Frosted Snowflake Sugar Cookies Recipe
Ingredients:
For the cookies:
2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
For the royal icing:
4 cups (500g) powdered sugar, sifted
3 tbsp meringue powder
5-6 tbsp water
Gel food coloring (blue, purple, and white)
Instructions:
Prepare the cookie dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Roll and cut:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out snowflake shapes using a cookie cutter. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake:
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the royal icing:
In a large bowl, beat powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until stiff peaks form. Divide the icing into three bowls and color them blue, purple, and white using gel food coloring.
Decorate:
Transfer each icing color into piping bags with a small round tip. Pipe the base colors onto the cookies and use a toothpick or scribe tool to swirl the colors for a marbled effect. Work on one cookie at a time to ensure the icing remains wet for swirling.
Dry and set:
Let the cookies sit at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until the icing is completely dry.
Serving Suggestion:
Arrange these stunning cookies on a platter for a festive winter display, or package them as gifts for loved ones. Perfect for holiday celebrations!