Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (227g)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
  • 1 large egg (approx. 50g), lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (300g), plus more for dusting
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder (2g)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (1.5g)
  • 4 cups confectioners' sugar (480g)
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder (25g)
  • ½ cup warm water (120ml), plus more as needed
  • Gel food coloring, as desired
  • Sprinkles, edible glitter, sanding sugar, etc.

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
  5. Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
  8. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a small space between each. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
  9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Prepare royal icing, divide into bowls, and tint with gel food coloring. Decorate the cooled cookies with icing and sprinkles as desired. Allow icing to set completely before serving.