# 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
→ Green Royal Icing
09 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
10 - 2 tablespoons meringue powder
11 - 3 to 4 tablespoons water, room temperature
12 - 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - Green gel food coloring to taste
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set mixture 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 until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together.
05 - Divide the 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.
08 - Cut out shamrock shapes using a cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
09 - Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Combine powdered sugar and meringue powder in a bowl. Add water and vanilla, then beat with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth and glossy, 5 to 7 minutes.
11 - Add green gel food coloring and mix until desired shade is reached.
12 - 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.
