Directions

Sugar Cookies

1Dries: Whisk flour and salt in a bowl. Set aside.

2Base: In a mixer, cream together butter and sugar.

3Next, add eggs, vanilla and optional flavorings of citrus zest or spices (ie: cardamom).

4Gradually, add dries to base just until incorporated. Chill in refrigerator up to one hour. Roll on lightly floured surface. Cut shapes and refrigerate to chill.

5Bake at 350F for 8-10 minutes or until edges are slightly browned. Note: when you cut into a shape, chill in freezer to set. Then, transfer directly to hot oven.

Royal Icing (shared from Sweet Sugarbelle)

1Add vanilla flavoring into 1/2 cup water and set aside until step 3.

2In the mixer (paddle attachment), gently mix confectioners sugar and meringue powder on low.

3Add 1/2 cup flavored water and mix on low until it is thick and lumpy.

4Drizzle the remaining water as needed until it becomes a thick like honey consistency.

5Turn mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes or so until icing is thick and fluffy. Stop when it forms a soft peak. If you are not using immediately, keep stored in airtight container.

6Separate into mixing bowls and adding 1/2 teaspoon at a time until icing becomes thin and a '10 second consistency', meaning threads of icing fall off a spoon and are absorbed completely back into the icing within 10 seconds.

7Now add Americolor gel drops, one at a time until you get the desired color.

8Load your piping bag, and get ready to make some fun sugar cookies.

9Tip: place a toothpick on the end of the Ateco or Wilton tip to avoid air from drying the royal icing.

Icing Techniques

1Wet on Wet Technique: Start by outlining, then flood with the same color. Immediately, add in font wording like "Eek" or "Boo" in contrast icing. Drag corners of font lettering with a toothpick tip and drag slightly to create a drip look.

2Raised with Glitz Technique: Start by outlining, then flood with the same color. Let it completely dry. Then add contrast icing, and sprinkle generously with sanding sugar. Set aside until completely dry. Then brush off with a toothpick or a brush the excess sanding sugar.

3Edible Marker Technique: Start by outlining, then flood with the same color. Let dry. Once completely dry, be artistic and use the edible markers to let your inner artist loose!