Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp (5ml) pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 tsp (3g) baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) salt
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tbsp (24g) meringue powder
  • 6 tbsp (90ml) warm water
  • Red gel food coloring
  • Gold gel food coloring

Instructions:

  1. Beat the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
  2. Gradually whisk in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low until a stiff dough forms.
  3. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to prevent the scrolls from losing their shape.
  4. On a floured surface, roll the dough to a consistent 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness.
  5. Use diploma cookie cutters or templates to carve out 12 diploma shapes.
  6. Place on parchment-lined sheets and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes. Remove the moment the edges are just barely golden.
  7. Let them rest on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.