# 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 or edible glitter (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
02 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a dough forms.
05 - Divide dough in half, shape into discs, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
06 - Set oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - Roll chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into oval or round shapes for reindeer faces using a cookie cutter or glass.
08 - Place cookies 1 inch apart on baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges turn golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
09 - Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable; tint a portion brown with gel food coloring.
10 - Spread brown icing over cooled cookies for faces. Attach red candies for noses, black candies for eyes, mini pretzels for antlers using icing, and add optional sprinkles or edible glitter. Allow icing to set before serving.
