Bring some Pixar magic into your kitchen with these adorable Toy Story Alien Cookies! Inspired by the charming green aliens from the iconic claw machine scene, these buttery, sweet cookies are guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Perfect for movie nights, birthday parties, or just a fun baking project, these cookies come together with simple ingredients and vibrant decorations. Let’s get baking and turn your kitchen into Pizza Planet!
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Decorations
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- Candy eyes (3 per cookie)
- Purple gel icing (or a small amount of purple frosting for smiles)
Pro Tips for Perfect Alien Cookies
- Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Use gel food coloring: Gel provides vibrant color without thinning the icing.
- Decorate in stages: Allow the green icing to set before adding candy eyes and mouths to prevent smudging.
- Three candy eyes: Stick to the signature alien look for authenticity!
- Shortcut option: Use pre-made sugar cookies or store-bought dough for quicker prep.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Round cookie cutter (or a glass to cut circles)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small piping bags or squeeze bottles for icing
Substitutions and Variations
- Frosting: Swap royal icing for green buttercream if you prefer a fluffier texture.
- Shapes: Try alien heads, stars, or even UFOs for a creative twist.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies inclusive.
- More characters: Add Woody, Buzz, or Jessie-inspired cookies for a full Toy Story lineup!
Make-Ahead Tips
- Dough: Prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Baked cookies: Bake the cookies 1–2 days ahead, store them in an airtight container, and decorate when ready.
How to Make Toy Story Alien Cookies
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
Step 2: Chill and Roll the Dough
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles. Place the circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Green Icing
- In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add green gel food coloring, a little at a time, until you achieve the perfect alien-green color.
- Transfer the icing to a piping bag or squeeze bottle for easy decorating.
Step 5: Decorate the Cookies
- Pipe or spread the green icing over each cookie and let it set for 10–15 minutes.
- Add three candy eyes to each cookie while the icing is still slightly wet.
- Use purple gel icing to pipe smiles underneath the eyes to complete the alien look.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Allow the icing to fully dry before serving. Arrange your cookies on a plate or tray, and watch as everyone eagerly grabs their own Toy Story alien!
Storage and Leftovers
- Room temperature: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Kid-approved: The Toy Story theme is a hit with little ones.
- Customizable: Add your own creative spin with different decorations.
- Easy prep: Straightforward steps make these a fun family baking project.
Conclusion
These Toy Story Alien Cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether for a themed party, movie night, or just a rainy-day activity, they bring Pixar magic to life in the sweetest way.
We’d love to see your creations! Share your decorated cookies and any fun twists in the comments. “The Claw” approves! 👽🍪✨
Does this guide capture the fun and magic you were looking for? Let me know if you’d like any adjustments! 😊