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Perfect Communion Cross Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Easy Royal Icing Recipe

communion cross cut-out sugar cookies - featured image
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These charming cross-shaped sugar cookies with smooth royal icing are perfect for communion celebrations. They are crisp yet tender, easy to make, and beautifully decorated for a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 large egg whites (or 4 tablespoons meringue powder mixed with ⅓ cup water)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough (15 minutes): In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes). Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until combined.
  2. Combine Ingredients (2-3 minutes): Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
  3. Chill the Dough (at least 1 hour): Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Alternatively, chill in the freezer for 30 minutes if pressed for time.
  4. Roll and Cut (10-15 minutes): Lightly flour work surface and rolling pin. Roll dough to about ¼-inch (6mm) thickness. Use cross cookie cutter to cut shapes and transfer to prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate cut shapes on sheet for 10 minutes before baking.
  5. Bake the Cookies (8-10 minutes at 350°F / 175°C): Bake until edges start to turn golden. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
  6. Prepare Royal Icing (10 minutes): Beat egg whites (or meringue powder mixture) with lemon juice until foamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Add food coloring if desired.
  7. Decorate (variable time): Transfer icing to piping bags with small round tips. Outline cookies and flood inside with thinner icing. Let each layer dry 30-60 minutes before adding details.
  8. Dry and Store: Allow decorated cookies to dry at room temperature for several hours or overnight. Store in airtight container between parchment layers.

Notes

[‘Chill dough to prevent spreading and maintain sharp edges.’, ‘Use rolling pin guides for even thickness.’, ‘Fresh butter and eggs improve flavor and texture.’, ‘Adjust royal icing consistency for outlining and flooding.’, ‘Practice piping on parchment paper if new to royal icing.’, ‘Humidity can affect icing drying time; use fan or AC to speed drying.’, ‘Sift powdered sugar to avoid gritty icing.’, ‘Add a touch more flour if dough feels sticky but avoid overdoing it.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: communion cookies, sugar cookies, royal icing, cut-out cookies, religious celebration, cross cookies, easy sugar cookies

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/perfect-communion-cross-cut-out-sugar-cookies-easy-royal-icing-recipe/