# Ingredient List:
→ Sugar Cookies
01 - 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Fondant Mortarboard
08 - 8 ounces black fondant
09 - 1 ounce yellow fondant for tassels
10 - Cornstarch for dusting and rolling
→ Decorating
11 - 1 cup powdered sugar
12 - 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
13 - 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
03 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated without overmixing.
06 - Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to 0.25-inch thickness and cut into 2.5-inch round or square shapes.
07 - Place cookies on prepared sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
08 - Roll black fondant to 0.125-inch thickness and cut 24 small squares approximately 1.25 inches each. Roll 24 small cylinders approximately 0.5 inches long for bases.
09 - Roll yellow fondant into thin ropes and cut into 1-inch pieces, shaping as desired for tassel embellishment.
10 - Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until achieving smooth consistency.
11 - Apply icing to attach a fondant square to the center of each cooled cookie. Position a fondant cylinder beneath the square as the base. Use additional icing to secure a yellow tassel at one corner.
12 - Allow decorations to set for 20 to 30 minutes before serving or packaging.
