# What You Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 - 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
09 - Blue gel food coloring, a few drops to desired shade
→ Royal Icing
10 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2–3 tablespoons milk
12 - 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
13 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
14 - Blue gel food coloring, a few drops to desired shade
→ Speckling Mixture
15 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
16 - 2–3 teaspoons water
17 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
# Directions:
01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
02 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), mixing until combined.
04 - Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until dough forms.
05 - Add several drops of blue gel food coloring and gently mix until a pale blue color is achieved, taking care not to overwork the dough.
06 - Split dough in half, flatten each portion into a disc, wrap in plastic film, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
07 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
08 - On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut shapes using oval or egg-shaped cookie cutters.
09 - Arrange cookies 1 inch apart on baking sheets and bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set but not browned. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes; transfer to wire rack.
10 - Whisk sifted powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and spreadable. Tint icing pale blue with gel food coloring.
11 - Spread or pipe blue royal icing onto cooled cookies. Let icing set for approximately 15 minutes.
12 - Mix unsweetened cocoa powder with water and vanilla extract in a bowl until thin. Dip a clean food-safe paintbrush or toothbrush into the mixture and gently flick bristles over the iced cookies to create speckles. Protect surrounding surfaces.
13 - Allow icing and speckles to dry completely before serving or storing baked goods.
