Ingredients for Cookies:
1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Ingredients for Royal Icing:
4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
3 tablespoons meringue powder (or 2 egg whites)
5–6 tablespoons water
Gel food coloring (optional)
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Instructions for Cookies:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
2. Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough in half, shape it into discs, and wrap each in plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) to firm up.
3. Roll and Cut:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes like stars, trees, and mittens.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a bit of space between them.
4. Bake:
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Instructions for Royal Icing:
1. Mix the Icing:
In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and meringue powder.
Add water a tablespoon at a time, beating with an electric mixer on low speed until the icing reaches your desired consistency.
For outlining, use thicker icing.
For flooding (filling), thin the icing with additional water.
2. Color the Icing:
Divide the icing into separate bowls and add gel food coloring to each bowl to create different colors.
3. Decorate the Cookies:
Transfer the icing to piping bags fitted with small round tips.
Outline the cookies with thicker icing, then flood the centers with thinner icing.
Use sprinkles or edible glitter for added decoration.
4. Set the Icing:
Allow the decorated cookies to sit at room temperature for 4–6 hours or until the icing is fully set.
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Tips for Success:
Chill the dough well to prevent the cookies from spreading during baking.
Use gel food coloring to avoid thinning the icing.
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Enjoy these delightful sugar cookies for your next holiday celebration!