Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter (preferably Kerrygold)
- 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar (for cookie dough)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (freshly stirred)
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (recommended King Arthur)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup cream of tartar
- 4 large egg whites (room temperature for optimal peaks)
- 1/2 cup vanilla extract (for icing)
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (for icing)
- 5 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sifted for a smooth texture)
- Red food coloring (for decorating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
- Cream butter and sugar, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Add egg to the mixture and incorporate dry ingredients slowly.
- Knead the dough gently for about 1 minute.
- Roll out to 1/2 inch thick and cut into lip shapes.
- Bake for about 8 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool cookies on a wire rack.
- Prepare royal icing using egg whites, cream of tartar, and vanilla extract.
- Add powdered sugar to icing to achieve thickness.
- Divide and color icing as desired.
- Decorate cookies and let dry overnight.
- Repeat decoration on the bottoms of cookies.
- Pipe final details with white icing after drying.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use room-temperature egg whites for better volume while whipping.
Sifting powdered sugar ensures a smooth icing finish.
Cool cookies completely before decorating to prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 30