# What You'll Need:
→ Sugar Cookies
01 - 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 0.25 teaspoon salt
04 - 0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 - 0.5 teaspoon almond extract
→ Royal Icing
09 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
10 - 2 large egg whites or 4 tablespoons meringue powder plus 6 tablespoons water
11 - 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract or lemon juice
12 - Green gel food coloring
→ Decorating
13 - Sprinkles or edible glitter
# Directions:
01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed mixture and mix until combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated without overmixing.
05 - Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to 0.25-inch thickness. Cut out shamrock shapes using a cookie cutter and place on prepared baking sheets.
08 - Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until edges are just beginning to turn golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - In a large bowl, beat together powdered sugar, egg whites or meringue powder mixture, and vanilla or lemon juice until stiff peaks form and the icing is glossy, approximately 5 minutes.
10 - Divide icing into bowls and tint with green gel food coloring to desired intensity.
11 - Transfer icing to piping bags fitted with small round tips. Outline and flood cooled cookies. Decorate with sprinkles or edible glitter if desired. Allow icing to set for at least 1 hour before serving or packaging.
