# Components:
→ 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 plus 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)
15 - Mini candy canes (optional)
16 - Assorted festive sprinkles
17 - Edible glue or small amount of royal icing
# Method Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using; mix until combined.
04 - Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms. Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
05 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Use sleigh, reindeer, Santa, star, and tree cutters to cut shapes. Transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets.
06 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges just start 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, approximately 5 minutes. Add vanilla extract, then divide and tint icing with gel food coloring as desired.
08 - Using piping bags and small tips, decorate cooled cookies with colored royal icing, sprinkles, and other edible decorations. Allow icing to dry fully, at least 2 hours.
09 - Arrange sleigh cookies at the center of a serving platter. Place reindeer in front, securing with icing or edible glue. Fill sleigh with tree, star cookies, or mini candies. Add mini pretzels or candy canes as sleigh runners attached with icing if desired.
