Sugar Cookies and Royal Frosting

Cookies

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 3oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

In a large bowl cream the sugar, butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk and extracts

Combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the butter mixture.

Cover and chill for 3 hours, until dough is easy to roll.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to about 1/8 inch. Cut out and bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes, until edges are starting to lightly brown.

Cool completely before decorating.

 

Easy Royal Icing

  • 3 3/4 – 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder (also found as powdered egg whites)
  • 5-6 tablespoons warm water
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Beat with a mixer on medium speed until well blended and peaks form. This recipe makes about 3 cups of icing, which is more than enough to decorate a double batch of cookies.