PAINTED COOKIES

 

Contributed by Mary Jo Tansy

At Christmastime, Mary Jo would make these for her nursery students to decorate.

Sugar Cookies

Mix in first bowl:

• 4 c. sifted all purpose flour
• 1/2 t. salt
• 1/2 t. baking powder

Cream in large, second bowl:

• 1/2 lb (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature (defrost in microwave, if in a hurry)
• 2 c. sugar

Add to sugar mixture, one at a time until thoroughly mixed:

• 2 large eggs
• 2 t. vanilla extract (I use almond extract)

Fold in flour mixture, a cup at a time. Mix well and form into a loaf. Chill for about an hour. 

Roll out (about 1/3 of the recipe at a time) to 1/8 inch thickness and cut with cookie cutters of your choice. Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake at 400° for 8-12 minutes. 

Remove from oven and let stand about 3 minutes before moving to cooling rack. Store in a sealed container when completely cool. Makes 3-4 dozen cookies.

Royal Icing

Mix together:

• 1 pound confectioners (powdered) sugar
• 4 T. powdered egg whites
• 1/2 c. water

Food coloring as desired - or use unsweetened, powdered Kool-Aid for color and flavor.

Adjust the amount of water to get the desired consistency. Use new or very clean craft paintbrushes to ice cookies. The icing dries hard in about an hour.