# What You'll Need:
→ Cookies
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Royal Icing
08 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
09 - 1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder
10 - 3 to 4 tablespoons warm water
11 - Gel food coloring (various colors)
→ Decorations
12 - Assorted sprinkles
13 - Edible pearls
14 - Piping bags and small round tips
# How To Make It:
01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Add the large egg and pure vanilla extract to the creamed mixture; beat until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing only until dough forms.
05 - Divide dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into heart and star shapes using cookie cutters.
08 - Place cut cookies on prepared sheets, spacing 1 inch apart.
09 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on sheets 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
10 - Combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and 3 tablespoons warm water in a bowl. Beat until smooth and glossy, adding water to achieve piping consistency.
11 - Divide icing into separate bowls, tint each with gel food coloring, fill piping bags, outline and flood cooled cookies, then pipe bow designs and decorate with sprinkles and edible pearls.
12 - Allow decorated cookies to dry completely before serving or packaging, ideally overnight.
