My Favorite Cookie Recipe

I often have people ask me for my sugar cookie recipe and my frosting recipe.

This  is my favorite so far and turns out every single time.  It came with this set of Wilton cookie cutters.  


The funny thing is that I have never actually made that tree :)  I think Mom has the same set and has tried it out a few times.

So while my blogging friends are posting menu plans and delicious fall soups, I only have cookie recipes to offer.  How's that for a poor palate Lauren?


Sugar Cookies
3/4 cup butter
3/4 sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 3/4 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 400. Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Add baking powder flour and salt, one cup at a time mixing well after each addition. The dough will be stiff. Divide dough into two balls and work with only one at a time. Do not refrigerate dough.

Roll out to 1/4 inch thick and cut out cookies. Bake on top rack of the oven for 6-7 minutes. Let cool slightly and remove from cookie sheet.

Royal Icing
3 level tablespoons Wilton Meringue Powder Mix
(I actually use 3 egg whites)
4 cups powdered sugar
5-6 tablespoons water

Beat all ingredients at medium speed for 7-10 minutes until icing can form peaks. This icing can be stored in an airtight container and re whipped before using. Yields 3 cups.

Icing can be colored. I use a a small squeeze bottle with a very small #1 tip to pipe onto cookies. For multiple layers of frosting, let first layer dry overnight. Cookies can be frozen after frosting is dry. 2-3 weeks max.