These cookies hold their shape when baked and have a perfect flavor and texture. The Royal Icing looks professional and dries so that you can stack them. It's our family tradition to bake these every Christmas Eve.
Ingredients:
Cookies:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
'3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Icing:
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 Tablespoons milk, plus more if needed
2 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (use clear vanilla for snow white icing)
food coloring (optional)
Directions:
Cookies:
1. In a large bowl, combine butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and almond extract. Beat with an electric mixer on high until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
2. In another bowl sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir into the butter mixture until well blended.
3. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat (do not use greased cookie sheets).
5. On a very lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutter.
6. Place 2-inches apart on prepared cookie sheets. Bake 5-6 minutes. Remove cookies to wire racks to cool completely before icing.
NOTE: The edges will not be golden, but don't worry! These will cool and be the best bakery-worthy cookies ever.
Royal Icing:
1. Mix the powdered sugar, milk, honey, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth and glossy. If the icing is too thick, add in a small amount of milk.
2. Divide into as many separate bowls as you wish for different colors. Add in food coloring starting with a few drops until desired intensity is achieved.
3. Paint the icing over the cookies using a butterknife. Start by putting a small amount of icing on the cookie and push the icing from the center towards the edges. This gives you better control of creating clean, professional edges. Allow icing to set before stacking.
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