Decorated Sugar Cookie Cutouts

• 1-1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 7 tablespoons water
• 1/4 cup meringue powder
• 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
• 1 to 2 drops clear vanilla extract, optional
• Assorted food coloring, optional
• Assorted candy coating disks, melted
• Colored sprinkles, optional

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, egg yolks and extracts. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Divide dough in half. Shape each into a ball, then flatten into a disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion of dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-1/2-in. cookie cutter. Place 2 in. apart on greased
3. . Repeat.
4. Bake at 350u0b0 for 13-16 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.
5. For icing, in a large bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, water, meringue powder and corn syrup. If desired, add extract and tint with food coloring; beat on low speed just until combined. Beat on high for 4-5 minutes or until stiff peaks form. Keep unused icing covered at all times with a damp cloth. If necessary, beat again on high speed to restore texture. Frost cookies. Let stand until set.
6. To decorate cookies, place melted candy coating in small resealable plastic bags; cut a small hole in the corner of each bag. Decorate cookies as desired.

unsalted butter, sugar, eggs, egg yolks, vanilla, almond, allpurpose, baking powder, salt, sugar, water, meringue powder, light corn syrup, drops clear vanilla, food coloring, coating disks, colored sprinkles

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/decorated-sugar-cookie-cutouts/ (may not work)