Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract and almond extract.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients on low speed just until a soft dough forms.
- Divide dough in half, press each piece into a flat disk between parchment sheets, and chill for 20-30 minutes.
- Roll chilled dough to ¼ inch thickness and cut out skeleton shapes.
- Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Optional: Freeze cut cookies for 5-10 minutes before baking for cleaner edges.
- Bake for 8-11 minutes until edges are set and bottoms are light golden (tops should remain pale).
- Let cool completely before decorating with white royal icing for bones and skull faces.
- Allow icing to set for 20-30 minutes, then add black gel details for eyes, smiles, and teeth.
Notes
For nut allergies, replace almond extract with additional vanilla extract. The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. For best decorating results, use small round piping tips (#2 or #3) for clean bone lines. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.