# Components:
→ Cookie Base
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 with 6 tablespoons water
11 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - Gel food coloring: red, green, brown, yellow, black, white
→ Decoration & 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
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
03 - Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract; mix until incorporated.
04 - Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients, mixing until dough just forms. Divide dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
05 - Roll chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut shapes using sleigh, reindeer, Santa, star, and tree cutters. Transfer shapes to prepared baking sheets.
06 - Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges begin to turn golden. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before moving to wire racks to cool completely.
07 - Beat powdered sugar with egg whites or meringue powder mixture on low speed until thick and glossy, about 5 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract. Divide and tint with gel food coloring as desired.
08 - Use colored royal icing, sprinkles, and edible decorations to embellish cooled cookies. Pipe details onto sleighs, reindeer, Santa, stars, and trees. Allow icing to dry fully, at least 2 hours.
09 - Arrange sleigh cookies at center of serving platter. Position reindeer in front, attaching with icing or edible glue. Fill sleigh with tree and star cookies or mini candies. Use pretzels or candy canes as runners, adhering with icing if desired.
