Easy Graduation Cookies Fondant

Celebrate your graduate with these delightful sugar cookies, topped with a simple fondant mortarboard hat for a festive touch. Perfect for parties or gifting!

Pin It

These cookies combine the buttery softness of classic sugar cookies with the elegance of handcrafted fondant mortarboards. They’re a wonderful way to honor milestones and add a personalized touch to graduation festivities.

Ingredients

• For the Sugar Cookies
• 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• For the Fondant Mortarboard
• 8 oz (225 g) black fondant
• 1 oz (30 g) yellow fondant (for tassels)
• Cornstarch (for dusting and rolling)
• For Decorating
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

4. Beat in the egg and vanilla until combined.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until incorporated.

6. Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2 1/2-inch round or square shapes.

7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are just golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.

8. While cookies cool, roll black fondant to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out 24 small squares (about 1 1/4-inch each) for mortarboard tops. Roll 24 small cylinders (about 1/2-inch long) for mortarboard bases.

9. Roll yellow fondant into thin ropes and cut into 1-inch pieces for tassels. Shape as desired.

10. For icing, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

11. Decorate each cooled cookie: Use icing to attach a fondant square in the center. Place a fondant cylinder under the square as the base. Use a dab of icing to attach a yellow tassel to one corner.

12. Let decorations set for 20–30 minutes before serving or packaging.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Ensure the dough is well chilled before rolling to make cutting shapes easier and help cookies keep their form. Use cornstarch when rolling fondant to prevent sticking and maintain smooth surfaces.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Color fondant as desired to match school colors or themes. For a quicker preparation, use store-bought sugar cookie dough and pre-colored fondant decorations.

Serviervorschläge

Arrange the decorated cookies on a festive platter for graduation parties or package them individually for gifting. These cookies pair wonderfully with tea, coffee, or celebratory drinks.

Pin It

With a little care and creativity, these easy graduation cookies become impressive keepsakes that delight guests and honor your graduate’s achievement. Enjoy the celebration and sweet moments with these charming treats.

Recipe FAQs

→ What flour is used in these cookies?

All-purpose flour is used to create a tender but sturdy base for the treats.

→ How is the fondant mortarboard made?

Black fondant is rolled and cut into squares and cylinders to form the mortarboard shapes, with yellow fondant used for tassels.

→ Can these treats be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, they can be decorated and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days without losing freshness.

→ Are there allergy-friendly substitutions?

Yes, gluten-free flour, dairy-free butter, or egg replacers can be used, but fondant ingredients should be checked for allergens.

→ What’s the recommended baking temperature and time?

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until edges are just golden.