Paula's Snowflake Cookies

Paula Deen is one of my favorite Chefs in the FoodNetwork Channel. She really cooks well. And her recipes are easy to follow, so even if you think you are not good in the kitchen, you can do what she does. I also love her humble beggining where she raised her two boys of herself by being a baggy lady before she became a famous Chef and owner of the famous "Lady and Sons" Restaurant. Anyway, here is one of her cookie recipes that I am planning to make for our neighbors his year!

For an elegant treat, Paula decorates classic sugar cookies with colored frosting and shiny hard candies. Start with her simple base, or if you're pressed for time during the busy holidays, use store-bought dough.

Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Edible Paint Icing, recipe follows
Garnish: silver dragees, sugar pearls, sparkling sugar

Directions:

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Beat in eggs, vanilla and almond extract until combined. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to sugar mixture, beating until smooth. Wrap dough in heavy-duty plastic wrap, and refrigerate 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with assorted snowflake cookie cutters and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Chill dough 15 minutes. Bake for 10 minutes, or until edges are very lightly browned. Let cool for 2 minutes on baking sheet. Remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.

Paint cookies with Edible Paint Icing. Garnish with silver dragees, sugar pearls and sparkling sugar, if desired.

Edible Paint Icing:
1/4 cup cold water
3 tablespoons meringue powder
2 cups confectioners' sugar
Food coloring, optional
In a medium bowl, combine water and meringue powder; whisk until foamy. Whisk in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Add food coloring, if desired. Use immediately.