The Best Sugar Cookies (perfect for Decorating)

Ingredients

For The cookies:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For The Icing (Optional):

• 2 large egg whites
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 cups icing sugar sifted
• Red green and royal blue food coloring gel

Instructions

Cookies:

1. Whisk together the flour & baking powder in a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl beat the butter and sugar until light using a hand mixer (or stand mixer), about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat further until combined.
4. Finally, add the flour and beat until you get a soft smooth dough.
5. Divide it in half, cover with plastic and freeze for 10 minutes or until firm.
6. Preheat your oven to 350 F & Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 –in. thick.
8. Cut out desired shapes using cookie cutters and place on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes (depends on the size of your cookies). Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheets for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
10. Decorate cookies with icing if desired.

Icing.

11. In a large bowl beat egg whites with lemon juice using a hand mixer.
12. Add the sugar and beat until smooth and thick.
13. If it is too runny, add more sugar. And if it is too thick to your liking, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk.
14. Add the food coloring of your choice.
15. Decorate cookie immediately.