Cream: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup granulated sugar
Add: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt
Gradually Add: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt
Chill: Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Preheat: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Cut: Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies.
Bake: Place cookies on ungreased baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Icing: In a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar and meringue powder.
4 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons meringue powder
Add Water: Gradually add the warm water, beating until smooth and desired consistency is reached.
1/2 cup warm water
Color: Divide the icing into separate bowls and tint each with gel food coloring.
gel food coloring
Decorate: Decorate the cooled cookies with the royal icing. Let the icing set completely before serving. Enjoy your Best Valentine's Day Frosted Sugar Cookies!
