As the summer days start to fade and the school bells ring once again, it’s time to think about those delightful treats that can make the classroom a little sweeter! I’m so excited to share my recipe for Back to School Cookies, which are not only delicious but also perfect for gifting to teachers and classmates alike. These 4-inch vanilla bean cookies, adorned with vanilla royal icing, are sure to bring smiles all around. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to kick off the school year with a little sweetness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for classroom treats or as School Teacher Gifts.
Simple to make, even for those busy weeknights when you’re juggling quick family dinners.
Customizable with different colors and designs for New Teachers or special occasions.
Made with real vanilla bean for an authentic flavor that’s hard to resist.
Packaged beautifully in a Clear Box or cello bag, making them a lovely gift.

Ingredients

To create these delightful Back to School Cookies, you’ll need just a couple of key ingredients:

Vanilla Bean – for that rich, aromatic flavor.
Vanilla Royal Icing – to decorate and add a sweet finish.

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s dive into the fun part—making these cookies!

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine your flour, sugar, and the seeds scraped from the vanilla bean. Mix until well combined.
Add in your wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and use a cookie cutter to cut out 4-inch shapes.
Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Once cooled, decorate with vanilla royal icing in your favorite designs!
Finally, package your cookies in a Clear Box or cello bag with a tag and/or bow for a lovely presentation.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly:

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Don’t skip the cooling step before icing; warm cookies can cause the icing to melt.
Experiment with different colors of royal icing to match school colors or themes.
For a fun twist, consider adding sprinkles or edible glitter to your icing!

How to Serve

These Back to School Cookies are perfect for:

Classroom treats to celebrate the first day of school.
Gifting to New Teachers as a thoughtful gesture.
Enjoying at home with your family as a sweet after-school snack.
Pairing with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a cozy treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

If you want to get a head start on your baking, these cookies can be made ahead of time! Here’s how to store them:

Once decorated, allow the icing to dry completely before packaging.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the undecorated cookies. Just thaw and decorate when you’re ready to serve!

And there you have it! A delightful recipe for Back to School Cookies that’s sure to impress. If you’re looking for more delicious ideas for quick family dinners, check out my White Chicken Enchiladas or my Zero Point Chicken Salad for some easy pasta recipes and 30-minute meals. And if you’re in the mood for something creamy, don’t miss my Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Chinese Takeout for a delicious weeknight dinner idea!