Nice 'n' Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 egg
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-1/2 cups self-rising flour
• FROSTING:
• 2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 4 teaspoons meringue powder
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• Green, red and yellow food coloring

Directions

• In a large bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually add flour. Divide dough in half. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to 3/16-in. thickness. Cut with floured cookie cutters. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.
• Bake at 375° for 5-7 minutes or until set. Cool for 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough.
• For frosting, in a small bowl, beat the confectioners' sugar, water and meringue powder on low speed just until combined. Beat on high for 4 minutes or until soft peaks form. Add corn syrup; beat 1 minute longer.
• Tint with food coloring of your choice. Cover frosting with damp paper towels or plastic wrap between uses. Spread and/or pipe frosting on cookies. Let stand until set. Yield: 3-1/2 dozen.
  
  Editor’s Note: As a substitute for each cup of self-rising flour, place 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a measuring cup. Add all-purpose flour to measure 1 cup. As a substitute for each 1/2 cup of self-rising flour, place 3/4 teaspoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a 1/2-cup measuring cup. Add all-purpose flour to measure 1/2 cup.
• Meringue powder is available from Wilton Industries. Call 1-800/794-5866 or visit wilton.com.

Nice 'n' Soft Sugar Cookies published in Taste of Home December/January 2008, p7