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Classic Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Simple Royal Icing

Three round sugar cookies with icing in blue, green, and yellow served on a white plate.
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Bake soft, buttery sugar cookies that hold their shape for holiday decorating. This recipe includes a simple royal icing that sets firm, perfect for stacking and gifting.

Ingredients

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  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • For the Icing: 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 5 tablespoons warm water

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  3. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and nutmeg, if using, until just combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out desired shapes using cookie cutters. Place shapes on the prepared baking sheets.
  8. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake if you want a soft cookie.
  9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. To make the icing, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder in a bowl. Gradually add the warm water, mixing until smooth. The icing should be thick but pourable.
  11. If the icing is too thin, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time. If it is too thick, add water, one teaspoon at a time.
  12. Once cookies are completely cool, decorate using the icing. Allow the icing to dry completely before stacking or packaging.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is necessary for the cookies to keep their shape during baking.
  • If you are looking for quick dinner ideas while baking, consider using meal planning services.
  • For a simple decorating shortcut, use this icing as a base and divide it to add different food colorings.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/sugar-cookies-with-icing-recipe-soft-buttery/