Save A festive and whimsical assortment of sugar cookies shaped and decorated to resemble Santas sleigh, reindeer, and holiday accents—perfect as a centerpiece for holiday gatherings.
This cookie display has become a holiday tradition in my family, bringing fun and festive cheer to every gathering.
Ingredients
- For the Cookies: 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, ¾ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt, ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter softened, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
- For the Royal Icing: 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar sifted, 2 large egg whites or 4 tbsp meringue powder + 6 tbsp water, ½ tsp vanilla extract, Gel food coloring red, green, brown, yellow, black, white
- For Decoration & Assembly: Edible gold or silver sprinkles, Mini pretzels (for sleigh runners optional), Mini candy canes (optional), Assorted festive sprinkles, Edible glue or a small amount of royal icing (for assembly)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl whisk together flour baking powder and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add egg vanilla and almond extract mix until combined.
- Combine Dough:
- Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients mixing just until dough forms. Divide dough in half form into disks wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll and Cut:
- On a lightly floured surface roll out dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use sleigh reindeer Santa star and tree cookie cutters to cut shapes. Transfer to prepared baking sheets.
- Bake:
- Bake 10–12 minutes or until edges are just beginning to turn golden. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes then transfer to racks to cool completely.
- Prepare Royal Icing:
- Beat powdered sugar and egg whites (or meringue powder mixture) on low speed until thick and glossy (about 5 minutes). Add vanilla then divide and tint with food coloring as desired.
- Decorate:
- Decorate cooled cookies with colored royal icing sprinkles and edible decorations. Pipe details onto sleigh reindeer Santa and accents. Let icing dry completely (at least 2 hours).
- Assemble Display:
- Arrange sleigh cookies at the center of a platter. Place reindeer in front connecting 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 if desired.
Save Preparing this cookie display always brings my family together creating wonderful holiday memories.
Required Tools
Electric mixer Rolling pin Holiday cookie cutters (sleigh reindeer Santa star tree) Baking sheets & parchment paper Piping bags and small tips for decorating Spatula
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) egg and dairy (butter) Some decorations may contain nuts or soy always check labels if you have allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per cookie approx. Calories 110 Total Fat 4 g Carbohydrates 18 g Protein 1 g
Save This charming cookie display is the perfect festive treat to share your holiday spirit with loved ones.
Common Questions
- → How do I achieve vibrant colors on the icing?
Use gel food coloring for rich, vivid shades without altering icing consistency. Mix thoroughly for even color distribution.
- → What is the best way to decorate intricate details?
Pipe thin outlines first and let them dry before filling with icing flood. Use small piping tips for precision and patience to avoid smudging.
- → How can I ensure cookies hold their shape while baking?
Chill dough before cutting and avoid over-rolling to maintain thickness. Bake just until edges begin to turn golden to prevent spreading.
- → Can I prepare the cookies in advance?
Yes, cookies and royal icing can be made ahead. Store baked cookies in an airtight container, and decorate after cooling for best results.
- → What substitutes can I use for royal icing eggs?
Meringue powder mixed with water is a safe alternative and yields similar texture and shine in the icing.