Christmas Sugar Cookies

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter

  (softened)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs

  (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons meringue powder
• 5 tablespoons water

Instructions

• 1 In a large mixing bowl, using a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar
  until smooth and fluffy.
  
• 2 Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and almond extract. Stir in the flour, baking powder,
  and salt. Mix until combined thoroughly. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl
  with a rubber spatula occasionally.
  
• 3 Place the cookie dough into a large zip-style bag and chill in the refrigerator
  for 1 hour or overnight.
• 4 Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured work
  surface to about ¼-inch thick. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Place the
  cookies carefully onto parchment lined half sheet pans, leaving a little space
  for them to expand.
• 5 Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Cool completely before
  decorating.
• 6 In a large mixing bowl of a stand mixer, beat all ingredients at medium speed
  until icing forms peaks and loses its sheen, 7-10 minutes.
  
• 7 If peaks are not forming, increase the mixer speed and continue to beat. To
  prevent drying, cover the bowl with a damp cloth while working with icing.
  

Nutrition Info