Description
These adorable decorated stocking cookies are perfect for creating festive cookie bouquets or beautifully iced cookies for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened (or ½ cup butter and ½ cup Crisco shortening)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 cups powdered sugar (for royal icing)
- ½ cup meringue powder (Chefmaster Deluxe)
- 2 teaspoons almond extract (or vanilla extract)
- 1 ⅓ cups room-temperature or slightly warm water
Instructions
- Cream together the sugar and butter (or butter and shortening combination) until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extract.
- Add baking powder, salt, and flour; mix until dough forms.
- Roll dough immediately on a floured surface (no chilling needed).
- Cut into shapes using cookie cutters, aiming for cookies about ¼ inch thick.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, until the tops remain pale with only light color underneath.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before icing.
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine powdered sugar and meringue powder for royal icing.
- Add extract and water, then beat until icing is thick and resembles school glue.
- Divide icing into bowls and tint with food coloring as desired. Keep covered to prevent crusting; stir if icing starts to dry.
- Transfer icing to piping bags or squeeze bottles with fine tips (#2 or #3).
- Outline each cookie and flood the inside with icing.
- Let the icing harden slightly before adding additional decorations.
- To make hearts, pipe dots around the edge then drag a toothpick through each dot.
- Let cookies dry overnight before storing in an airtight container. Cookies can be frozen.
Notes
For smoother edges, roll the dough evenly to about ¼ inch thick. Always let cookies cool fully before icing to prevent melting. Keep royal icing covered when not in use to prevent crusting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American