# 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 (for assembly)
# Directions:
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 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract; mix until combined.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing just until dough forms. Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
05 - On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use sleigh, reindeer, Santa, star, and tree cutters to cut shapes. Transfer cutouts onto prepared baking sheets.
06 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are just beginning to turn golden. Cool on sheets 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. Divide icing and tint with desired colors.
08 - Decorate cooled cookies with colored royal icing, sprinkles, and edible decorations. Pipe detailed designs on sleigh, reindeer, Santa, and accents. Allow icing to dry thoroughly, at least 2 hours.
09 - Arrange sleigh cookies centrally on a platter. Position reindeer in front, adhering with icing or edible glue. Fill sleigh with tree and star cookies or mini candies. Attach mini pretzels or candy canes as sleigh runners using icing if desired.
