Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp butterscotch extract (for authentic Butterbeer flavor)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp butterscotch extract
- Yellow and white food coloring gel (for a golden Butterbeer look)
For Decorations (Optional):
- Edible gold dust or sprinkles
- Small fondant lightning bolts or wands
Instructions
1. Making the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and butterscotch extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. Baking the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut into circles or Harry Potter-themed shapes.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
3. Preparing the Frosting
- Beat softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla and butterscotch extracts.
- Add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Divide frosting into two bowls—tint one with yellow food coloring for a gradient effect.
4. Decorating the Cookies
- Spread or pipe the frosting onto cooled cookies, blending the yellow and white for a magical Butterbeer-inspired look.
- Dust with edible gold glitter or sprinkles.
- Add fondant lightning bolts or small edible wands for a fun Harry Potter theme.
Notes
- For a stronger Butterbeer flavor, increase the butterscotch extract slightly.
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing tip: Store unfrosted cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Fantasy-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian