Spice Bee Cookies

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 325F
2. 2
   Whisk together flour, spices, baking soda and salt.
3. 3
   With an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter, brown sugar, corn syrup- and vanilla until smooth.
4. 4
   Beat in egg.
5. 5
   Reduce speed to low, add flour mixture, amd beat until just combined.
6. 6
   Turn out dough and shape in a disk.
7. 7
   Wrap in plastic, and refrigerate until cold but not hard, about 30 minutes.
8. 8
   Divide dough in half.
9. 9
   Roll each hafl between two sheets of lightly floured parchment paper to 1/4-inch thickness, Chill in freezer until firm, about 15 minutes.
10. 10
    Using 3-inch bee cutter, cut out shapes, Gather scraps together; reroll and cup out.
11. 11
    Space 1-inch apart on baking sheet lined with parchment paper, Bake cookies until firm and pale golden 16-18 minutes.
12. 12
    Let cool.
13. 13
    YELLOW ROYAL ICING: With an electric mixer on low speed, beat meringue powder, sugar and 3 Tablespoons water until smooth, about 1 minute.
14. 14
    Add more water, 1 Tablespon at a time until the mixture is the consistency of honey.
15. 15
    Add food coloring until desired color is reached.
16. 16
    Transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a small plain round tip (such as Ateco#2).
17. 17
    Use immediately.
18. 18
    Brush water on wings of bees, and immediately sprinkle with sanding sugar, shaking off excess.
19. 19
    Decorate bodies with Royal icing, and immediately sprinkle with sanding sugar, shaking off excess.
20. 20
    let cookies set at least 2 hours.
21. 21
    Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.