Sugar Cookies (The Best for Decorating)

 Sugar Cookies (The Best for Decorating)

·        Yield: 24 3-4 inch cookies

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Ingredients

·        2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour

·        1/2 teaspoon baking powder

·        1/4 teaspoon salt

·        3/4 cup (1.5 sticks or 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

·        3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar

·        1 large egg, at room temperature

·        2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

·        1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 

·        Royal Icing 

 

Instructions

1.     In a large bowl using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla, salt and almond extract and beat on high speed until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl and beat again as needed to combine.

2.     Add the remaining dry ingredients to the bowl and mix on low until combined. Dough will be relatively soft. If the dough seems too soft and sticky for rolling, add 1 more Tablespoon of flour.

3.     Divide the dough into 2 equal parts. Place each portion onto a large piece of wax paper. Fold the remaining wax paper over the dough and use rolling pin to roll dough between the two sheets. The rolled-out dough can be any shape, as long as it is evenly 1/4-inch thick.

4.     Place rolled out dough (still in wax paper) in refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

5.     Once chilled, preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Carefully remove the top dough piece from the refrigerator. Pell away top layer of wax paper and cut shapes from dough with cookie cutters. Re-roll the remaining dough and continue cutting until all is used (re-refrigerate if it has warmed up). Repeat with 2nd piece of dough.

6.     Arrange cookies on baking sheets 3 inches apart. Bake for 11-12 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

7.     Decorate the cooled cookies with royal icing.

8.      Enjoy cookies right away or wait until the icing sets to serve them. Once the icing has set, these cookies are great for gifting or for sending. Plain or decorated cookies stay soft for about 5 days when covered tightly at room temperature. For longer storage, cover and refrigerate for up to 10 days.

 

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