# Ingredient List:
→ 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, as needed
→ Royal Icing
10 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
12 - 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
13 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
14 - Blue gel food coloring, as needed
→ Speckling
15 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
16 - 2 to 3 teaspoons water
17 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
# How To Make It:
01 - Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl to evenly distribute leavening and seasonings.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and airy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture; mix until fully integrated.
04 - Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
05 - Gently mix in blue gel food coloring to achieve a pale blue hue, ensuring even color distribution without overmixing.
06 - Divide dough in half, flatten each portion into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm.
07 - Set oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
08 - On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into oval or egg shapes using cookie cutters.
09 - Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until edges are set but not browned. Cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
10 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract together until smooth and spreadable. Tint with blue gel food coloring as desired.
11 - Spread or pipe royal icing onto cooled cookies. Allow icing to set for 15 minutes.
12 - Combine cocoa powder, water, and vanilla extract until thin and smooth. Using a food-safe paintbrush or clean toothbrush, flick bristles over cookies to create natural speckle effect.
13 - Allow icing to dry fully before serving or storing cookies in an airtight container.
