🍁 Leaf-Shaped Royal Icing Cookies (Elegant Autumn) – Cozy Baking for Thanksgiving Platters

Ingredients

• • 2 ⅞ cups all-purpose flour
• • ⅞ tsp baking powder
• • ⅞ tsp salt
• • 1 ⅞ cup unsalted butter, softened
• • ⅞ cup granulated sugar
• • 1 ⅞ large egg
• • 1 ⅞ tsp vanilla extract
• • 4-6 tbsp milk
• • 1 ⅞ cup confectioners' sugar
• • 1-2 tbsp meringue powder
• • ⅞ tsp cream of tartar
• • Food coloring (green, red, orange)

Instructions

1. 1

   In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing well. Gradually add dry ingredients and 4 tbsp milk to form a soft dough. Chill for 30 minutes.

2. 2

   Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with leaf-shaped cutters. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Chill cutouts for 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on wire racks.

4. 4

   In a bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, meringue powder, and cream of tartar. Add 2-3 tbsp water, mixing to form a smooth, thick icing. Divide into separate bowls for coloring.

5. 5

   Starting with the darkest green, pipe a base layer on each cookie. While still wet, add lighter green strokes for shading. Finish with red/orange tips at leaf edges for autumn effect. Let dry overnight.