Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

These are sugar cookies that will stay soft! They do make a bit of a mess of your kitchen when done correctly. Tip: throw any dough that you're not working with at that moment in the fridge to keep it cooled!

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large bowl using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.

Step 3

Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract and beat on high speed until combined, about 1 minute.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Divide the dough into 2 equal parts. Place each portion onto a piece of lightly floured parchment paper. With a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness.

Step 6

Lightly dust one of the rolled-out doughs with flour. Place a piece of parchment on top. Place the 2nd rolled-out dough on top. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours and up to 2 days.

Step 7

preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Carefully remove the top dough piece from the refrigerator. cut the dough into shapes. Re-roll the remaining dough and continue cutting until all is used. Repeat with 2nd piece of dough.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Sift powdered sugar into a medium bowl. Add 6 teaspoons milk, corn syrup, and extract. Stir vigorously until icing is smooth.

Step 10

If needed, add additional milk to thin icing more. You've reached the correct consistency for frosting if a scoop of icing slowly falls off the spoon. If making colored icing, divide into bowls and add food coloring.