Cutout Cookie Recipe

Ingredients: 3/4 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 2 large eggs, room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 23/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions: 1. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Chill until firm, 1 hour.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out with cookie cutters or template of your choice. Using a floured spatula, transfer cookies to greased baking sheet. Bake at 375° until lightly browned, 8–10 minutes. Cool completely on wire racks.

Recipe from: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/decorated-christmas-cutout-cookies/

Royal Icing Recipe

Ingredients: 7 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar 1/2 cup meringue powder 3/4 cup water, room temperature 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions: 1. In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat sugar, salt, and meringue powder on low until combined. Still on low, add water 1/4 cup at a time to dry ingredients. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined. 3. Continue mixing on low until icing is light in color and holds a stiff peak, 3 to 5 minutes.

Note: this recipe makes enough icing for 4 dozen 3-inch cutouts; can be halved. If you want to save icing for later, store in an airtight container. Decorating Supplies

1. 7–10 plastic piping bags: Can be purchased at Michaels or Amazon

2. Cupplers and #2 piping tips: Can be purchased at Michaels or Amazon

3. Needle tool: Can be purchased at Amazon (https://amzn.to/3pZGN2A)

4. Food coloring: six colors of your choice, plus Buttercup Yellow (Michaels: https://bit.ly/3kY7qBv)

5. Scissors Cookie Templates