Ingredients:

  • 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar (optional for icing)
  • 1 egg white (or 1 tablespoon meringue powder, optional for icing)
  • Food coloring (optional for icing)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. In a separate large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
  5. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
  8. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
  10. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
  11. In a bowl, combine powdered sugar and egg white (or meringue powder) and beat until smooth to prepare the royal icing.
  12. Adjust consistency with water if necessary; the icing should be thick but pourable.
  13. Once cookies are completely cool, use royal icing to decorate as desired.