Cutout Christmas Cookies

Makes: 26 cookies Total time: 2 hours

INGREDIENTS

• Cookies

• 1 cup salted butter, room temperature

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 egg

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 3 cups flour

• Royal Icing

• 3 tablespoons meringue powder

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 5 tablespoons water

Step 1: Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.

Step 2: Add in the extract and egg, beating until combined.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder and flour, then combine with the wet ingredients until dough forms.

Step 4: Roll out the dough onto a floured surface. Once the dough is 1/4 inch thick, use cookie cutters to cut out and place cookies on uncreased cookie sheet.

Step 5: Bake for 7 minutes, then immediately remove from baking sheet and place on cooling rack. Repeat until all dough is used.

Step 6: While cookies are cooling, make the frosting. With an electric beater mix together all ingredients and beat for 10 minutes.

Step 7: Once cookies are cooled, line each cookie with royal icing (in the colors of your choosing) and let dry.

Step 8: Thin half of the remaining royal icing by adding an additional tablespoon of water then fill each lined cookie with the thinner royal and let dry before decorating with the stiffer royal icing.

Step 9: Let cookies dry completely before serving or storing.