Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups (313g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups (450g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • ½ cup warm water, plus more as needed
  • Red and blue gel food coloring
  • Red, white, and blue sprinkles, stars, or sanding sugar (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cream together butter and sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix!
  4. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  6. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
  7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
  8. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Beat powdered sugar, meringue powder, and warm water until stiff peaks form. Adjust water as needed to reach desired consistency.
  10. Divide icing into separate bowls and tint with red and blue food coloring.
  11. Transfer icing to piping bags or squeeze bottles. Decorate cooled cookies as desired with icing and sprinkles.
  12. Allow icing to dry completely before serving or storing.