# What's Needed:
→ Sugar cookies
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
04 - 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 - Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
→ Star royal icing
09 - 2 cups sifted powdered sugar
10 - 2 tablespoons meringue powder
11 - 3 to 4 tablespoons warm water, divided
12 - Gel food coloring in yellow, gold and other desired tones
13 - Edible glitter or gold sugar pearls (optional)
# How To Make It:
01 - Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl until evenly combined; set aside.
02 - Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
03 - Add the egg, vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using); mix on low until fully incorporated and smooth.
04 - Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until a cohesive dough forms; avoid overworking.
05 - Divide the dough into two disks, wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up for easier rolling.
06 - Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll one disk of dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut shapes with star or Gemini cutters and transfer cutouts to prepared sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
08 - Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just golden. Allow them to cool on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - In a bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, meringue powder and 3 tablespoons warm water; whisk until smooth. Add additional water, a teaspoon at a time, to reach a piping consistency.
10 - Divide the icing and tint with gel colors as desired. Use piping bags with small round tips to pipe stars, zodiac motifs and accents. Garnish with edible glitter or sugar pearls and let the icing set completely before handling or packaging.
