies

Pairing delicious side dishes with your watermelon cookies can enhance any meal or gathering. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits will complement the sweet taste of watermelon cookies beautifully.
2. Lemonade Slushies: Cool off with refreshing lemonade slushies that pair well, especially in warm weather.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside or atop vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses adds a savory contrast, balancing the sweetness of the cookies.
5. Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels dipped in chocolate offers a delightful flavor pairing.
6. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that complements the flavors of your dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making watermelon cookies, a few common pitfalls can hinder your results. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Incorrect Measurements: Using the wrong amount of ingredients can impact the texture and taste. Always measure carefully with proper tools.

• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Blend until just combined for a light, tender cookie.

• Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping this step can cause your cookies to spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.

• Ignoring Baking Time: Cookies that are left in the oven too long may burn. Keep an eye on them and check for a golden brown edge.

• Skipping Icing Preparation Steps: Rushing through icing can lead to uneven consistency and color. Follow each step carefully to achieve vibrant and even frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store watermelon cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Watermelon cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer before placing them in an airtight container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Watermelon cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Check to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different flavors of Jello for watermelon cookies?

Yes, you can experiment with other flavors! Just keep in mind that it may alter the color and taste slightly.

How do I achieve vibrant colors for my icing?

Using gel food coloring is recommended as it provides richer shades without adding extra liquid. Adjust amounts until you reach your desired color.

Can I make watermelon slice cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare both the cookie dough and icing ahead of time, then store them separately until ready to bake and decorate.

What if my icing is too runny?

If your icing is too thin, add more powdered sugar gradually until it reaches your desired consistency.

Are these watermelon cookies suitable for kids?

Yes! These fun-shaped cookies are perfect for kids’ parties or summer gatherings. Just supervise younger children when using piping bags!

Final Thoughts

Watermelon cookies are not only visually appealing but also incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize them with different flavors or colors, making them perfect for any occasion. Try this delightful recipe today, and enjoy sharing these sweet treats with family and friends!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Watermelon Cookies

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x

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Description

Delight your family and friends with these vibrant and fun watermelon cookies! Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or birthday parties, these easy-to-make sugar cookies are shaped like watermelon slices and decorated with colorful icing. With a refreshing blend of vanilla and watermelon flavors, they are not only visually appealing but also deliciously sweet. Each bite brings back nostalgic memories while adding a festive touch to any occasion. Customize the icing colors to match your theme or event, making these cookies a creative treat everyone will love. Get ready to impress your guests with a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups flour
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 box (3 oz) watermelon jello
• Food coloring gels (hot pink, lime green, dark green, black)

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Instructions

1. In a stand mixer bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla; mix well.
2. Combine flour and salt in another bowl, then gradually add to the mixer until smooth.
3. Roll out dough on floured parchment paper to about ½ inch thick; cut into circles and then halve them for watermelon shapes.
4. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown; cool on wire racks.
5. Prepare icing by mixing warm water, meringue powder, and Karo syrup; gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until smooth.
6. Divide icing into bowls for coloring; pipe onto cooled cookies as desired.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 125
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg