Sugar Cookies and Royal Icing

• Source
• Contributor: Mike & Kate
• Makes: 5 dozen cookies and 3 1/2 cups icing.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Cream butter and sugar until smooth.
2. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in another bowl.
4. Add flour to the sugar mixture.
5. Wrap dough in wax paper and chill for at least one hour.
6. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
7. Roll out dough on a floured surface until 1/4" to 1/2" thick and cut with a cookie cutter.
8. Place cookies 1 inch apart on parchment lined baking sheets.
9. Bake 6-8 minutes.
10. Cool completely before icing.

Royal Icing Ingredients

• 3oz pasteurized egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 cups confectioner's sugar

Royal Icing Instructions

1. In large bowl of stand mixer combine the egg whites and vanilla and beat until frothy.
2. Add confectioners' sugar gradually and mix on low speed until sugar is incorporated and mixture is shiny.
3. Turn speed up to high and beat until mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks. This should take approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Add food coloring, if desired.

For immediate use, transfer icing to pastry bag or heavy duty storage bag and pipe as desired. If using storage bag, clip corner. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

CategoryRecipesChristmas