Autumn Leaf Cutouts

Name: Autumn Leaf Cutouts
Ingredients: 2 cups butter, softened; 1-1/2 cups sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 5-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Red, green, orange and yellow paste food coloring; 1-1/3 cups confectioners' sugar; 5 to 7 teaspoons warm water; 1 tablespoon meringue powder; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract; 2 tablespoons coarse sugar

13 ingredients

6 steps

Ingredients

2 cups butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Red, green, orange and yellow paste food coloring
1-1/3 cups confectioners' sugar
5 to 7 teaspoons warm water
1 tablespoon meringue powder
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons coarse sugar

Directions

1

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture.
2

Divide dough into four portions; tint one red, one green, one orange and one yellow. Shape each into a disk; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until firm enough to roll.
3

Preheat oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 3-in. leaf-shaped cookie cutter. Place 2 in. apart on greased
4

.
5

Bake 14-17 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
6

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, water, meringue powder and almond extract; beat on low speed just until blended. Pipe or drizzle on cookies as desired. Sprinkle with coarse sugar. Let stand until set. Store in an airtight container.