Source: https://ohioeggs.com/recipes/christmas-sugar-cookies-with-royal-icing/

Christmas Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

These Christmas Sugar Cookies by Nicole Volk are perfect for your holiday gathering.

grocery Prep: 20min

timer Cook: 10min

restaurant 3 dozen

6 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 cups granulated sugar

2 eggs, at room temperature

2 tsp almond extract

For royal icing:

6 tbsp meringue powder

8 cups (2 pounds) powdered sugar

10 tbsp warm water

1 tbsp clear vanilla extract

Add flour to a bowl, whisk in salt, and set aside.
Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Beat butter until smooth and lighter in color (approximately 3 minutes).
Add sugar to butter and cream until light and fluffy (approximately 2-3 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time and mix to incorporate. Add almond extract and mix well.
Slowly add dry ingredients (may need to add in batches). Mix on low speed until just combined. Scrape sides of bowl between batches.
Roll dough to ¼” thickness between two sheets of parchment paper and chill until firm.
Cut out chilled cookies to desired shape.
Bake for 18-22 minutes at 350 degrees F until sides are lightly golden brown. Baking time depends on oven and cookie size; make sure to keep an eye on cookies so as not to overcook.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure cookies are completely cool before decorating.

For royal icing:

Use a stand mixer with a whisk attachment. Add all ingredients.
Beat all ingredients together until icing forms stiff peaks (7-10 minutes on medium speed using a stand mixer with whisk attachment).
Add additional water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
Keep covered when not in use.