# What You'll Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Royal Icing & Decorations
08 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
09 - 1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder
10 - 3 tablespoons water, plus more as needed
11 - Gel food coloring: pastel pink, lavender, turquoise, teal
12 - Edible pearl sprinkles
13 - Edible shimmer dust (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; set aside.
02 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
03 - Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture; beat until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated without overworking.
05 - Divide dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - Roll chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness. Use a seashell cookie cutter to cut shapes.
08 - Position cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
09 - Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are faintly golden. Transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.
10 - Whisk powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until stiff peaks form. Divide icing and tint with selected gel colors.
11 - Apply royal icing to cooled cookies; embellish with edible pearl sprinkles and optional shimmer dust. Allow icing to set before serving.
