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Best Sugar Cookies (perfect for Decorating)

Ingredients

For The cookies:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For The Icing (Optional):

  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3 cups icing sugar sifted
  • Red green and royal blue food coloring gel

Instructions

Cookies:

  • Whisk together the flour & baking powder in a large bowl.
  • In a separate bowl beat the butter and sugar until light using a hand mixer (or stand mixer), about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat further until combined.
  • Finally, add the flour and beat until you get a soft smooth dough.
  • Divide it in half, cover with plastic and freeze for 10 minutes or until firm.
  • Preheat your oven to 350 F & Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 –in. thick.
  • Cut out desired shapes using cookie cutters and place on the prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes (depends on the size of your cookies). Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheets for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  • Decorate cookies with icing if desired.

Icing.

  • In a large bowl beat egg whites with lemon juice using a hand mixer.
  • Add the sugar and beat until smooth and thick.
  • If it is too runny, add more sugar. And if it is too thick to your liking, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk.
  • Add the food coloring of your choice.
  • Decorate cookie immediately.

Allow the icing to dry before storing. It usually takes 2-3 hours.