Arizona Cactus Cookies

I made these tasty cookies with my friend and they were a blast. These cookies are fun to decorate and great for any time. I love how you can get really creative with the decorating. This recipe is from spoonforkbacon.com. Let’s get baking!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 1/2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 large eggs egg (slightly beaten w/ fork)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• pinch of salt

INGREDIENTS FOR ROYAL ICING:

• 2 egg whites
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 green colors of food coloring & white and pink sprinkles for decorating!

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large bowl with a hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. 
2. Add in the milk, egg, and vanilla. Scrape down the sides as needed.
3. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
4. pour the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Mix until it forms a ball and its dough. 
5. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. 
6. After an hour, dust your surface and roll out your dough to be 1/8 in. thick. Now use a cactus cookie cutter and make as many as you can. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 7-9 minutes. Cool cookies before frosting!

DIRECTIONS FOR ICING:

1. Beat egg whites with lemon juice until frothy.
2. Add in the powdered sugar gradually. You can divide the icing into 2 bowls and add in your food coloring.
3. Fill piping bags (I used two 2 in. wilton tips). 

DIRECTIONS FOR DECORATING:

1. Pipe a border around the cookie and let dry. Then, ‘flood’ the cookie or fill using lots of pressure. 
2. Before it dries, place the long white sprinkles to be spikes. Take a flower sprinkle and place 1 or 2 on each cookie. Really get creative and different when you decorate. 
3. Let them dry and enjoy!

Thanks for baking with me!

~ Natalie