Halloween Sugar Cookies

Directions

Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, cream together the shortening, granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy; about 4 minutes on high speed.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, and blend on medium speed.
5. Add the vanilla and blend.
6. On low speed, gradually add the flour mixture until incorporated.
7. Scoop out dough using a 3-tablespoon portion scoop. Leave 3 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 20-22 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Royal Icing

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and meringue powder.
2. Add water, very slowly, while stirring the mixture until you have reached a medium-thick consistency.
3. Pour ¼ of the icing into another bowl. Add black food coloring and stir to blend. Place in a piping bag with a small round tip attached.
4. Frost a few cookies with the white royal icing. Before they dry, use the piping bag of black icing to draw concentric circles on the cookie.
5. Use a toothpick to drag through the black lines, starting at the center of the circles, and create a spiderweb.
6. Repeat with remaining cookies.
7. When dry, place a small amount of white icing on one side of a piece of candy and place it on the cookie.
8. If desired, use the icing to draw eyes and legs.