First, you'll need to make your sugar cookie dough and divide it into 3 equal (ish) sections. Tinting dough is easy, but don't try it with your mixer. Using AmeriColor Soft Gel Paste Food Color knead the color in with your hands....not on your counter. I used AmeriColor Super Red and Royal Blue. Just a few drops will do it.
Cut with floured cookie cutters, getting the shapes as close to each other as possible.
{I wasn't even sure this would work, but when the stars were cut out, I started to get excited. There may be a tinted-layered-dough obsession starting at Bake at 350. You've been warned.}
Place the cut-outs on cookies sheets and pop in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before baking.
To decorate, make some royal icing and pipe only the edges (I used a #4 tip). Sprinkle with white sanding or sparkling sugar....
You know....I think they're pretty cute without the royal icing, too!
So, for all you Americans out there...have a wonderful Independence Day! Be safe!
And for our international readers....we'll eat a hot dog (and cookie) for you! You guys be safe, too!
