Sugar Cookies with Edible Paint Icing

Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar (I added about 1/2 cup more)
2 large eggs (at room temp.)
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tsp. almond extract
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
Garnish: sugar pearls or sparkling sugar


Directions:
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Beat in eggs, vanilla and almond extract until combined.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to sugar mixutre, beating until smooth. Wrap dough in heavy-duty plastic wrap, and refrigerate 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with assorted cookie cutters and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Chill cut out cookie dough 15 minutes. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are very lightly browned. Let cool for 2 minutes on baking sheet. Remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks. Paint cookies with Edible Paint Icing. Garnish with sugar pearls and sparkling sugar, if desired.


Edible Paint Icing:
1/4 cup cold water
3 Tbls. meringue powder
2 cups confectioner's sugar
food coloring, optional


In a medium bowl, combine water and meringue powder, whisk until foamy. Whisk in confectioner's sugar until smooth. Add food coloring, if desired. Used immediately

Recipe courtesy of www.ourbestbites.com.