The first step in our snowflake cookie recipe is to divide the sugar cookie dough into two equal parts. This makes it easier to handle and roll out.

Once divided, place each dough portion onto a lightly floured silicone baking mat or a clean, lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, also lightly dusted with flour to prevent sticking, roll out your dough to about a 1/4-inch thickness.

If your dough seems too sticky, feel free to add a bit more flour, but be careful not to overdo it – you don't want your cookies to turn out dry.

Next, grab your snowflake cookie cutter and cut out your cookies from the rolled-out dough. If you don't have a snowflake cookie cutter, any other festive shape will do.

Don't waste the remaining dough – gather it up, re-roll, and continue cutting out cookies until all the dough is used. Repeat this process with the second piece of dough.

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After this, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. It is crucial that your cookies are fully cooled before you start decorating, or the royal icing will melt.

While your cookies are cooling, you can start making the royal icing. First, sift your powdered sugar and meringue powder into the bowl of a stand mixer. The sifting helps to eliminate any lumps, guaranteeing a smooth icing.

With the mixer running at low speed, slowly add warm water, almond extract, and food coloring gel if you choose to use it. Mix these ingredients until they're well combined, which should take about a minute.

Then, increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until the icing becomes stiff. This process takes about 3-4 minutes. The longer you beat the royal icing, the thicker it will become – just make sure not to overbeat, or it might become too hard to pipe. You can store this icing at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Once your cookies are cooled and your royal icing is ready, it is time to decorate! Fill a piping bag or icing bottle with your icing and apply it onto the cookies in a thin layer.

The icing should dry completely in about 2 hours at room temperature. If your icing consistency is too thin and runny, it might take longer to dry.

For an extra festive touch, you can add edible beads or pearls onto the icing before it dries. Just be sure to work quickly – once the icing dries, anything you try to add will not stick.

And there you have it! Your beautiful, homemade snowflake cookies with royal icing are ready to be enjoyed.