Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

• servings: 4 servings
• active time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• total time: 4 hours

Ingredients

1 c. (2 sticks) plus 5 Tbsp. salted butter, softened

1 1/2 c. granulated sugar

Grated zest of 1 orange

2 large eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

4 c. all-purpose flour

1 tbsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

2 tbsp. whole milk

4 c. (1 lb.) powdered sugar, sifted

3 pasteurized egg whites

1 tsp. lemon juice

Gel food coloring (optional)

Directions

For the cookies: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, granulated sugar, and orange zest. Beat on medium speed until smooth, then add the eggs and vanilla. Beat again, scraping down the sides of the bowl halfway through. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt into a separate large bowl. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until the dough comes together.

Divide the dough in half, then flatten both halves into disks and place them in separate resealable plastic bags. Refrigerate the dough until firm, about 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out both pieces of dough until about 1/4 inch thick and cut out as many cookies as you can with cookie cutters. Place the cookies on the baking sheets and bake until they’re just set but not browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes on the baking sheets, then remove to racks to cool completely before decorating.

For the royal icing: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the powdered sugar, egg whites, and lemon juice. Beat on low speed until combined, then increase to medium and mix until stiff peaks form, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Use immediately or cover with plastic wrap to keep a crust from forming. If desired, divide the icing and tint with gel food coloring. The consistency can be thinned with a little water, if needed, to flood cookies.

Nutrition

• Calories: 149
• Total Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 21 mg
• Sodium: 89 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0 g
• Total Sugars: 16 g
• Protein: 2 g