Beautiful Dove-Shaped Sugar Cookies
Whip up a batch of these delightful dove-shaped sugar cookies that are perfect for any celebration! Sweet, simple, and stunning, theyre sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 tsp almond extract optional
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 egg white or 2 tbsp meringue powder
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract for icing
– A few teaspoons of water
– Gel food coloring optional
Instructions:
1. Begin by refrigerating the cookie dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it is light, fluffy, and well combined.
3. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using until everything is nicely blended.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Divide the dough into two equal disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and place them in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
6. Preheat your oven to 350F 175C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a dove-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake the cookies for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Once done, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
9. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the royal icing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, egg white or meringue powder, and vanilla extract.
10. Gradually add water, a little at a time, until the icing reaches a thick yet pipeable consistency.
11. If youd like, divide the icing into bowls and mix in food coloring to match your decorating theme.
12. Once the cookies have cooled, take the royal icing and gently outline the edges of the dove shapes. Fill in the centers with a different color, and use a piping bag or toothpick to add details such as wings or feathers.
13. Allow the icing to dry completely before serving or packaging these lovely treats.
Nutritional Information: Each cookie provides approximately 150 calories, 7g fat, 20g carbohydrates, 1g protein, and 8g sugar.
Time: Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Chilling time: 1 hour