# What You'll Need:
→ Sugar cookies
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
03 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
06 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Gold royal icing
08 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
09 - 2 large egg whites (or 4 tablespoons meringue powder + 1/4 cup water)
10 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
11 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - Edible gold luster dust, as needed
13 - A few drops clear alcohol (vodka) or lemon extract for painting
# How to Make It:
01 - Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and airy. Beat in the egg, vanilla and almond extract (if using) until incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and salt; gradually add to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap tightly and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
02 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc of chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Keep remaining dough chilled until ready to use.
03 - Cut dough with Taurus- or zodiac-themed cutters, transfer shapes to a parchment-lined baking sheet leaving about 1 inch between cookies, and repeat with remaining dough.
04 - Bake the cookies 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are just turning golden. Remove from oven and cool completely on wire racks before decorating.
05 - Beat the egg whites (or reconstituted meringue powder) to soft peaks, then gradually add sifted powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Add lemon juice and vanilla, mix to smooth. Adjust consistency with tiny amounts of water for flooding or thicker icing for outlines.
06 - Divide icing into portions and tint as desired with gel color. Reserve a portion of white icing to mix with gold luster dust. Transfer different consistencies to piping bags fitted with appropriate tips for outlining and flooding.
07 - Pipe outlines on each cookie, then flood the interior with thinner icing. Tap trays gently to remove air bubbles. Allow flooded icing to set until firm to the touch, about 2 hours.
08 - Mix edible gold luster dust with a few drops of vodka or lemon extract to create a paint. Using a fine brush, paint Taurus symbols, constellations or accents once the icing is fully dry. Allow gold paint to dry completely before handling.
09 - Line a gift box with parchment and arrange cooled, decorated cookies neatly. Add a themed card or insert if desired and allow any final moisture to evaporate before sealing.
