# Ingredient List:
→ Cookies
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 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 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
→ Royal Icing
09 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
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 for sleigh runners (optional)
15 - Mini candy canes (optional)
16 - Assorted festive sprinkles
17 - Edible glue or small amount of royal icing for assembly
# Steps:
01 - Set oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract if using; mix to combine.
04 - Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients until dough forms. Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
05 - On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with sleigh, reindeer, Santa, star, and tree cookie cutters. Transfer shapes to prepared sheets.
06 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges start to turn golden. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
07 - Beat powdered sugar with egg whites or meringue mixture on low speed until thick and glossy, about 5 minutes. Add vanilla extract, then divide and tint with gel colors as desired.
08 - Apply colored royal icing, sprinkles, and edible decorations to cooled cookies. Pipe details on sleigh, reindeer, Santa, and accents. Allow icing to dry completely, at least 2 hours.
09 - Arrange sleigh cookies in the center of a platter, place reindeer in front and connect using icing or edible glue. Fill sleigh with tree and star cookies or mini candies. Use pretzels or candy canes as sleigh runners, securing them with icing if desired.
