# What You'll Need:
→ 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
# Directions:
01 - Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
02 - Beat butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 2–3 minutes.
03 - Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract to the butter mixture; mix until thoroughly blended.
04 - Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Tint dough with blue gel food coloring for a pale blue shade, mixing gently to avoid overworking.
05 - Divide dough in half, flatten each portion into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - Roll chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out egg or oval shapes using cookie cutters.
08 - Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared sheets. Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set but not browned. Cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
09 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable. Tint pale blue with gel coloring.
10 - Spread or pipe royal icing onto cooled cookies. Allow icing to set for 15 minutes.
11 - Mix cocoa powder, water, and vanilla until thin and smooth. Dip a clean, stiff brush into the mixture and gently flick bristles over iced cookies to create speckles.
12 - Allow cookies to dry completely before serving or storing.
