# What You'll Need:
→ Sugar Cookies
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Red Blood Icing
08 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
09 - 2 to 3 teaspoons milk
10 - 1/2 teaspoon light corn syrup
11 - Red gel food coloring
→ Decoration
12 - Black or dark red gel icing, optional
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
04 - Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined.
05 - Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed until a soft dough forms.
06 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions, roll into balls, and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly with your palm.
07 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are just golden. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Use a straw or the end of a chopstick to gently poke two bite marks near the edge of each cooled cookie.
09 - In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk (adding gradually), corn syrup, and red food coloring until a thick but pipeable consistency is reached.
10 - Using a toothpick or small piping bag, fill the bite marks with red icing, allowing it to drip slightly for a blood effect. Optionally, pipe a small trail of red icing from the bites.
11 - Apply black or dark red gel icing for detail work if desired. Allow icing to set completely before serving.
