Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (450g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1.5 cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs (100g)
  • 2 tsp (10ml) pure vanilla extract
  • 5 cups (625g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp (16g) cornstarch
  • 1 tsp (5g) baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp (3g) salt
  • 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) corn syrup
  • 5 tbsp (75ml) milk

Instructions:

  1. Beat the softened butter and sugar on medium-high for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla, beating until fully incorporated.
  3. Sift together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Slowly mix into the wet ingredients on low speed until the dough just pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  5. On a floured surface, roll the dough to a consistent 1/4 inch thickness.
  6. Press graduation cookie cutters (caps, diplomas, numbers) into the dough to cut shapes.
  7. Place cookies on parchment paper or silicone mats and bake for 12 minutes.
  8. Mix powdered sugar, corn syrup, and milk to create a glaze; divide and add gel food coloring.
  9. Pipe glaze onto cooled cookies and garnish with edible gold luster dust and sugar pearls.