# What You'll Need:
→ For the Sugar Cookies
01 - 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
03 - 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
06 - 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ For the Gold Royal Icing
08 - 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
09 - 2 large egg whites or 4 tbsp meringue powder + 1/4 cup water
10 - 1 tsp lemon juice
11 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
12 - Edible gold luster dust
13 - Few drops of clear alcohol (vodka or lemon extract) for painting
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using); mix until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing to form a soft dough. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use Taurus-themed or zodiac cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing cookies 1 inch apart. Bake 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just golden. Cool completely on racks.
03 - Beat egg whites (or meringue powder + water) to soft peaks. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar; beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. Add lemon juice and vanilla; mix again. Divide icing, tint some with gel coloring if desired. Reserve a portion white for mixing with gold later. Transfer to piping bags for decorating.
04 - Outline and flood cookies as desired; let set 2 hours. Mix edible gold luster dust with a few drops of clear alcohol to create gold paint. Use a fine brush to paint Taurus symbols, constellations, or accents once icing is fully dry. Let gold detailing dry before boxing.
05 - Neatly arrange decorated cookies in a gift box with parchment. Optionally, add a Taurus zodiac card or themed insert.
