Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter ((1 stick), cut into small cubes)
  • 1 tablespoon oil ((light/neutral flavor such as canola, grapeseed, or light olive oil))
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour ((you may need as much as 2 cups))

Instruction

  • Cream the butter, oil, sugar, vanilla and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, just until the mixture is smooth. (Do not over beat, as this will incorporate air into the dough, which may lead to spreading.)
  • Add the egg and mix just until incorporated.
  • Mix in the cornstarch, cocoa powder and 1 1/4 cups of the flour.
  • Continue adding flour until the dough gathers itself into a ball and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl.  (You may not need all the flour.)
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Roll the dough to a thickness of 3/8-inch, between two sheets of parchment paper. (Rolling pin rings will help you to achieve an even thickness.)
  • Cut shapes using a cookie cutter.
  • Bake on parchment-lined baking sheets for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies look dry on the surface, and feel firm around the edges and set in the middle.
  • Cool completely, then decorate with royal icing.