Description
Delightful and visually appealing sugar cookies that are soft in the center and crisp at the edges, perfect for decorating with icing or sprinkles.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened (Provides flavor and tenderness.)
- 1 cup Granulated sugar (Gives classic sweetness and helps crispy edges.)
- 1 large Egg (Binds the ingredients.)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (Adds cozy flavor.)
- 2 cups All-purpose flour (Provides structure to hold shape.)
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder (Helps the cookies rise slightly.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Enhances sweetness.)
- 1 teaspoon Almond extract or lemon zest (Optional for a fresh twist.)
Royal Icing Ingredients
- 2 cups Powdered sugar (Base for royal icing.)
- 2 tablespoons Meringue powder (Stabilizes the icing.)
- 4 tablespoons Water (Adjust for icing consistency.)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (Flavor for royal icing.)
Instructions
Prepare Cookie Dough
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla, scraping the bowl to mix evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the flour disappears.
- Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Roll and Cut Dough
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour to make it easier to roll.
- Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut shapes with flower cookie cutters, dusting with flour as needed.
- Chill cut cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking.
Bake Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, until centers are set and edges are lightly golden.
- Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely.
Prepare and Decorate Royal Icing
- Mix powdered sugar, meringue powder, water, and vanilla until it forms peaks.
- Adjust consistency with water as needed for flooding and piping.
- Outline each cookie with piping icing, let sit for 2-3 minutes, then flood with flood icing.
- Decorate with contrasting colors and let dry for 6 to 12 hours.
Notes
These cookies can be decorated simply or elaborately; perfect for any occasion. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: American, Baked Goods