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Decorated holiday cookie platters Recipe

American · Dessert · 72 min total

Create a stunning assortment of festive cookies, from gingerbread men to sugar cookies, all beautifully decorated with royal icing and sprinkles. Perfect for gifting or holiday parties.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons meringue powder
• 6-8 tablespoons water
• Assorted food coloring gels
• Assorted sprinkles, nonpareils, and edible glitter

Instructions

1. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out dough on floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets, 1 inch apart.
3. Bake for 8-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
4. For royal icing: In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add water and beat on low speed until combined, then beat on high for 5-7 minutes until stiff peaks form. Adjust consistency with more water (for flooding) or more powdered sugar (for piping).
5. Divide icing into small bowls and tint with food coloring. Transfer to piping bags fitted with small round tips or use squeeze bottles.
6. Outline cookies with thicker icing, then flood with thinner icing. Use a toothpick to spread icing into corners. Add sprinkles or glitter while icing is wet. Let dry at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Arrange cookies on platters, grouping by color or theme. Add decorative elements like edible gold leaf or candy canes for extra flair.

Tips

• Store decorated cookies in a single layer in airtight containers, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to 2 weeks.
• For a shiny finish, brush cookies with edible luster dust after icing dries.
• If giving as gifts, arrange cookies in gift boxes lined with tissue paper.

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