Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Food coloring and edible paint for decoration
- Royal icing for outlining and detailing
- Gel food coloring for painting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until dough forms.
- Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Use a joker or smiley face cookie cutter to shape cookies.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating.
- Outline the faces with royal icing in black and let dry.
- Use edible paints and gel food colors to add vibrant and whimsical facial features, ensuring each design is dry before handling.
Notes
- Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Ensure royal icing and paint are completely dry before stacking or serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and Decorating
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 2 grams
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
