Cookie Decorating

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookies:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the Frosting:

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons meringue powder
• 6 tablespoons warm water
• Food coloring (various colors)

Toppings & Decorations:

• Sprinkles (various colors and shapes)
• Colored sugar
• Mini chocolate chips
• Candy pearls
• M&Ms or other small candies
• Edible glitter

Instructions

Make the Cookies:

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
3. Add wet ingredients: Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract until combined.
4. Combine: Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Chill: Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Roll and cut: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut with cookie cutters.
7. Bake: Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
8. Cool completely: Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.

Make the Frosting:

1. Mix: Beat powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water on low speed for 7-10 minutes until stiff peaks form.
2. Divide and color: Divide frosting into bowls and add food coloring as desired.
3. Adjust consistency: For piping, use as is. For flooding, add water 1 teaspoon at a time until it's like honey.

Decorating Station Setup:

1. Set up individual decorating stations with cookies, frosting in piping bags or squeeze bottles, and various toppings.
2. Provide paper plates or parchment paper for each person's workspace.
3. Have fun and get creative!

Tips & Variations

• Make ahead: Bake cookies 1-2 days ahead and store in airtight containers.
• Time-saver: Use store-bought sugar cookie dough and frosting if short on time.
• Theme it: Choose cookie cutters based on season or holiday (hearts, stars, Christmas shapes, etc.).
• Competition: Have categories like "Most Creative," "Best Use of Color," or "Funniest Cookie."
• Easy frosting alternative: Use canned frosting tinted with food coloring.

Activity Ideas

• Turn it into a friendly competition with prizes for different categories
• Have everyone decorate cookies for someone else in the group
• Create themed cookies based on scripture stories or church topics
• Package decorated cookies to deliver to neighbors or ward members
• Take photos of everyone's creations before eating!