CHRISTMAS TREE ROYAL ICING RECIPES

Steps:

• SUGAR COOKIE RECIPE FOR EASY REFERENCE:
• Cream sugar and butter together until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well between each addition. Add vanilla and mix well. In a separate bowl, combine salt, baking powder and flour; gradually add to creamed mixture. Mix well. 2. Roll out on floured surface. Cut into shapes. 3. Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes.
• ROYAL FROSTING RECIPE:
• Lightly combine powdered sugar and meringue powder. In measuring cup, combine water and vanilla. add water mixture to powdered sugar mixture and mix with electric mixer until you have stiff peaks.

Steps:

• To make the cookies - in a large bowl, beat butter and next 3 ingredients at medium speed with a mixer until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each additon.
• In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture, beating until combined. Cover dough with plastic and chill for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• On lightly flour surface roll dough to 1/4" thickness. Cut dough with desired cutters. Reroll dough scraps and cut out cookies until all dough has been used.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Let cool on pans for 2 miutes and then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
• To make Royal Icing - In a small bowl, whisk water and meringue powder until foamy. Gradually add confectioners sugar, whisking until smooth. Divide into small bowls and tint with food coloring pastes, stirring to achieve desired colors.
• Decorate cookes as desired with Royal Icing, dragees and sugar sprinkles.
• Store in airtight containers for up to 1 week.