We are working on some special sugar cookies for the teacher's luncheon this week and wanted to share some tricks I have learned.
I have tried several sugar cookie recipes and this one I have found to be the best!
This is a large recipe to make four separate batches of cookies. This is great for the holidays if you want to make four types of cookies with one dough.
Martha Stewart's Sugar Cookie Recipe:
- 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
Directions
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, vanilla, and salt; mix on medium speed until combined. With mixer on low speed, add flour in 2 batches, mixing just until incorporated.
- Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Place each on a piece of plastic wrap; flatten into disks. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or up to 1 week.
Royal Icing:
Makes 2 1/3 cups
- 1 box confectioners' sugar (1 pound)
- 5 tablespoons meringue powder, or 2 large egg whites
Directions
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine sugar and meringue powder. Mixing on low speed, add a scant 1/2 cup water. For a thinner consistency, usually used for flooding, add more water. A thicker consistency is generally used for outlining and adding details. Mix until icing holds a ribbonlike trail on the surface of the mixture for 5 seconds when you raise the paddle.
I like to add half of a teaspoon of Almond extract to the icing so it has a nice smooth flavor and not so sugary.
Some tricks I have learned for decorating the cookies:
First, when you make the icing, you must make one that is thick enough for outlining the cookie. The other must be thin enough to flood the inside.
Wait a couple of minutes for it to dry and then add some water to the rest of your icing to thin it a bit. I like to put mine in a sqeeze bottle to flood a large area quick.
Then take a small stick to spread the icing.
Wait about 15 minutes before you add the final touches! Here is a little goodie box I made up for a friend.
Sugar cookies, macarons, chocolate peppermint bark and a little miniature bear from Michaels!
I think half of a gift is how it is presented. I tied this one with butter tulle and a fabric rose. Have a happy holiday season everyone!
Here's my happy little helper:
Recent Comments