Making Sugar Cookies and Decorating with Royal Icing

Sugar cookies are a classic treat that are not only delicious but also a canvas for creativity. In this lesson, we will learn how to make sugar cookies from scratch and decorate them using royal icing.

Making Sugar Cookie Dough

The first step in making sugar cookies is to prepare the dough. Here's a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
5. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Rolling and Cutting Out Sugar Cookies

Once the dough is chilled, it's time to roll and cut out the cookies. Here's how:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough. Transfer the cutouts to the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making and Coloring Royal Icing

Royal icing is a type of icing that dries hard, making it perfect for decorating cookies. Here's a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons meringue powder
• 9 tablespoons warm water
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar and meringue powder.
2. Add the warm water and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the icing is smooth and glossy. If the icing is too thick, add more water, a teaspoon at a time. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.
3. If desired, divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to each one. Mix well.

Decorating Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Now that you have your icing prepared, it's time to decorate your cookies. Here's a simple method:

1. Transfer the icing to piping bags fitted with small round tips.
2. Outline the edges of the cookies with icing, then "flood" the inside with more icing, using a toothpick to spread it evenly.
3. Allow the icing to dry completely, which can take several hours or overnight.
4. Once the base layer of icing is dry, you can add more decorations on top, such as dots, lines, or other designs.

And there you have it! With this lesson, you now know how to make and decorate sugar cookies with royal icing. Happy baking!