Snowflake Shortbread Cookies

By ezunich

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• Parchment paper
• Royal Icing
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp meringue powder
• 1/4 cup cold water
• Sparkling sugar

Details

Servings 8

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat oven to 325°. Beat butter at medium speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well.

2. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended.

3. Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut with a 2-inch snowflake-shaped cutter, and place 1 inch apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.

4. Bake at 325° for 11 to 13 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 5 minutes. Transfer to wire racks, and cool completely (about 40 minutes). Decorate with Royal Icing, and sprinkle with sparkling sugar.

Royal Icing

Beat all ingredients at high speed using a whisk attachment until glossy, stiff peaks form. Place a damp cloth directly on surface of icing (to prevent a crust from forming) while icing cookies.