Beautiful Floral Sugar Cookies for 20

Instructions:

1. Cream the chilled butter and sugar together until combined but not fluffy to avoid adding too much air.
2. Mix in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt until a stiff dough forms.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to prevent spreading during baking.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll the chilled dough to a consistent 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness and cut out floral shapes.
7. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are just barely set and pale. Let cool completely on the pan.
8. Prepare royal icing by mixing powdered sugar, meringue powder, and warm water until glossy and stiff.
9. Divide the icing into bowls and add gel food coloring.
10. Using a petal piping tip, pipe outward from the center of the cookie to create layered petals.