The perfect back-to-school treat is here, and it’s as fun as it is delicious! These Back-to-School Notebook Sugar Cookies combine classic sugar cookie goodness with playful design, mimicking lined notebook paper using colorful royal icing and edible markers. Whether you’re prepping for the first day of class or planning a school-themed party, these cookies are a unique way to celebrate.
They’re also a great baking activity for kids. From mixing the dough to piping the icing and writing on their creations, little hands will love being part of the process. Make it personal by customizing messages on each cookie, write a name, a motivational note, or a doodle. These cookies aren’t just treats; they’re an edible experience!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 ½ cups white sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Royal icing (white, red, and blue)
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Edible food markers
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Black edible marker (for writing)
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Piping bags and small round piping tips
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
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In another large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
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Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
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Use a rectangle cookie cutter (or cut by hand) to create notebook shapes.
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Place cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
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Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
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Once cooled, outline and flood the cookies with white royal icing. Let dry for several hours or overnight.
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Pipe 3–4 horizontal blue lines and one vertical red line on each cookie to mimic notebook paper.
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Once the icing has dried, use edible markers to write fun messages, doodles, or notes on the cookies.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes + drying time
Kcal: 190 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
Back-to-School Notebook Sugar Cookies: A Sweet and Creative Treat for the New School Year
Back-to-school season is filled with excitement, preparation, and a little bit of anxiety, especially for kids. As parents and caregivers, we often look for fun and memorable ways to ease this transition and make it a positive experience. That’s where Back-to-School Notebook Sugar Cookies come in. These delightful, adorable cookies are not only delicious but also creatively designed to look like notebook paper. Best of all, you can actually write on them using edible food markers, making them both interactive and sweet!
Whether you’re packing lunchboxes, looking for a cute gift for a teacher, or planning a classroom party, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making, decorating, and enjoying these fun back-to-school treats.
Why Notebook Cookies Are the Perfect Back-to-School Treat
Back-to-school time is a big milestone, whether it’s a child’s first day of kindergarten or a teen entering high school. It’s not just about pencils and books; it’s about setting the tone for a successful year. These notebook cookies add a dash of fun and creativity that celebrates this fresh beginning. The edible lines and space to write mean you can leave sweet notes like “You’ve got this!” or “Have a great first day!” right on the cookie.
Here’s why notebook cookies are an exceptional idea:
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Personalized Messages: Unlike regular cookies, these are interactive. Kids can decorate them, or you can write motivational notes to pack in their lunch.
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Edible Creativity: They’re not just tasty, they’re a craft project. Perfect for kids’ hands and imaginations.
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School-Themed Fun: They fit right into the back-to-school theme, making them ideal for school events, parties, or teacher gifts.
What You’ll Need to Make These Cookies
Making these cookies is surprisingly simple, especially with a basic sugar cookie dough and royal icing. You’ll need a few tools to make the process smoother:
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Rectangle Cookie Cutter: To mimic the shape of a notebook page.
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Royal Icing in White, Red, and Blue: To create the background and notebook lines.
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Edible Food Markers: So you (or the kids) can write directly on the cookies.
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Piping Bags and Tips: Small round tips will give you better control when decorating the lines.
You don’t need to be a professional baker to get these cookies looking amazing. Even if the lines are a bit wobbly or the writing is messy, that just adds to the charm and homemade appeal.
Tips for Perfect Notebook Cookies
Decorating sugar cookies with royal icing takes a little patience and practice, but here are some helpful tips to make your experience easier:
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Let the Base Icing Dry Completely: After flooding the cookie with white icing, it must dry completely before you add the colored lines or try writing on it. This can take 4–6 hours or overnight.
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Use Gel Food Coloring: If you’re making your own icing, gel food coloring gives vibrant colors without thinning the icing too much.
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Practice Your Piping First: Try piping the red and blue lines on parchment paper first to get a feel for the spacing.
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Keep It Fun and Casual: These cookies don’t need to look like carbon copies of each other. Let the kids get involved, and embrace imperfections.
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Store Properly: Once decorated and fully dried, store cookies in an airtight container to keep them crisp and fresh.
Customizing Your Notebook Cookies
These cookies are as versatile as they are adorable. Here are a few creative twists you can try:
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Add Faces or Doodles: Use black edible markers to draw funny doodles or cartoon faces on the cookie paper.
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Make Mini Versions: Use a smaller rectangle cutter for bite-sized notebook cookies, great for party favors.
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Add Names or Messages: Perfect for place cards or lunchbox notes, simply add the child’s name or a quick message on each one.
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Try Different Flavors: Classic sugar cookie dough works well, but you can also use chocolate sugar cookie dough, lemon zest cookie dough, or even spice cookie dough for variety.
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Gluten-Free Version: Substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour to accommodate dietary needs.
When to Serve Notebook Cookies
These cookies are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of settings:
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First Day of School: A surprise cookie in the lunchbox can help ease first-day jitters.
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Teacher Appreciation Gifts: Pack a few in a box or bag with a bow for a thoughtful and handmade teacher gift.
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Classroom Parties: Safe to transport, easy to share, and sure to impress!
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Homeschool Kickoff: Start your homeschool year with a fun edible activity.
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Birthday Parties: Especially for school-aged kids, these make a fun and thematic treat.
Why Kids and Parents Love Them
Let’s face it; most kids love cookies, and parents love anything that combines food and fun. Here’s why notebook cookies are beloved by both:
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For Kids: They feel empowered creating their own edible designs. It’s part snack, part art.
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For Parents: It’s a simple yet special way to show love and encouragement.
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For Teachers: These treats are charming and memorable, perfect for starting the year on a high note.
They also provide an excellent opportunity for kitchen bonding. Let your child help roll out the dough, flood the cookies with icing, or write their own back-to-school message. It’s a great way to get them talking about their hopes or worries for the new school year.
Storing and Transporting Your Cookies
After decorating and drying, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you’re planning to gift them or bring them to school, arrange the cookies between layers of parchment or wax paper in a box to prevent sticking or smudging.
You can even make the dough or baked cookies ahead of time and freeze them. Just be sure to defrost and decorate after they’re fully thawed.
The Magic of Edible Messages
One of the best parts about notebook cookies is the element of personalization. You can write anything you want: jokes, affirmations, reminders, or loving notes. Some fun message ideas include:
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“You’re going to rock this year!”
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“Don’t forget your lunch!”
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“Be kind today.”
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“Can’t wait to hear about your day.”
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“You are loved.”
This added layer of thoughtfulness transforms the cookies from a sweet treat into a heartfelt gesture. And that’s what makes them so special.
Conclusion
Back-to-School Notebook Sugar Cookies are more than just a fun baking project, they’re a way to celebrate, connect, and create joyful memories. These cookies combine creativity, flavor, and a touch of love that makes the start of a new school year feel extra special.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a heartfelt lunchbox surprise or a teacher welcoming students back to the classroom, these cookies are the perfect way to add some sugar-coated encouragement. Fun to make, fun to eat, and fun to share, they offer a meaningful and delicious way to embrace the season of learning and growth.
So, grab your apron, preheat the oven, and get ready to write your sweetest notes yet, right on a cookie.