Touchdown Time! My Easy Football Cookies Recipe 🏈

Instructions:

1. Cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
8. Use a football-shaped cookie cutter (or template) to cut out cookies.
9. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them.
10. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden brown.
11. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. In a clean bowl, combine powdered sugar and meringue powder.
13. Gradually add lukewarm water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing on low speed until a smooth, pipeable icing forms.
14. Add white food coloring (if using).
15. Adjust the consistency with more water or powdered sugar as needed.
16. Transfer royal icing to a piping bag or squeeze bottle fitted with a small round tip.
17. Pipe a line of icing down the center of each football to create the laces.
18. Pipe shorter lines perpendicular to the center line to complete the lace design.
19. Let the icing dry completely before serving or storing.