Angel Wings Sugar Cookies

Featured in: Sweet Orchard-Inspired Treats

These angel wings sugar cookies feature a tender, buttery dough infused with vanilla and almond extracts for subtle depth. After chilling, the dough is rolled thin and cut into elegant wing shapes before baking to golden perfection. The cookies are topped with smooth vanilla icing and optional edible glitter or sprinkles for a festive touch. Their crisp edges and soft centers create a delightful treat ideal for celebrations or gifting.

Easy to prepare with basic kitchen tools, these cookies can be enhanced by adding citrus zest for a bright twist. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week and pair wonderfully with cold milk or hot tea.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:44:00 GMT
A plate of golden Angel Wings sugar cookies, delicately iced and sprinkled for gifting. Save to Pinterest
A plate of golden Angel Wings sugar cookies, delicately iced and sprinkled for gifting. | orchardbowl.com

A whimsical assortment of delicate, buttery sugar cookies shaped like angel wings, perfect for festive occasions or gifting.

This recipe has become a holiday favorite in my family, bringing everyone together around the cookie jar.

Ingredients

  • For the Sugar Cookie Dough: 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • For Decoration: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar 2 3 tablespoons milk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Edible glitter sprinkles or colored sanding sugar (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour baking powder and salt. Set aside.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy about 2 3 minutes.
Step 3:
Add the egg vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). Beat until combined.
Step 4:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients mixing just until the dough comes together.
Step 5:
Divide the dough into two discs wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
Step 6:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 7:
On a lightly floured surface roll out one dough disc to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness.
Step 8:
Use an angel wing-shaped cookie cutter (or regular wing-shaped cutter) to cut out cookies. Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared sheets.
Step 9:
Bake for 9 11 minutes or until edges are just turning golden. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 10:
For the icing whisk together powdered sugar milk and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable.
Step 11:
Once cookies are completely cool decorate with icing and sprinkle with edible glitter or sanding sugar as desired. Let icing set before serving or packaging.
Close-up of baked Angel Wings sugar cookies, showing light, buttery texture and festive presentation. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of baked Angel Wings sugar cookies, showing light, buttery texture and festive presentation. | orchardbowl.com

Enjoying these cookies with my family during the holidays always creates cherished memories filled with laughter and warmth.

Required Tools

Electric mixer Mixing bowls Measuring cups and spoons Rolling pin Angel wing cookie cutter Baking sheet Parchment paper Wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten) eggs milk (dairy) tree nuts (if using almond extract) Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies.

Nutritional Information

Calories 120 Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrates 16 g Protein 1 g per cookie

Freshly-baked batch of Angel Wings sugar cookies, ready to be decorated with icing and bright sprinkles. Save to Pinterest
Freshly-baked batch of Angel Wings sugar cookies, ready to be decorated with icing and bright sprinkles. | orchardbowl.com

These angel wings sugar cookies not only taste delightful but also add a touch of magic to your festive table.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I get crispier angel wing cookies?

Bake the cookies an additional 1–2 minutes beyond the suggested time to achieve a crisper texture without burning.

Can I add flavor variations to the dough?

Yes, adding lemon or orange zest enhances the dough with a fresh citrus aroma and bright flavor.

What is the best way to roll out the dough?

Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness for even baking and well-defined shapes.

How should I store the decorated cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.

Are there any common allergens in these cookies?

They contain wheat (gluten), eggs, dairy, and optionally tree nuts from almond extract. Check ingredients if allergies are a concern.

Angel Wings Sugar Cookies

Whimsical, buttery sugar cookies shaped like angel wings, ideal for festive gatherings or gifting.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Time to Cook
10 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Created by Sophie Alden


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Origin American

Makes 24 Number of Servings

Dietary Details Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Sugar Cookie Dough

01 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 1 cup granulated sugar
06 1 large egg
07 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Decoration

01 1 cup powdered sugar
02 2–3 tablespoons milk
03 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 Edible glitter, sprinkles, or colored sanding sugar (optional)

How To Make It

Step 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 02

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 03

Incorporate Egg and Extracts: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Beat until fully combined.

Step 04

Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together.

Step 05

Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 06

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 07

Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc to approximately 1/4 inch thickness.

Step 08

Cut Shapes: Use an angel wing-shaped cookie cutter to cut cookies. Arrange them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 09

Bake Cookies: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until edges are just golden. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

Prepare Icing: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable.

Step 11

Decorate and Set: Once fully cooled, ice the cookies and garnish with edible glitter or sanding sugar as desired. Allow icing to set before serving or storing.

Equipment Needed

  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rolling pin
  • Angel wing cookie cutter
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Allergy Warnings

Review all components for possible allergens and seek medical guidance if needed.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, dairy, and possibly tree nuts if almond extract is used.

Nutrition Info (for each serving)

Details here are for your reference and aren't a substitute for professional advice.
  • Total Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 16 grams
  • Proteins: 1 grams