Rolled Sugar Cookies & Royal Icing Recipe

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.

Royal Icing 


INGREDIENTS:
2 egg whites
4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
DIRECTIONS:
1. Beat egg whites lightly and add enough sugar to make icing that will hold shape. Blend in lemon juice to get desired consistency. Add your favorite colors and decorate.