# What You’ll Need:
→ Cookie dough
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (315 g)
02 - 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (170 g)
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
→ Royal icing
09 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (360 g)
10 - 2 large egg whites or 4 tablespoons meringue powder mixed with 6 tablespoons water
11 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - Gel food coloring: red, green, brown, yellow, black, white
→ Decoration and assembly
13 - Edible gold or silver sprinkles
14 - Mini pretzels (optional, for sleigh runners)
15 - Mini candy canes (optional)
16 - Assorted festive sprinkles
17 - Edible glue or small amount of royal icing (for assembly)
# How-To:
01 - Set oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
03 - Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until incorporated.
04 - Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms. Divide into two portions, shape into disks, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
05 - On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use holiday-themed cutters (sleigh, reindeer, Santa, star, tree) to cut shapes. Transfer shapes onto prepared baking sheets.
06 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are just turning golden. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
07 - Beat powdered sugar with egg whites or meringue powder mixture on low speed until thick and glossy, approximately 5 minutes. Add vanilla extract then divide and tint with desired gel colors.
08 - Apply colored royal icing and decorate with sprinkles and edible accents. Pipe intricate details on sleigh, reindeer, Santa, and holiday shapes. Allow icing to dry fully for at least 2 hours.
09 - Arrange sleigh-shaped cookies centrally on a platter. Position reindeer in front and secure with icing or edible glue. Fill sleigh with star, tree cookies or mini candies. Attach mini pretzels or candy canes as sleigh runners if desired.
