Fall Leaf Sugar Cookies

For the Cookies: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.  Then set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, beat together the butter with the sugar until creamy and light and fluffy.  Add in the eggs one at a time until combined.  Then add in the vanilla extract.  Continue mixing.
4. Slowly add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined.  Be careful not to over mix.
5. Divide the cookie dough into 2-3 balls.
6. Roll out each of the dough balls onto a lightly floured surface until the dough is approximately ¼ inch thick.  Then use a leaf cookie cutter to cut out the cookies.  Continue this process until all the dough is formed into the cookies.
7. Line the cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using a metal spatula move the cut cookies to the parchment lined cookie sheet.
8. Bake for 7-8 minutes until the cookies are lightly browned around the edges (just a slight change of color).
9. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes and then carefully move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely (about 10 minutes).

For the Icing: 

1. Beat the egg whites in a large mixing bowl with a stand up mixer until frothy. 
2. Reduce the speed on the mixer to low and slowly add in the confectioner’s sugar, cream of tartar and vanilla extract. 
3. Increase speed to high and beat until stiff peaks are formed. 
4. Divide the icing evenly into 4 mixing bowls.  
5. Dye each bowl of icing a different color: orange, brown, yellow and red.  

To Decorate the Cookies:

1. Transfer the Icing to piping bags fitted with a Wilton tip number 5. 
2. Outline the leaf cookies with the icing. Make sure to use a different color with each leaf cookie to get a variety of fall leaves.  Let it set for at least 30 seconds to dry. 
3. Fill in the cookies with the icing and use a butter knife to spread it around inside of the cookies. 
4. Let that icing set before adding any more icing on top (to make the veins on the leaves).  
5. Let the cookie set for the icing to dry fully and then they are ready to serve and enjoy!