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.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract mix until combined.
- Step 4:
- 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.
- Step 5:
- 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.
- Step 6:
- 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.
- Step 7:
- 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.
- Step 8:
- 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).
- Step 9:
- For the 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 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
Calories: 110 Total Fat: 4 g Carbohydrates: 18 g Protein: 1 g
Save This festive recipe creates a charming holiday centerpiece perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Recipe Q&A
- → What is the best flour to use for these cookies?
All-purpose flour is ideal to achieve a balanced texture that's sturdy enough for shaping but tender when baked.
- → How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Chilling the dough before rolling helps maintain shape and prevents excessive spreading in the oven.
- → What makes royal icing suitable for decorating?
Royal icing hardens as it dries, allowing for detailed decoration and stable assembly of shapes.
- → Can I substitute almond extract if I have allergies?
Yes, almond extract is optional; vanilla alone provides a rich flavor without nut allergens.
- → How long should icing dry before assembling the display?
Allow at least 2 hours for royal icing to dry completely to ensure durability while arranging pieces.
- → What decorations enhance the holiday theme most effectively?
Use food coloring for festive hues, edible sprinkles, mini candy canes, and pretzels to mimic sleigh runners for a seasonal touch.