TRAIN COOKIES DECORATED RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375°F. Print and cut out templates (template can be found under the Tips below) to use as guides for cutting train engines, box cars and cabooses, or have similarly shaped 3- to 4-inch cookie cutters ready.
• In medium bowl, stir cookie mix, butter, flour and egg until soft dough forms. On floured surface, roll dough 1/4 inch thick. Use sharp knife and templates, or use cookie cutters to cut 6 train engines, 6 box cars and 6 cabooses. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
• Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown around edges. Cool 5 minutes before removing from cookie sheet; cool completely.
• Decorate with icings and candies as desired. Arrange so each engine is followed by a box car and a caboose, making 6 trains. Let stand until set.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix with a fork.
• In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar with an electric hand mixer for 3-5 minutes, until the butter and sugar are fully combined, but before the mixture becomes fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla and beat to incorporate.
• Add the flour mixture and mix until just combined, but crumbly. Finish mixing with your hands until the dough comes together in a ball.
• Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Lightly flour the top of the dough and roll out to about ¼-inch thick. Use cookie cutters of your choice to punch out cookies. Place the cookie cut-outs on the prepared baking sheets.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, until lightly browned around the edges. Let cool completely.
• To make the royal icing: In a medium bowl, add the meringue powder to the powdered sugar. Whisk to combine. Add the vanilla and 4-6 tablespoons of water (depending on how runny or thick you’d like your icing.) Whisk until completely combined.
• Divide the icing into smaller bowls and add any desired gel food colors. Immediately transfer to piping bags, or cover with plastic wrap. Do not leave the icing uncovered, as it will develop a film. If this happens, add a small amount of water and whisk to incorporate.
• Decorate the cookies with royal icing as desired and let dry completely, at least 3-4 hours or overnight.
• Enjoy!