# 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 in red, green, brown, yellow, black, and white
→ Decoration & Assembly
13 - Edible gold or silver sprinkles
14 - Mini pretzels (optional, for sleigh runners)
15 - Mini candy canes (optional)
16 - Assorted festive sprinkles
17 - Edible glue or small amount of royal icing for assembly
# Directions:
01 - Set oven temperature to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
03 - Beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes, using an electric mixer.
04 - Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Divide dough in two, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
06 - Roll chilled dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut shapes using sleigh, reindeer, Santa, star, and tree cutters. Transfer shapes to prepared baking sheets.
07 - Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until edges begin to turn golden. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
08 - Beat powdered sugar and egg whites (or meringue powder mixture) on low speed for approximately 5 minutes until thick and glossy. Add vanilla extract, then divide and tint with chosen food colors.
09 - Decorate cooled cookies with tinted royal icing, sprinkles, and edible decorations. Pipe detailed designs onto sleigh, reindeer, Santa, and accents. Allow icing to dry thoroughly, at least 2 hours.
10 - Arrange sleigh cookies at the center of a platter. Position reindeer in front, connecting parts with icing or edible glue. Fill sleigh with tree or star cookies and mini candies. Attach mini pretzels or candy canes as sleigh runners using icing if desired.
