# What You Need:
→ Sugar Cookies
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Royal Icing
08 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
09 - 2 tablespoons meringue powder
10 - 3 to 4 tablespoons water
11 - Gel food coloring (navy blue, white, gold, or silver)
→ Decoration
12 - Edible gold or silver pearls for constellation stars
13 - Piping bags and fine tips
# Directions:
01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated.
05 - Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
06 - Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out circles or desired shapes.
08 - Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are just golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
09 - Whisk powdered sugar, meringue powder, and 3 tablespoons water until stiff peaks form. Add additional water for thinner consistency if needed.
10 - Tint a portion of icing navy blue for the night sky background. Reserve white icing for piping constellation elements.
11 - Apply blue icing to cooled cookies to create the night sky base. Allow to set for 15 minutes.
12 - Using white icing and a fine piping tip, carefully pipe the Pisces constellation lines and dots for stars.
13 - While icing is still wet, place edible pearls at star points. Add gold or silver accent details as desired.
14 - Allow cookies to dry completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.
