# 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
→ 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
→ Speckling
15 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
16 - 2–3 teaspoons water
17 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
# How to Make It:
01 - Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine salt together in a medium bowl.
02 - Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, 2–3 minutes.
03 - Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined.
04 - Gradually blend in the flour mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
05 - Mix in blue gel food coloring to achieve the desired shade. Divide dough into two portions, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use oval or egg-shaped cutters to form cookies.
08 - Arrange cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until set but not browned. Cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
09 - For royal icing, whisk powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla until smooth. Tint with blue gel food coloring.
10 - Spread or pipe icing over fully cooled cookies. Allow icing to set for 15 minutes.
11 - Mix cocoa powder with water and vanilla to form a thin mixture. Using a food-safe paintbrush or clean toothbrush, flick speckle mixture over iced cookies. Shield work area as needed.
12 - Allow icing to dry completely before serving or storing cookies in an airtight container.
