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Crispy Iced Turkey & Leaf Sugar Cookies

crispy iced turkey and leaf sugar cookies - featured image
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These crispy iced turkey and leaf sugar cookies hold their shape perfectly for detailed holiday decorations. Made with a blend of butter and shortening, they offer a crisp, snappy texture and rich flavor without spreading.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 cup (226g) Unsalted Butter, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) Vegetable Shortening
  • 1 cup (200g) Granulated White Sugar
  • 2 large Egg Yolks
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • ½ teaspoon Almond Extract
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • 4 cups (480g) Powdered Sugar (for icing)
  • 3 tablespoons Meringue Powder (for icing)
  • 6 tablespoons Warm Water (for icing)
  • Gel Food Coloring (for icing)

Instructions

  1. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, shortening, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  2. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add egg yolks one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Add vanilla and almond extracts, mixing for another 30 seconds.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients to the mixer in two batches on low speed, stopping as soon as the flour disappears.
  4. Divide dough into two discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
  6. Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into shapes using turkey and leaf cookie cutters. Place on baking sheets 1 inch apart.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. While cookies cool, beat meringue powder and warm water on high speed for 3 minutes until stiff peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low then high for 5 minutes until glossy.
  9. Divide icing into bowls and add gel food coloring. Use thicker icing to outline cookies and thinner icing to flood the centers. Let dry completely (4-8 hours).

Notes

Ensure butter is softened but not melted. Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to prevent toughness. Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading. Royal icing consistency should be like thick honey for flooding. Work in small batches of icing to prevent skinning.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookies, holiday baking, turkey cookies, leaf cookies, royal icing, crispy cookies, Thanksgiving treats, Christmas cookies, easy cookie recipe

Find it online: https://lindabake.com/crispy-iced-turkey-and-leaf-sugar-cookies-best-easy-holiday-recipe/