# Components:
→ Sugar Cookie Dough
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
→ Decorating
09 - 1 cup powdered sugar
10 - 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
11 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - Brown gel food coloring
13 - Red candy-coated chocolates (for noses)
14 - Black candy-coated chocolates (for eyes)
15 - Mini pretzels (for antlers)
16 - Sprinkles and edible glitter (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract into the butter mixture; beat until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms; avoid overmixing.
05 - Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out oval or round shapes using cookie cutters or a glass.
08 - Place cookies 1 inch apart on baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges just turn golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
09 - Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Tint a portion brown with gel food coloring.
10 - Spread brown icing over each cookie to resemble reindeer faces; adorn with red candies for noses, black candies for eyes, and mini pretzels for antlers using icing as adhesive. Optionally add sprinkles or edible glitter. Allow icing to set before serving.
