# Ingredients list:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 - 1/4 teaspoon almond extract, optional
09 - Blue gel food coloring, a few drops to desired shade
→ Royal Icing
10 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
12 - 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
13 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
14 - Blue gel food coloring, a few drops to desired shade
→ Speckling
15 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
16 - 2 to 3 teaspoons water
17 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
# Steps:
01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine salt until evenly blended.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
03 - Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Mix until thoroughly combined.
04 - Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a cohesive dough forms.
05 - Add a few drops of blue gel food coloring to achieve a gentle blue hue, mixing gently to avoid overworking the dough.
06 - Divide the dough in half, flatten each portion into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
07 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
08 - On a lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use oval or egg-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
09 - Arrange cookies 1 inch apart on prepared sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until edges are set but not browned. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
10 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable. Tint icing pale blue with gel coloring.
11 - Spread or pipe royal icing onto cooled cookies using an offset spatula or piping bag. Allow to set for 15 minutes.
12 - Mix unsweetened cocoa powder with water and vanilla extract until thin and smooth. Dip a food-safe paintbrush or clean toothbrush in the mixture, then flick bristles over the cookies to create speckled effect. Protect your work area during this step.
13 - Allow decorated cookies to dry completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.
