Snowflake Sugar Cookies
Delightful, soft cookies decorated with royal icing, perfect for winter celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour Provides the perfect base with its soft, powdery texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder For that delightful lift and airy quality.
- ½ teaspoon salt Enhances the sweetness of the cookies.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Offers a rich, creamy foundation.
- 1 ½ cups sugar Ensures a delectable sweetness.
- 1 large egg Binds everything together, adding richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For that warm and aromatic finish.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional) Lending a lovely nutty note.
- 1 egg white or 2 tablespoons of meringue powder For the royal icing.
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar To create the sweet, silky icing.
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice Adds a touch of zesty brightness.
- food coloring (optional) For decoration.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, followed by the vanilla extract and almond extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually introduce the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until the dough comes together.
- Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick and use a snowflake-shaped cookie cutter to create shapes.
Baking
- Place the cookie shapes on the baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack.
Royal Icing Preparation
- Whisk together the egg white or meringue powder with lemon juice until soft peaks form.
- Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar until you achieve stiff peaks.
- Divide the icing and add food coloring as desired.
Decoration
- Decorate the cookies using the royal icing.
- Allow the icing to dry completely before serving.
Notes
Avoid overworking the dough to maintain softness. Chilling the dough is crucial for cutting out shapes. Ensure royal icing consistency is just right for decorating.