Ingredients
For the dough:
2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour.
½ teaspoon baking soda.
½ teaspoon salt.
1 cup (200 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature.
1 cup unrefined cane sugar.
1 large egg.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional).
For decoration:
Royal icing:
2 egg whites or 2 tablespoons meringue powder.
3 cups sifted cane sugar.
1 teaspoon lemon juice.
Red, green, white, and yellow food coloring.
Sprinkles and edible pearls for decoration.
Instructions
Prepare the dough:
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and cane sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix well.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth dough forms.
Chill the dough:
Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (this makes it easier to handle).
Shape the cookies:
Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 0.5 cm thickness.
Use cookie cutters in the shapes of boots, houses, stars, trees, and Santa Claus to cut the cookies.
Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake:
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the royal icing:
In a bowl, beat the egg whites or meringue powder with the sifted cane sugar and lemon juice until the icing is smooth and thick.
Divide the icing into several bowls and tint each one with the desired food coloring.
Decorate the cookies:
Use piping bags or plastic bags with fine nozzles to decorate the cookies with the icing.
Add sprinkles or edible pearls for a festive finishing touch.
Additional Tip:
Allow the decorated cookies to dry completely before storing them in an airtight container. These cookies are perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings.
