# What You Need:
→ 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 & Assembly
13 - Edible gold or silver sprinkles
14 - Mini pretzels (optional)
15 - Mini candy canes (optional)
16 - Assorted festive sprinkles
17 - Edible glue or small amount of royal icing for assembly
# How to Make:
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.
03 - Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract; mix until combined.
04 - Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients, mixing just until dough forms. Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
05 - Roll chilled dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use sleigh, reindeer, Santa, star, and tree cookie cutters to cut shapes. Transfer to prepared baking sheets.
06 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges begin to turn golden. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
07 - Beat powdered sugar and egg whites (or meringue powder mixture) on low speed until thick and glossy, about 5 minutes. Add vanilla extract, then divide and tint with desired gel colors.
08 - Decorate cooled cookies with colored royal icing and sprinkles. Pipe detailed designs on sleigh, reindeer, Santa, and accents. Allow icing to dry completely, at least 2 hours.
09 - Arrange sleigh cookies on a platter. Place reindeer in front, attaching with icing or edible glue. Fill sleigh with tree, star cookies, or mini candies. Use mini pretzels or candy canes as sleigh runners, attaching with icing as desired.
