simply adorable sugar & gingerbread cookies

How To Make simply adorable sugar & gingerbread cookies

• Step 1
  DIRECTIONS FOR THE SUGAR or VANILLA CUTOUT COOKIES: Sugar cookies make 31- 2 1/2" full heart shaped cookies & Gingerbread makes 35 partial heart shaped cookies, like for bikini cookies.
• Step 2
  Cream together in large bowl, the butter, sugar, eggs & vanilla.
• Step 3
  In another bowl, stir together the flour baking powder, & salt.
• Step 4
  Add to butter mixture, mixing until well blended.
• Step 5
  Divide dough in half. Cover & refrigerate 1-2 hours or until firm enough to handle.
• Step 6
  Heat oven to 400°.
• 
  Step 7
  On lightly floured surface,roll each half of the dough to about 1/4" thick. Note: I use the large paint stirrers you get with a can of paint as a guide for thickness. Works perfect.
• 
  Step 8
  Cut into shape, using 2 1/2" cookie cutters.
• Step 9
  Place on ungreased cookie sheets. (If using sprinkles or candies, put on now.) Note: I use the air bake cookie sheets.
• Step 10
  Bake 6-8 minutes or until edges are firm & bottoms are lightly browned.
• Step 11
  Let rest on cookie sheet about 5 minutes, then place on wire rack to cool.
• Step 12
  If using icing, decorate now.
• Step 13
  FOR THE GINGERBREAD COOKIES: Follow the link & do as directed.
• Step 14
  FOR THE ROYAL ICING:
• Step 15
  In a medium bowl, using hand mixer, beat the egg whites & lemon juice just until combined.
• Step 16
  Add the sifted powdered sugar & beat on low speed until combined & smooth. *Use the (+ or -) if you want it thinner for spreading or thicker for piping. If you need to thicken it, add more powdered sugar. If you need to thin it, add more egg white, not lemon juice, it becomes powdery when dry. (Don't ask me how I know.)
• Step 17
  The icing needs to be used immediately or transferred to an airtight container, as royal icing hardens when exposed to air.
• Step 18
  Do not place royal icing in the fridge either.
• Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!