# What You’ll Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
05 - 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Royal Icing
08 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
09 - 1 large egg white or 2 tablespoons meringue powder mixed with 3 tablespoons water
10 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
11 - Food coloring (pink, yellow, purple, blue, etc.)
12 - Edible glitter or sprinkles (optional)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
02 - Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
03 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
05 - Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
08 - Cut out heart and star shapes using cookie cutters. Arrange cookies on prepared baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart.
09 - Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges begin to turn golden. Allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks.
10 - Whisk powdered sugar, egg white (or meringue powder mixture), and lemon juice until smooth. Divide into bowls and tint with food coloring as desired.
11 - Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter. Let icing set before serving.
