Decorated Cookies
These decorated cookies combine delicious flavors with artistic expression, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 each egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Icing & Decorations
- 3 to 4 cups confectioners' sugar (for icing)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles or other decorations (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients on a clean countertop. Ensure the butter is softened but not melted.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
Mixing
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until evenly incorporated.
- Gradually blend the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Shaping & Baking
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them a few inches apart.
- Gently flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass and sprinkle colored sugar on top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Cooling & Decorating
- Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Whip up icing with confectioners' sugar and water, adding food coloring if desired, then decorate the cooled cookies.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For best results, ensure icing is fully dried before stacking cookies.