Ingredients:

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 3 egg whites
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar
  • Food coloring (black, orange, green, purple)
  • Sprinkles (optional)
  • Edible glitter (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
  4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.
  5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  6. Divide the dough into two parts, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use halloween cookie cutters to cut out various shapes.
  8. Place the cut cookies onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
  10. In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and lemon juice or vinegar, beating until stiff peaks form.
  11. Divide the icing and color with food coloring as desired. Use a piping bag to decorate cookies, adding sprinkles or edible glitter.
  12. Allow the decorated cookies to sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours to harden before serving.