# What You'll Need:
→ Sugar Cookies
01 - 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 0.25 teaspoon salt
04 - 0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 0.5 teaspoon almond extract, optional
→ Green Royal Icing
09 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
10 - 2 tablespoons meringue powder
11 - 3 to 4 tablespoons room temperature water
12 - 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - Green gel food coloring
# Directions:
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 dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until dough comes together.
05 - Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 0.25-inch thickness. Cut out shamrock shapes using a cookie cutter and place 1 inch apart on prepared sheets.
08 - Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges just begin to golden. Cool on pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Combine powdered sugar and meringue powder in a bowl. Add water and vanilla extract, then beat with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth and glossy, 5 to 7 minutes.
10 - Add green gel food coloring to royal icing 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.
