# What You Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Royal Icing & Decorations
08 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
09 - 1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder
10 - 3 tablespoons water, plus more as needed
11 - Gel food coloring (pastel pink, lavender, turquoise, teal)
12 - Edible pearl sprinkles
13 - Edible shimmer dust (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
02 - Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
03 - Add egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and beat until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated without overworking the dough.
05 - Divide dough in half, shape each into a disc, wrap with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut shapes using a seashell cookie cutter.
08 - Place cookies on baking sheets spaced 1 inch apart.
09 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are just barely golden. Transfer to cooling racks and cool completely.
10 - Combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water in a bowl and beat until stiff peaks form. Divide and tint with gel food colors.
11 - Ice cooled cookies with royal icing and embellish with pearl sprinkles and optional shimmer dust. Allow icing to set before serving.
