# What You 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)
# How To Make It:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
02 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
03 - Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just incorporated to avoid overworking the dough.
05 - Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, 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 1/4-inch thickness. Use a seashell cookie cutter to cut shapes.
08 - Place cut cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets to allow for slight expansion during baking.
09 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are just starting to turn golden. Transfer to wire racks and cool completely.
10 - Combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water in a bowl. Beat until stiff peaks form, adjusting consistency with water as needed.
11 - Divide icing into separate bowls and tint with gel food coloring. Decorate cooled cookies with colored icing, add edible pearl sprinkles and optional shimmer dust. Allow to set before serving.
