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