Sugar Cookies

with Royal Icing

Steve Parke

Makes 24 cookies

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup unsalted butter, slightly softened
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla or flavoring of choice
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
2. With an electric mixer or by hand with a wooden spoon, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients, then gradually incorporate into the butter mixture.
4. Transfer to a lightly floured board and roll out to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes and place on a baking sheet. Chill in the freezer for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Decorate with royal icing.