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Floral Butter Cookies with Royal Icing

Delightful soft and buttery cookies topped with royal icing, perfect for any occasion to bring a touch of whimsy and elegance.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 100
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Provides the perfect amount of structure.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Enhances richness.
  • 1 cup sugar Balances the buttery goodness.
  • 1 large egg Binds the ingredients together.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Elevates the flavor profile.
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional) Adds a hint of nuttiness.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness.
For the Royal Icing
  • 1 egg white or 2 tablespoons meringue powder Essential for icing consistency.
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar Contributes to perfect texture and sweetness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice Adds acidity to the icing.
  • to taste food coloring For decoration.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
  5. Gradually sift in the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  6. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut out floral shapes.
Baking
  1. Place the cookie shapes on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
  2. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Icing
  1. Whisk the egg white (or meringue powder) with lemon juice until soft peaks form.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to whisk until stiff peaks form.
  3. Divide the icing and add food coloring as desired.
  4. Once cookies are cool, decorate with royal icing.
  5. Allow the decorated cookies to sit until the icing sets.

Notes

Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before cutting shapes for extra crunch. Experiment with different flavored extracts and use edible glitters for decoration.