Food & Cooking Recipes Dessert & Treats Recipes Cookie Recipes Sunflower Sugar Cookies 4.3 (4) 3 Reviews By Martha Stewart Test Kitchen Martha Stewart Test Kitchen The recipes developed by our test kitchen team have undergone a rigorous process of development and testing, ensuring that every element is optimal, from ingredient amounts to method and cooking time. This process includes triple-testing recipes to ensure they meet our high standards. The many stellar cooks and food editors who have been part of our team include Sarah Carey, Lucinda Scala Quinn, Jennifer Aaronson, Shira Bocar, Anna Kovel, Greg Lofts, Riley Wofford, Lauren Tyrell, and Lindsay Leopold. Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 28, 2016 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Yield: 16 large cookies Ingredients 4 cups sifted all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 cups sugar ½ pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter 2 large eggs Royal Icing Royal Icing 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract Directions In a large bowl, sift together flour, salt, and baking powder; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs. Add flour mixture, and mix on low speed until thoroughly combined. Stir in vanilla or lemon juice and zest. Wrap dough in plastic, and chill for about 30 minutes. Heat oven to 325 degrees. On a floured surface, roll dough to a 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes. Transfer to ungreased baking sheets, and refrigerate until firm, 15 minutes. Remove from refrigerator, and transfer to oven to bake until edges just start to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on wire racks. Cover with a thin coat of royal icing, and allow to dry for 24 hours. Using a pastry bag fitted with a coupler and #3 or #4 tips, pipe designs onto cookies. Use a #70 tip to create the “leaves.” Rate it Print