# What You Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - ¾ teaspoon baking powder
03 - ½ teaspoon fine salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 - ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
09 - Blue gel food coloring, as needed for desired shade
→ Royal Icing
10 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2–3 tablespoons milk
12 - 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
13 - ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
14 - Blue gel food coloring, as needed for desired shade
→ Speckling
15 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
16 - 2–3 teaspoons water
17 - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
# Directions:
01 - Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl; whisk thoroughly to incorporate.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 2–3 minutes using an electric mixer.
03 - Add the egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract to the butter mixture; mix until uniformly combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until all components are integrated.
05 - Add a few drops of blue gel food coloring and gently mix until a pale blue color is achieved, avoiding overworking the dough.
06 - Divide dough evenly, press each half into a flat disc, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
07 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
08 - On a lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough to ¼ inch thickness. Cut using oval or egg-shaped cookie cutters.
09 - Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared sheets. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set but not browned.
10 - Let cookies rest 5 minutes on baking sheets, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
11 - In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla until smooth and spreadable. Tint with blue gel food coloring as desired.
12 - Spread or pipe the royal icing onto fully cooled cookies. Allow icing to set for 15 minutes.
13 - Mix cocoa powder, water, and vanilla until smooth and fluid. Dip a clean, stiff food-safe brush into the mix, then flick over iced cookies to create decorative speckles.
14 - Let decorated cookies dry completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.
