Description
These soft sugar cookies topped with royal icing offer an irresistible flavor and simple preparation. Perfect for holiday gatherings or sweet treats, they blend butter, sugar, and a hint of vanilla for an unforgettable taste that brings comfort to every bite.
Ingredients
- unsalted butter, softened (65-67ºf) – 3/4 cup
- granulated sugar – 1 cup
- large egg, room temperature – 1
- vanilla extract – 1/2 teaspoon
- all-purpose flour – 2 1/3 cups
- baking powder – 1 teaspoon
- kosher salt – 1/2 teaspoon
- powdered sugar (icing) – 4 cups
- meringue powder (icing) – 3 tablespoons
- warm water (100-110°f) – 9 tablespoons
- vanilla extract (icing) – 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Cream the softened butter and sugar in a mixer on medium-low for 2 minutes.
- Incorporate the egg and vanilla, mixing on medium-high for 20-30 seconds.
- Sift together the dry ingredients, then add to the mixer, pulsing until the dough forms.
- Divide the dough, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for 1-3 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF and prepare your baking sheets with parchment.
- Roll the chilled dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut out desired shapes and place them 1 inch apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes for 3-inch cookies until the surface appears dry.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare the icing by whisking the ingredients on low for 7 minutes, then on medium-low for 2-3 minutes.
- Adjust the icing consistency with water for borders and flooding.
- Decorate the cookies as desired and allow them to dry for 6-8 hours.
Notes
Ensure the butter is softened to the proper temperature for optimal mixing.
Roll the dough evenly for consistent cookie thickness and baking.
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg