Hy-Vee Recipes and Ideas

Directions

1. Step1

   Add 1/4 cup butter to a small sauce pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until butter begins to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Once butter has reached a light amber-brown color and smells nutty, remove from heat and place into a shallow bowl. Set in the refrigerator, 10 minutes, to cool.

2. Step2

   In a large bowl, combine cooled brown butter and softened butter on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and granulated sugar and beat for 1 minute more. Mix in egg and vanilla and stir until combined.

3. Step3

   In a separate bowl, sift together baking powder and all-purpose flour; set aside.

4. Step4

   Slowly mix in flour, a bit at a time until incorporated. Divide dough in half. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes or until easy to handle.

5. Step5

   Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

6. Step6

   On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using a 3-inch cookie cutter, cut into desired shapes. Place 1-inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough.

7. Step7

   Bake for 7 minutes, or until edges are firms and bottoms are lightly browned. Transfer cookies to wire racks and let cool. 

8. Step8

   To make Royal Icing, in a large mixing bowl, stir together powdered sugar, meringue powder, cream of tartar, and warm water. Beat with electric mixer on LOW speed until combined. Beat on HIGH speed for 7 to 10 minutes until icing is very stiff. Tint Royal Icing with Hy-Vee food coloring, if desired.

   Hyvee Culinary Expert Tip

   When working with royal icing, keep it covered with a damp paper towel when you're not using it. This will prevent it from drying out.

   Hy-Vee Test Kitchen

9. Step9

   Using a piping bag or a knife, frost each cookie with royal icing.