Decorative Sugar Cookies

Happy New Year! Vic and I tend to make sugar cookies once a year, and we decided to make them for New Year's Eve. While I've never been a big fan of sugar cookies, they're a fun activity to do with a partner or a group. Decorating cookies is a great way to bring out creativity and unwind, and they always seem to be a big hit at gatherings. If you prefer healthier decorative cookies, you can check out my Healthier Cut Out Cookies, which have a cocoa base, only a little added sugar from maple syrup, and a homemade frosting

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, and set aside - flour, baking powder, and salt

Step 2

In a large bowl with a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, and mix on high for another minute to fully combine

Step 3

While mixing on low speed, slowly add the dry mixture to the wet until just fully incorporated

Step 4

Divide the dough in half, and place each half on a large piece of parchment paper. Place another piece of parchment on top, and roll out to about 1/4 inch thick. Transfer to a baking sheet, and chill in the fridge for 2 hours

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 350F. Use cookie cutters to cut out your cookies, and add to a parchment lined baking pan, leaving about an inch between each cookie. Make sure to roll out your dough scraps again to 1/4 inch thick to use up all the dough scraps. It's easier if the dough is cool, so chill the rolled dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes if necessary before cutting out

Step 6

Bake for about 12 minutes at 350F, or until just lightly browned. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool totally, at least 30 minutes

Step 7

When the cookies are cooled, you can prepare the frosting. To a medium bowl, add powdered sugar, honey, vanilla, and salt. Add in the water, and whisk until fully combined. If you hold up the whisk and let the frosting drizzle back into the bowl, it should leave a visible ribbon in the icing for about a second before fully incorporating back in. Stir in some food coloring if desired

Step 8

Dip the cookies in the icing, and decorate as you see fit. You can also use butter knives, toothpicks, or piping bags. Let rest for about 30 minutes for the icing to harden before serving. Have fun, and get creative!

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