Recipes
Holiday
CHRISTMAS SUGAR COOKIES WITH ROYAL ICING
Author : Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme Total Time : 1 hour Yield : 24 cookies Diet : Vegetarian Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing are golden brown and crisp on the outside , but soft and tender inside . The best and festive gourmet holiday cookie .
SUGAR COOKIES :
• ½ cup unsalted butter , softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
ROYAL ICING :
• 3 cups confectioners ’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons meringue powder
• ¼ cup room temperature water
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• gel food colouring ( optional )
MAKE THE SUGAR COOKIES :
In a large mixing bowl , cream butter and sugar together using a hand mixer ( or stand mixer ) on medium speed until light and fluffy , about 2 minutes . Add egg and vanilla and beat until combined . Turn the mixer to low speed and add baking powder and salt . Gradually add flour and mix until combined .
Form the dough into a ball and wrap it tightly in plastic cling wrap . Freeze for 30 minutes or refrigerate until firm ( at least 1 hour , up to overnight ).
Preheat the oven to 350 F . Line a half sheet baking pan with parchment paper or silicone baking mat .
Remove the dough from refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes . On a lightly floured surface , use a rolling pin to roll the dough out until it is ¼-inch thick . Use Christmas cookie cutters to cut out cookie shapes .
Transfer the cookies onto the lined baking sheet , placing them 1-inch apart . Re-roll any scraps and repeat to cut out more cookies .
Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes , until the edges start to turn golden brown . Let the cookies cook for a couple minutes on the baking sheet , then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely ( preferably overnight , if icing ).
PREPARE THE ROYAL ICING :
In medium mixing bowl , combine confectioners ’ sugar with meringue powder . Add water and vanilla extract and beat with a hand mixer on medium-high speed , until smooth . If you find that the icing is too thick , add a little water ( a teaspoon at a time ). If you find the icing too thin , add a little more sugar .
GAINESVILLE LIVING 24 HOLIDAY 2023