# What You Need:
→ Sugar Cookies
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, optional
→ Green Royal Icing
09 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
10 - 2 tablespoons meringue powder
11 - 3 to 4 tablespoons water, room temperature
12 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - Green gel food coloring
# Steps:
01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
03 - Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together.
05 - Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
06 - Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shamrock shapes using a cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared sheets.
08 - Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are just beginning to golden. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - In a bowl, combine powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add water and vanilla, then beat with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth and glossy, 5 to 7 minutes.
10 - Add green gel food coloring and mix until desired shade is achieved.
11 - Transfer icing to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Outline and flood the cooled cookies. Allow icing to set for at least 1 hour before serving.
