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Easy Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies: Best Turkey Royal Icing Recipe

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Soft, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies with a tender crumb that hold their shape for intricate turkey-themed royal icing decoration. A reliable, pantry-friendly recipe perfect for holiday baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 3–4 tablespoons warm water
  • 4–5 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • Gel food coloring

Instructions

  1. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale yellow. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  2. Reduce mixer speed to medium-low. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla and almond extracts, mixing until just combined.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until the dough just comes together into a cohesive ball. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide dough into two disks, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 3 days).
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes using a turkey-shaped cutter or standard cutters. Place on prepared sheets, leaving 1 inch between cookies.
  8. Bake one sheet at a time in the center of the oven for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Centers should look slightly soft.
  9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. In a clean, dry bowl, beat meringue powder and warm water on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until stiff peaks form. Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar, beating on low after each addition, then high for 2-3 minutes until glossy.
  11. Divide icing into small bowls and tint with gel food coloring. Transfer to piping bags fitted with small tips.
  12. Pipe turkey details onto cooled cookies. Allow icing to dry completely for 4-8 hours before stacking or serving.

Notes

Ensure butter is at room temperature but not melted to prevent spreading. Chill dough thoroughly to maintain shape. Use gel food coloring for royal icing to maintain consistency. Cookies must be completely cool before icing to prevent melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving cookies, sugar cookies, royal icing, turkey cookies, holiday baking, soft sugar cookies, easy dessert

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/easy-thanksgiving-sugar-cookies-best-turkey-royal-icing-recipe/