Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Preparation
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
- Cream softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out one dough disc on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut out five cookie shapes using Christmas-themed cookie cutters and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorating
- In a large bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and meringue powder.
- Gradually add warm water, mixing until the icing reaches a thick but pourable consistency.
- Divide the royal icing into separate bowls and tint with desired food coloring (red, green, white).
- Decorate the cooled cookies using piping bags or squeeze bottles with the colored icing, allowing each layer to dry before adding more details.
- Allow decorated cookies to set completely for several hours or overnight before storing.
Notes
For best results, ensure butter is truly softened for creaming. When decorating, patience is key for allowing each layer of icing to dry. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or frozen for up to one month before decorating. Get creative with your decorations!