Christmas Sugar Cookies

On the weekend, I had plans to do a lot of baking.... and it just didn't happen like I planned. A lot of things came up and so I'm left with a bunch of un-iced sugar cookies. Well, they've been taunting me. So, late last night, I sent messages to a few friends who have asked me if I could show them how to do "flooding" with royal icing and invited them over.

I enjoy decorating sugar cookies, but I am by no means a pro at it. I cut corners and I don't do a thicker outline. I'm lazy in that regard. If you want to see some nice cookies, check out this website.

Anyways, we had a good time. We decorated a few cookies.
Here's a little look at some of the cookies I decorated...

Well, I know some of you would like recipes. Yes?

Here's my favorite sugar cookie recipe. It's the recipe my Mom used to make when I was little...

SUGAR COOKIES
Cream together
1 c. margarine or butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
Sift together and then add
3 1/2 c. flour
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda

Mix together well. Form ball and leave in the fridge for 1 hour (to be honest, I never do this, but that's what the recipe says to do... it's up to you).
Bake at 350F for 8-10 minutes. Personally, I like a softer cookie, so I tend to bake mine for 7. 8 or more will give you a more crispy cookie, which is good if you're wanting to bake them on sticks or anything like that.


ROYAL ICING
4 c. icing sugar
3 Tbsp. meringue powder
5-6 Tbsp. water.
Mix together and beat until it starts to loose it's sheen.
Divide and mix into colors. If you're wanting to flood cookies, mix in water a little at a time until you can drizzle some icing off your spoon and it disappears after 7 seconds or so. I know, not very specific, but if you're one of my friends who was here and watched me do it, you'll know what I'm talking about. If you don't, I apologize. Basically, you want it so that your icing is thick enough to stay in place and not run off your cookie, but thin enough that it will blend together and give you a nice smooth surface when you're done.

Well, it was fun. I'd love to hear if you make any yourself with your family.