Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Sugar Cookie Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cream of tartar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and almond extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Gradually add dry ingredients to creamed mixture and mix well.
4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Royal Icing Ingredients:

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp meringue powder
• 6-8 tbsp warm water
• Gel food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, and beat on medium speed until icing forms stiff peaks (about 7-10 minutes).
2. If using food coloring, divide icing into separate bowls and add gel food coloring to achieve desired colors.
3. Transfer icing to piping bags or squeeze bottles and decorate cooled cookies as desired. Allow icing to set before serving or packaging.