# What You'll Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Royal Icing & Decorations
08 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
09 - 1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder
10 - 3 tablespoons water, plus more as needed
11 - Gel food coloring (pastel pink, lavender, turquoise, teal)
12 - Edible pearl sprinkles
13 - Edible shimmer dust (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; set aside.
02 - Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
03 - Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture; beat until fully combined.
04 - Gradually blend in the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
05 - Divide the dough in half, form each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness and cut into seashell shapes using a seashell cookie cutter.
08 - Place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
09 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just barely golden, then cool completely on wire racks.
10 - Combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water in a bowl; beat until stiff peaks form. Divide into separate bowls and tint with desired gel colors.
11 - Pipe royal icing onto cooled cookies, embellish with edible pearl sprinkles and shimmer dust if desired, then allow icing to set before serving.
