Holiday Decorated Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup softened unsalted butter 
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 Egg
• 2 tsp. vanilla sugar 
• 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour 
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. Salt

Icing Ingredients:

• 3 1/4 cups confectioner’s sugar
• 2 Tbsp. meringue powder
• 5-6 Tbsp. water

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. and line 2 cookie sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
2. In a medium size bowl measure and whisk all of your dry ingredients then set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream your butter and powdered sugar using a whisk until there are no lumps and your mixture is light in color and smooth. Add in your eggs and vanilla and continue to mix. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as you go.
4. Slowly add your dry ingredients to your bowl and continue mixing until your dough forms. Transfer your dough onto a silicone mat or parchment paper and roll it out. You will want it to be about 1/4″. Don’t be afraid to use flour on your dough and rolling pin so it doesn’t stick!
5. Chill your rolled dough in the fridge for about 20-25 minutes. 
6. Once the dough has chilled, cut out all of your shapes and place them on your cookie sheets about an inch and a half apart to prevent them from spreading and touching in the oven. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown on the bottom.
7. To make the icing, mix the confectioner’s sugar and merengue powder in a stand mixer fit with a paddle attachment for about 1 minute.
8. Add the water 1 Tbsp. at a time until the icing has reached a nice and smooth consistency.
9. Color the icing to your liking and decorate using piping bags!
10. Be create, have fun and enjoy!