Short description
Modern, mountain‑themed sugar cookies, perfect for a baby shower. Clean lines, muted shades of blue and gray, and simple yet elegant designs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Thematic perfection: These cookies reflect a serene mountain vibe, ideal for a woodland or outdoor-inspired baby shower.
Customizable design: Easily tailored with different cutters, colors, and details to suit any party aesthetic.
Visual appeal: Even with beginner-level decorating skills, the result looks polished and professional.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sugar cookie dough (using your favorite sugar cookie recipe)
Royal icing (thick for outlining, thin for flooding)
Gel food coloring (navy blue, soft blue, ash gray, black)
Rounded square cookie cutters
Piping bags and tips (PME #1.5 for outlining, #2 for flooding)

directions

Roll out and cut the sugar cookie dough into rounded square shapes.
Bake according to your recipe and let the cookies cool completely.
Prepare royal icing in two consistencies for each color: one for outlining, one for flooding.
Outline each cookie with the thick icing and immediately flood the center with the thin icing.
Let the base layer dry completely before adding any decorative elements on top.
Allow cookies to dry uncovered for 8 hours or overnight before handling or packaging.

Servings and timing

Yield: Approximately 12–24 cookies per batch, depending on cutter size.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 8–10 minutes per batch
Decorating time: 1–2 hours (plus drying time)
Total time: 10–12 hours including drying

Variations

Colors: Use any combination of pastels or neutrals to match your shower theme.
Shapes: Substitute with mountain peaks, onesies, trees, or hearts.
Techniques: Add stenciled stars, marbling effects, or splatter designs for extra visual interest.
Finishing touches: Dust with edible shimmer or add tiny fondant embellishments for detail.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze cookies in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw completely before opening.
Reheating: These cookies are served at room temperature—no reheating necessary.

FAQs

What icing consistency should I use for decorating?

Use thick icing for outlines and thin icing for flooding. Adjust with water as needed.

How can I keep icing colors from bleeding?

Let each icing layer dry completely before adding additional colors or designs.

Can I decorate with buttercream instead?

Buttercream is softer and does not harden like royal icing, making it less ideal for detailed or layered designs.

How long do the cookies need to dry?

Allow at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, to ensure the icing is fully set and firm.

What’s the best way to store them?

Use an airtight container and separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking or damage.

Can I freeze decorated cookies?

Yes. Freeze fully dried cookies in airtight containers. Thaw at room temperature in the container before opening.

What piping tip sizes work best?

A #1.5 tip is great for outlines, while a #2 tip works well for flooding large areas.

Why is my icing cracking after drying?

This may be due to over-thinned icing or applying too thick a layer. Use proper consistency and dry thoroughly.

How far in advance can I make them?

You can make and decorate these cookies up to a week in advance if stored properly in an airtight container.

How do I safely transport them?

Pack cookies in a snug container with parchment or padding between layers to avoid breakage in transit.

Conclusion

Mountain baby shower cookies combine simplicity and sophistication, making them an ideal treat for nature-themed or rustic celebrations. Their customizable design allows for creative expression, while basic decorating techniques make them accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Serve them as party favors, dessert table centerpieces, or thoughtful gifts that reflect care and celebration.