Ingredients

• All-purpose flour - 2 ¾ cups
• Baking powder - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - ½ teaspoon
• Unsalted butter - 1 cup (2 sticks), softened
• Granulated sugar - 1 cup
• Egg - 1 large
• Vanilla extract - 2 teaspoons
• Confectioners' sugar - 2 cups
• Egg whites - 2 large
• Lemon juice - 2 teaspoons

Instructions

1. 1.

   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. 2.

   In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. 3.

   In a separate bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. 4.

   Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.

5. 5.

   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.

6. 6.

   Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.

7. 7.

   Cut the dough into shapes using cookie cutters and place on prepared baking sheets.

8. 8.

   Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely.

9. 9.

   For the royal icing, beat confectioners' sugar, egg whites, and lemon juice until smooth.

10. 10.

    Decorate the cooled cookies with the royal icing and allow to set.

Nutritional Facts