Conversation Heart Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
For the Sugar Cookies:
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Royal Icing:
2 large egg whites (or 4 tablespoons egg white powder)
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar
Food coloring (optional)
Water (as needed)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sugar Cookies:
1.1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
1.2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
1.3. Add Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
1.4. Combine Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
1.5. Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
1.6. Roll and Cut Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out heart shapes using a cookie cutter.
1.7. Bake:
Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to brown. Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Royal Icing:
2.1. Mix Icing:
In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and lemon juice (or vinegar), mixing until stiff peaks form. If using egg white powder, follow package instructions for reconstitution.
If needed, add a little water, a few drops at a time, to achieve the desired consistency for piping and flooding.
2.2. Color the Icing:
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