Sparkling Society Sugar Cookies
January 23, 2026
Bridgerton-inspired iced sugar cookies with flavored sparkly sugar!
These Bridgerton-inspired sugar cookies feel like something you’d spot on a dessert tray at a society gathering. They’re thick, soft, and topped with a light vanilla icing and finished with sparkling McCormick Bridgerton Finishing Sugars. Each sugar gives the cookies its own personality, from bright lemon to sweet strawberries and cream to soft lavender vanilla. They’re easy to make, pretty enough for a tea party, and just fun enough for a fun night of watching Bridgerton with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Thick, soft sugar cookies with a bakery-style texture.
- Simple vanilla icing that sets smoothly without being heavy.
- Uses McCormick Bridgerton Finishing Sugars for real flavor and sparkle.
- Perfect for a Bridgerton watch night or season premiere party.
- Easy to make ahead and decorate right before serving.
- Elegant enough for a themed gathering but simple enough for casual baking.
Ingredient Notes
- Butter: Use salted butter for balance. If you only have unsalted, add an extra pinch of salt to the dough.
- Granulated sugar: Keeps the cookies light and crisp at the edges while staying soft in the center.
- Milk or cream: Just enough to keep the dough tender without making it spread too much.
- Vanilla extract: Gives the cookies a classic base that works with every finishing sugar.
- Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, glossy icing that sets nicely without becoming hard.
- McCormick Bridgerton Finishing Sugars: These add both flavor and sparkle. Sweet Lemon is bright and fresh, Strawberries & Cream is soft and sweet, and Lavender Vanilla brings a subtle floral note.
Quick Prep Notes
Do I need to chill the cookie dough?
No. This dough is designed to bake up thick without chilling. Just avoid overmixing and use a 3-tablespoon scoop for best results.
How thick should I flatten the cookies before baking?
Only slightly. Gently press the dough balls just enough so they’re not domed. They’ll spread a bit on their own and stay soft and thick.
When do I add the finishing sugars?
Right after icing the cookies. The sugars need to be added while the icing is still wet so they stick properly.
Sparkling Society Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Sugar Cookies
- ¾ cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
Vanilla Icing
- 1½ to 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in egg, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop 3-tablespoon portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten slightly.
- Bake 11–13 minutes, until the edges are just lightly golden. Cool completely.
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth and pourable. Spoon or drizzle icing over each cooled cookie.
- Immediately sprinkle with sanding sugar. There should be 1/3 of each sugar flavor: Queen Charlotte Vanilla, Lady Whimbelton Lemon, Penelope Sweet Strawberry
- Let set 20–30 minutes before serving.
FAQ
What size cookie scoop works best for these cookies?
A 3-tablespoon cookie scoop creates thick, bakery-style cookies with plenty of room for icing and finishing sugar.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the cookies a day ahead and ice them the day you plan to serve for the freshest look.
How long does the icing take to set?
The icing sets in about 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature.
Can I stack the cookies once iced?
Yes, once the icing has set. Place parchment between layers to protect the tops.
Can I use different finishing sugars?
Absolutely. Any coarse sanding or finishing sugar will work, but the McCormick Bridgerton Finishing Sugars give the most flavor and sparkle.
Sprinkle of Fun
Set these out for a Bridgerton watch night as the new season drops and let everyone grab a cookie that matches their mood. Pair them with tea, lemonade, or a simple sparkling drink, settle in, and make the premiere feel like a proper event.
get access to my weekly recipe updates!
