Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large (50g) egg
  • 2 tsp (10ml) vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp (5g) baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) meringue powder
  • 6 tbsp (90ml) warm water
  • Gel food coloring

Instructions:

  1. Beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
  2. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  3. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add to the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
  4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough to 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness.
  6. Press graduation cutters firmly into the dough and transfer to a parchment-lined sheet.
  7. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are barely golden.
  8. Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  9. Prepare royal icing by mixing powdered sugar, meringue powder, and warm water; add gel food coloring as desired.