Ingredients
For the Cookies:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds amazing flavor)
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Royal Icing:
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2 cups powdered sugar
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1 ½–2 tablespoons meringue powder
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2–3 tablespoons warm water
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Gel food coloring (optional)
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Sprinkles, edible glitter, etc.
Instructions
1. Make the dough:
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Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
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Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Gradually add dry ingredients to wet until dough forms.
2. Chill the dough:
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Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
3. Roll & cut:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
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Cut with festive cookie cutters (trees, stars, candy canes, etc.).
4. Bake:
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Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until edges begin to turn golden.
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Cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
🎨 Make the Royal Icing:
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Mix powdered sugar, meringue powder, and warm water until smooth (about 5 minutes on medium speed if using a mixer).
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Add more water to thin or more sugar to thicken.
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Divide and tint with gel food coloring.
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Pipe or spread onto cookies and add sprinkles before it sets.