Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 3 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
• 2 tbsp meringue powder (for icing)

Instructions

1. 1

   Cream butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla.

2. 2

   Combine flour and baking powder; mix into the creamed mixture. Chill dough for 1 hour.

3. 3

   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out dough on floured surface to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.

4. 4

   Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Place on ungreased cookie sheets.

5. 5

   Bake 6 to 8 minutes (400°F / 200°C). Cool completely.

6. 6

   For icing: beat powdered sugar, meringue powder, and 5 tbsp water until stiff peaks form. Add more water if needed for consistency. Decorate cookies.