Introduction
Baking is a wonderful way to express creativity, and cookie decorating takes this to the next level. This article will guide you through the ingredients and steps needed to create delightful cookies adorned with vibrant royal icing. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies not only taste amazing but are also a feast for the eyes.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Royal Icing:
4 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons meringue powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
5-6 tablespoons warm water
Gel food coloring (optional)
Prep Time
Approximately 1 hour for chilling the dough, plus additional time for preparation and decoration.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours (including cooling and decorating)
Yield: About 24 cookies, depending on the size of cookie cutters used.
Enjoy creating these beautiful cookies, perfect for sharing with friends and family or for any festive occasion!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Roll and Cut the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes, transferring them to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Repeat with the second disc of dough.
Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Royal Icing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add the vanilla and almond extracts. Gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing on low speed until the icing reaches a thick but pourable consistency. If desired, divide the icing into separate bowls and add gel food coloring to achieve different colors.
Decorate the Cookies
Transfer the icing to piping bags fitted with small round tips. Outline and flood the cooled cookies with the icing. Allow the icing to set completely at room temperature before serving or storing.
Notes
Storage
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Cook techniques
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Mix softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps to incorporate air and creates a tender texture in cookies.
Chilling Dough
Refrigerate cookie dough after mixing to firm it up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes. This also helps prevent spreading during baking.
Rolling and Cutting Cookies
Use a floured surface to roll out chilled dough to a consistent thickness. This ensures even baking and helps in cutting out uniform shapes with cookie cutters.
Baking Cookies
Bake cookies at a preheated temperature of 350°F (175°C) until the edges are just golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking, which can lead to a dry texture.
Making Royal Icing
Combine powdered sugar with meringue powder and add extracts and warm water gradually while mixing. The right consistency is crucial for good flooding and outlining on cookies.
Decorating with Royal Icing
Use piping bags with small round tips to outline and flood cookies. Allow the icing to set completely to maintain the design before storing or serving.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for the cookies?
Yes, you can, but it’s recommended to reduce the salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
What can I substitute for meringue powder in royal icing?
You can use egg whites instead of meringue powder, but be sure to use pasteurized egg whites for safety.
How do I achieve different colors in royal icing?
Add gel food coloring to the prepared royal icing in separate bowls and mix until the desired color is achieved.
Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.
How should I store the decorated cookies?
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them in a single layer for up to a month.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like these homemade cookies, which combine a buttery base with delightful almond and vanilla notes. The royal icing adds a touch of elegance and fun to your baked creations. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to bring joy to both the baker and those who indulge in them. Keep experimenting with flavors and decorations to personalize your cookie decorating experience!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Incorporate chocolate chips into the dough for a classic and beloved flavor that complements the buttery base beautifully.
Lemon Zest Cookies
Add lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist that pairs exceptionally well with the sweetness of the icing.
Nutty Oatmeal Cookies
Fold in oats and chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a heartier cookie that offers a wonderful texture and flavor contrast.
Spiced Pumpkin Cookies
Mix pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg into the dough for a seasonal treat that’s perfect in the fall.
Coconut Macaroons
Substitute some of the flour with shredded coconut for a chewy, tropical-inspired cookie that’s ideal for coconut lovers.
Frosted Cookie Sandwiches
Make two cookies and sandwich them together with your favorite filling, such as cream cheese frosting or whipped ganache, for a decadent dessert.
Peanut Butter Cookies
Integrate peanut butter into the dough for a rich and creamy cookie that can be topped with a drizzle of chocolate for extra flair.
