# 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
# How to Make It:
01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
02 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Mix in egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) until fully incorporated.
04 - Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
05 - Mix in blue gel food coloring, lightly stirring to achieve a pale blue shade without overworking the dough.
06 - Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
07 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
08 - On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut cookies using egg or oval-shaped cookie cutters.
09 - Arrange cookies 1 inch apart on prepared sheet. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until edges are set. Cool 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
10 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable. Tint pale blue with gel coloring.
11 - Spread or pipe royal icing onto completely cooled cookies. Allow icing to set for 15 minutes.
12 - Mix cocoa powder with water and vanilla until thin and smooth. Dip a clean food-safe paintbrush or toothbrush in mixture and flick bristles over iced cookies to add speckled effect.
13 - Let icing dry completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.
